Venture Studio

NAU Venture Studio is empowering the Next Generation of Innovators through the Lean Startup Semester Series

At Northern Arizona University, we believe that innovation thrives at the intersection of knowledge, purpose, and action. The NAU Venture Studio is the engine driving this belief forward—an immersive, hands-on environment where students don’t just learn about entrepreneurship—they live it.

Our Lean Startup Semester Series is a transformative, semester-long experience that gives students the tools, mentorship, and resources to tackle complex challenges and launch mission-driven ventures. These are not simulations or case studies—these are real-world projects grounded in human-centered design and entrepreneurial action.


The Opportunity

Through the Lean Startup Semester Series, students move through a structured arc of:

  • Problem Discovery & Validation
  • Customer and Stakeholder Interviews
  • Rapid Prototyping and MVP Development
  • Testing, Iteration, and Launch
  • Demo Day and Real-World Implementation

Each project team is supported by experienced mentors, industry experts, and faculty leaders and guided by proven methodologies from the Lean Startup movement. Every milestone in the journey is an opportunity for students to grow their confidence, apply their learning, and create real-world impact.  None of this is possible without YOUR support!


Your Impact

Your gift to the Venture Studio directly fuels student innovation by supporting:

  • Student Fellowships so students can commit time to their projects without financial strain.
  • Field Research Travel to conduct stakeholder interviews and test ideas in real-world settings.
  • Prototyping and Tech Tools to rapidly design, test, and refine solutions.
  • Mentorship & Workshops that bring in world-class entrepreneurs, founders, and community leaders.
  • Demo Day showcases that provide visibility, validation, and the potential for follow-on support.

This is more than project funding. It’s an investment in a student’s sense of agency, in their capacity to lead, and in their ability to shape a future filled with purpose and innovation.


Why Now

As we expand the Venture Studio and launch the next wave of student-led initiatives in affordable housing, rural healthcare, workforce development, and beyond—your support ensures that every student with a bold idea has a platform, a team, and a path to launch.


Join Us

We invite you to be part of this extraordinary journey. When you support the Lean Startup Semester Series, you're not just funding student projects—you’re igniting the entrepreneurial spirit that will define the next generation of leaders in Arizona and beyond.

Let’s make NAU a hub for purposeful innovation—together!

