Pioneering Entrepreneurial Thinking Since 1970
The Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship at ¾«¶«´«Ã½ Cox has been at the forefront of equipping students, alumni, and the Dallas business community with the tools to launch and grow ventures. We believe entrepreneurship is more than just starting a business — it’s a mindset that drives innovation, resilience, and impact across industries.
Our Mission
To educate and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders by providing rigorous coursework, hands-on experiences, and access to a powerful network of founders, investors, and mentors. In doing so, we cultivate the critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration skills to thrive in an unpredictable world.
What We Do
- Academic Programs
Caruth designs and delivers entrepreneurship curriculum across undergraduate and graduate programs at ¾«¶«´«Ã½ Cox — from introductory courses to advanced venture strategy and investing. Our approach emphasizes entrepreneurial thinking as a core competency for the future of work.
- Co-Curricular Opportunities (with the Spears Institute)
In partnership with the Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership, Caruth connects students to hands-on experiences beyond the classroom — including pitch competitions, mentorship, the Spears Launch Accelerator, and community-based projects to empower real-world outcomes.
- Innovation & Technical Support (with HITIE)
In partnership with the Hart Institute for Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (HITIE), Caruth supports students to turn ideas into reality by providing access to prototyping resources, technical mentorship, and pathways for developing market-ready solutions.
- Research and Thought Leadership
Caruth advances knowledge in innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting faculty research, publishing insights, and hosting events that bring together scholars, founders, and investors.
- Signature Programs and Ecosystem Leadership
The Caruth Institute is the founding sponsor of two of North Texas’s most prominent entrepreneurship initiatives—the Dallas 100™ and the Southwest Venture Forum (SWVF)—and partners with the Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership, to bring these programs to life, engaging students, alumni, and the broader startup community—helping to shape Dallas’s innovation economy and build a pipeline of entrepreneurial talent.
Who We Serve
- Undergraduate and Graduate Students eager to practice entrepreneurial thinking, master practical skills for real-world impact, and build lasting connections across the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ entrepreneurship ecosystem.
- Alumni and Mentors committed to staying connected through meaning engagement that supports the next generation of innovators.
- Founders and Investors looking to lead and collaborate in shaping the North Texas innovation economy.
- Academic Partners and Researchers advancing entrepreneurship education, thought leadership in innovation, and building interdisciplinary bridges.
Leadership
Emily W. Choi, Ph.D.
Linda A. and Kenneth R. Morris Endowed Director, Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship