About the Center

Founded in 2008 with the support of alumnus Mark E. Galant (McIntire ’80), the Galant Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship advances the McIntire School’s longstanding commitment to advancing entrepreneurial education at the University of Virginia. From its earliest days under the leadership of founding director Professor Eric Martin, the Center has served as a University-wide hub for developing creative thinkers and future venture leaders.

Guided by a mission to encourage, educate, and empower students to engage meaningfully in the new venture community, the Galant Center equips students with the mindset and skills to create value in many forms—whether as founders, innovators, or leaders within established organizations. The Center plays a central role in entrepreneurship education across Grounds, helping shape coursework and experiential learning opportunities that connect students from diverse disciplines.

The Galant Center has been instrumental in the development of key academic pathways, including McIntire’s Entrepreneurship Track and the University-wide Entrepreneurship Minor. Beyond the classroom, the Center supports high-impact programs, competitions, and events—such as the Galant Challenge—that bring together students, alumni, faculty, and community partners. Through these efforts, the Center strengthens UVA’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, expands opportunities for venture creation, and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration.

Today, under the leadership of Director Abby Fifer Mandell (A&S ’02), the Galant Center continues to build on its strong foundation, advancing the University’s ability to positively impact students, the broader community, and society through innovation and entrepreneurship.