Last Chance!
Innovate NAU: Doubling Impact for Entrepreneurship
2
Match
Innovate NAU: Doubling Impact for Entrepreneurship
Join President Cruz Rivera in shaping the future of entrepreneurship at NAU. Your support will amplify our efforts to empower the next generation of innovators through our Lean Startup Semester Series. Every dollar you give doubles the impact, making innovation a reality. President Cruz Rivera will authorize the release of matching funds for Bill Heibel’s $25,000 gift and up to an additional $100,000 to double your impact on student innovation.
$7,080 MATCHED
Leaderboard
Areas of Impact
This leaderboard reflects the transformative impact of your generosity, driving essential initiatives forward at NAU. Your contributions to these funds directly support groundbreaking research, student scholarships, and innovative programs that shape the future of our university.
Rank Department Raised
1 Elevate the College of Education $71,330.00
2 Elevate the W.A. Franke College of Business $14,815.00
3 Swim & Dive $12,240.00
4 Elevate Student Success in CAL $10,824.27
5 Elevate the Honors College $8,683.00
Leaderboard
Lumberjack Class Spirit Leaderboard
Join your fellow Lumberjacks from every decade as they rally their classmates to support NAU! Check back to see which decade is leading the charge in philanthropy, celebrating the most generous alumni who are making a difference across the years.
Alumni, rally your classmates!
Rank Answer Donors
1 2000s 55
2 2010s 50
3 1990s 48
4 2020s 40
5 1980s 39
6 1970s 26
7 1960s 2
8 1950s & Earlier 1
Last Chance!
Sodexo & Starship Robots: Swag on the Move
Event
Sodexo & Starship Robots: Swag on the Move
This NAU Giving Day, your Starship Robot delivery might come with more than just food… On May 1, when you order through the Starship Robots, you’ve got a chance to receive surprise NAU Giving Day swag! All day long, random robot deliveries will include awesome swag. Order your favorite campus eats from Sodexo and keep your eyes peeled—your delivery robot might be packing more than just snacks.
Lumberjack Pride: NAU Foundation Board Challenge Complete
But you can still make a gift!
$25,000
Lumberjack Pride: NAU Foundation Board Challenge
Thanks to the generous support of NAU Foundation Board Members and donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $24,250 for various areas on campus. Thank you again to the following Board members: Lisa Bagwell; Eric Baker; Teresa Bartels; Bob Bement; Bob Braudy; Robin Braun; Booker Evans; Victoria Fimea; Bill Heibel; Mary Huntley; Tim Kinney; Any Peña; Rick Rodriguez; Katrina Rogers; Steve Sanghi; Tony Tewelis; and (1) anonymous member.
125 / 125 Gifts
Completed
Lumberjack Achievement Challenge Complete
But you can still make a gift!
$50,000
Lumberjack Achievement Challenge
Join us in the Lumberjack Impact Challenge! When 1,000 donors step up on Giving Day, Karen Larson and Gary Bicker will unlock $50,000 to empower academic excellence at NAU, specifically benefiting the Lumberjack Math Center and Stem Academic Momentum Scholarships. Your gift today makes a significant impact, helping every Lumberjack reach their fullest potential. Let's unite as Lumberjacks and elevate NAU together!
1,000 / 1,000 Donors
Completed
Kickstart Giving Day: Scones & Coffee at the HRM Courtyard Complete
But you can still make a gift!
Event
Kickstart Giving Day: Scones & Coffee at the HRM Courtyard
Start NAU Giving Day off right with free coffee, mini scones, and a whole lot of Lumberjack spirit! Swing by the School of Hotel & Restaurant Management courtyard on May 1, from 8:00AM-10:00AM, and score a complimentary coffee and mini scone (while supplies last!) to fuel the day. While you're there, grab some Giving Day swag and learn how you can make an impact. Let’s celebrate community, generosity, and everything we love about NAU. See you there!
Ended
Cornhole with the Dean Piering: Toss for a Cause! Complete
But you can still make a gift!
Event
Cornhole with the Dean Piering: Toss for a Cause!
Celebrate creativity and community this Giving Day with a little friendly competition! Join Julie Piering, Dean of the College of Arts and Letters, for a cornhole event with big Giving Day energy! Stop by the lawn in front of the Liberal Arts Building (bldg. 18) on May 1, from 12:00PM–1:00PM, to challenge the Dean to a round (or cheer others on!) while learning how you can support the College of Arts and Letters. Let’s toss some bags and celebrate Giving Day together!
Ended
Scoops with Dean Gustafson: A Sweet Giving Day Celebration Complete
But you can still make a gift!
Event
Scoops with Dean Gustafson: A Sweet Giving Day Celebration
What’s better than ice cream and good company? Honors students, swing by the Honors College courtyard on May 1 from 3:00PM-4:30PM to celebrate NAU Giving Day with Dean Kevin Gustafson. Cool treats, and campus spirit! It’s the perfect study break—come chill, chat, and celebrate the impact of giving back (with sprinkles on top)!
Ended
Celebrate #NAUGivingDay in Phoenix at OHSO Brewing + Distillery Complete
But you can still make a gift!
Event
Celebrate #NAUGivingDay in Phoenix at OHSO Brewing + Distillery
Join fellow Jacks in the Phoenix area to recognize what makes the NAU family extraordinary—you! Thursday, May 1, 2025 6 – 7:30 p.m. OHSO Brewing + Distillery Register for this free event at Foundationnau.org/events. The first 25 people that attend this event and make a Giving Day gift will win a free exclusive Giving Day swag bag. You can show us your confirmation email when you arrive if you made a gift earlier in the day.
Ended
Celebrate #NAUGivingDay in DC at Crystal City Sports Pub Complete
But you can still make a gift!
Event
Celebrate #NAUGivingDay in DC at Crystal City Sports Pub
