87:60 by Virtuoso Shaping CT's Future Pitch Competition: Alycia & Jennifer, Executive Director & Assistant Director, UConn CCEI
Aug 13, 2025
Jennifer Mathieu, Executive Director of UConn's CCEI, and Alycia Chrosniak, Assistant Director, dive into Connecticut's startup ecosystem. They share how CCEI shapes entrepreneurial talent by evolving programs and fostering collaborations. The duo discusses the rising quality of applicants, the influences of AI on startup pitches, and the importance of connecting founders with state resources. They emphasize the need for scalable ventures, detailed pitches, and the alumni network's role in community building. Join them as they celebrate innovative ideas leading to real-world impact!
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From Student Projects To Startup Ecosystem
- CCEI evolved from student service projects to full startup scaffolding as Connecticut invested in entrepreneurship.
- Building infrastructure filled ecosystem gaps and created a pipeline to keep talent and businesses in-state.
AI Is An Accelerator — Use It With Intent
- AI speeds iteration and enables new product features but also creates buzzword applications that need careful vetting.
- CCEI coaches founders to decide if AI is core to the product or merely a UI/back-end efficiency.
Validate Customers Before Applying
- Validate your customer segment before applying to Summer Fellowship; prove the problem exists beyond you.
- Bring an MVP or prototype so the program can help you finish product development.
