Batten Institute - Education - Batten Innovation Series

The Batten Innovation Series introduces Darden students, and all interested University of Virginia graduate students, to key concepts that will enable them to drive innovation and entrepreneurship within their own ventures and organizations. Attendees connect and collaborate around technology, product and service ideas. The series also offers students an opportunity to become quickly immersed in the entrepreneurial ecosystem at UVA, get exposed to the people and resources available and build a network to help identify: 1) problems worth investing in, and 2) people who can help develop solutions.

Batten Innovation Lunch Series

Session 1: Introduction to Innovation

Speakers: Omar Garriott, Executive Director, Batten Institute for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology
Rory McDonald, Visiting Professor, Darden; Thai-Hi T. Lee Associate Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School

Especially for First Year Darden Students interested in learning about Darden's approach. All are welcome!
Friday 15 September
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
i.Lab Classroom (lunch served to registrants)
Registration: RSVP form

Note: Session 1 is available for virtual attendance via Zoom.

Session 2: Entrepreneurial Thinking and Action

Speaker: Jim Zuffoletti (MBA '05), Adjunct Instructor for "Venture Velocity"

Especially for anyone interested in learning what makes an expert entrepreneur. All are welcome!
Friday 22 September
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
i.Lab Classroom (lunch served to registrants)
Registration: RSVP form 

More information: Entrepreneurship, particularly Effectual Entrepreneurship is dedicated to taking action.  This session will focus on practical applications for social and for-profit businesses, of the principles of Effectuation covered in the introduction to Innovation session.  For example, how can Effectuation’s affordable loss principle help you make lean, efficient decisions in building your startup?  After developing and discussing several examples and applications, the balance of the session will focus on a group activity to develop a proficiency with making an Ask, the practicable skill tied to developing entrepreneurial expertise.  

Session 3: Start Something

Speaker: Jim Zuffoletti (MBA '05), Adjunct Instructor for "Venture Velocity"

Especially for Founders and Joiners: bring your ideas and energy. All are welcome!
Friday 29 September
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Classroom 120 (lunch served to registrants)
Registration: RSVP form

More information: Entrepreneurship is a team activity, and the lifeline of entrepreneurship is getting to your first paying customer who is also part of your team.  After a short introduction, attendees will work on their ventures and venture teams through a group activity called the “Market of Makers” which has been used to build and launch hundreds of for profit and social startups.   The final part of the session will discuss replicable strategies from expert entrepreneurs for partnering with your first paying customer.