Join fellow Jacks in the Washington, DC area to recognize what makes the NAU family extraordinary—you! Thursday, May 1, 2025 6 – 7:30 p.m. Crystal City Sports Pub Register for this free event at Foundationnau.org/events. The first 10 people that attend this event and make a Giving Day gift will win a free exclusive Giving Day swag bag. You can show us your confirmation email when you arrive if you made a gift earlier in the day.
Ended
Last Chance!
True Blue: NAU Alumni Association Board
$11,750
True Blue: NAU Alumni Association Board
Help us start off the day with our first milestone and show the Lumberjack community we are True Blue! When we reach 125 alumni gifts of $125 or more on #NAUGivingDay the following NAU Alumni Association Board members will release a collective $11,750 in gifts. Thank you to: Blaise Caudill ’13; Dave Cook; Trina George, ’09; Alex Gutierrez, '85 '90; Jana Harper, ’90; Veronica Hipolito, '97, '02; Jim Jayne, ’91; "Kari" Kent, '91; Rick Koch, ’72; Mary O'Driscoll, ’82; Nancy Serenbetz, '75; Maggie Thom, ’12; , Wayne Watson, ’84; and (3) anonymous members. Go Jacks!
107 / 125 Gifts
Leaderboard
Lumberjack Community Engagement Leaderboard
This leaderboard celebrates the invaluable support from our broader community, showcasing the number of donors based on their relationship to NAU. Together, we elevate engagement and build a stronger future for NAU, uniting donors, partners, and friends to advance educational opportunities and community impact.
Help us unlock matching challenges and increase the impact of your gift! What is your connection to NAU?
Rank Answer Gifts
1 Staff or Faculty 661
2 Alumni 545
3 Friend 301
4 Parent 167
5 Student 151
Last Chance!
NAU Transit Trivia: Buses and Brain Power
Event
NAU Transit Trivia: Buses and Brain Power
Get ready for a wild ride this May 1 as NAU Transit Services presents a one-of-a-kind Giving Day celebration — Transit Trivia and prizes aboard a secret shuttle! Students lucky enough to catch the right shuttle on May 1 can win NAU Giving Day swag based on their answers. Climb aboard. Think fast. And win!
Ignite Innovation: Venture Studio Challenge Complete
But you can still make a gift!
$25,000
Ignite Innovation: Venture Studio Challenge
Thanks to Bill Heibel, '70 and generous donors – LIKE YOU – we have unlocked $25,000 for NAU Venture Studio!
15 / 15 Gifts
Completed
Lumberjack Community Impact Challenge Complete
But you can still make a gift!
$25,000
Lumberjack Community Impact Challenge
Your gift today can make a transformative impact on Lumberjack families! When 500 donors come together on NAU Giving Day, Kirsten and Steve Butzow will unlock a generous $25,000 gift to enhance NAU's FACTS (Family Access, Communication, Transition, and Support). Your contribution ensures that every Lumberjack family receives the essential support they need to thrive. Join Kirsten and Steve Butzow in empowering our Lumberjack community at NAU!
500 / 500 Donors
Completed
CrossFit Battle at the Dome: Army ROTC vs. Air Force ROTC Complete
But you can still make a gift!
Event
CrossFit Battle at the Dome: Army ROTC vs. Air Force ROTC
Join us bright and early on NAU Giving Day, May 1st, at the turf field by the NAU Observatory for an adrenaline-pumping CrossFit competition as cadets from Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC face off in a head-to-head fitness challenge! Kicking off at 05:45, this high-energy event is a battle of endurance, strength, and spirit. Come show your support and cheer on the cadets!
Ended
Cornhole with Dean Haro: Bags, Boards & Big Impact! Complete
But you can still make a gift!
Event
Cornhole with Dean Haro: Bags, Boards & Big Impact!
Join Roger Haro, Dean of the College of Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences, for a Giving Day cornhole showdown packed with Lumberjack spirit! Head over to the Science and Health Building (bldg. 36) on May 1, from 10:00AM–11:00AM, to take your shot against the Dean or cheer on others. It’s a fun and relaxed way to connect and learn how to support the College of Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences. Come toss some bags and celebrate Giving Day with purpose!
Ended
Croquet for Elle: Play, Remember, Give Complete
But you can still make a gift!
Event
Croquet for Elle: Play, Remember, Give
Join us this Giving Day for Croquet for Elle, a joyful tribute to the life and legacy of Elle Zizzi, a beloved member of the NAU Theatre community. Stop by the lawn outside the Performing Arts Building (bldg 37) from 11:00AM-1:00PM. This event invites students, faculty, and friends to gather, play a friendly game of croquet, and support the Theatre Scholarship in Elle’s memory. With every game played, we carry forward Elle’s spirit of joy, creativity, and community.
Ended
Celebrate #NAUGivingDay at Mother Road Brewing Company Complete
But you can still make a gift!
Event
Celebrate #NAUGivingDay at Mother Road Brewing Company
Join fellow Jacks in Flagstaff to recognize what makes the NAU family extraordinary—you! Thursday, May 1, 2025 5 – 7 p.m. Mother Road Brewing Company Register for this free event at Foundationnau.org/events. The first 25 people that attend this event and make a Giving Day gift will win a free exclusive Giving Day swag bag. You can show us your confirmation email when you arrive if you made a gift earlier in the day.
Ended
Celebrate #NAUGivingDay in Denver at Number Thirty Eight Complete
But you can still make a gift!
Event
Celebrate #NAUGivingDay in Denver at Number Thirty Eight
Join fellow Jacks in the Denver area to recognize what makes the NAU family extraordinary—you! Thursday, May 1, 2025 5:30 – 7 p.m. Number Thirty Eight Register for this free event at Foundationnau.org/events. The first 10 people that attend this event and make a Giving Day gift will win a free exclusive Giving Day swag bag. You can show us your confirmation email when you arrive if you made a gift earlier in the day.
Ended
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Or you can contact us at givingday@nau.edu.

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Last Chance!
Match your Gift dollar for dollar!