Veterinary Entrepreneurship Academy

The Veterinary Entrepreneurship Academy (VEA) is a unique 12-week program that combines startups, students, universities and veterinary practices to accelerate animal health innovation. The goal of the VEA is to educate, inspire, and activate veterinary students as they are transformed into future leaders and innovators within the veterinary and pet industries. It is designed to empower these students with the mindset and skills to thrive in the changing world of animal health. By combining a summer curriculum in entrepreneurship with a practical internship in a startup company, we deliver a unique program which advances student learning and accelerates new products and services from some of industry’s most promising companies.

Alongside their internship activities with VEA startup partners, students participated a challenging 12-week curriculum focused on entrepreneurship and business. This curriculum included weekly readings, assignments, and twice weekly video conferences led by the VEA leadership team. Topics covered in the curriculum included:

• Lean Startup Method
• Business Model Canvas
• Sprint Process
• Prototyping
• Design Thinking
• Customer Engagement and Experience
• Problem Definition
• Communication Skills and Team Culture
• Working Remotely
• Startup Funding

Program Outcomes Students reported very positive overall experiences with the summer program. Weekly surveys were conducted to measure learning objectives, and the average Total Confidence Improvement was over 90 percent. Students also provided feedback during the closing weekend in Portland and in a final report submitted at the completion of the summer program. This is a selection of typical student comments:

• “I’m not joking when I say that this program completely upended my perspective of this field and the place I will hold within it . . . This space creates a magnet for hardworking, out-of-the-box thinkers to come together, and that’s the best part.”
• “My favorite part of this program was getting the chance to network with other like-minded veterinarians. I feel so much more confident in trusting my gut and being okay with following my heart – wherever it leads me.”
• “I think this is such an amazing opportunity for students. I honestly believe this program has changed the course of my career. Thank you for giving me the courage to follow my heart and the knowledge to back the decision to do so!”
• “Absolutely. I would tell [prospective students] I’m not joking when I say that this program completely upended my perspective of this field and the place I will hold within it. I would also tell them to go participate in the program themselves, and maybe ask if they’d like to start a company with me when they’re done. This space creates a magnet for hardworking, out-of-the-box thinkers to come together, and that’s the best part.”
• “I would 100% recommend this program to someone if it sparks some interest in them. I think this program is great for students who want to learn more about non-traditional veterinary careers, specifically business ones.”
• “Portland was an excellent choice for the closing event and I think I speak for us all when I say we had an amazing time. The other students were every bit as impressive as I thought they would be and the connections formed in just 2 days were amazing.