A student at BOSS enthusiastically presents on stage in a black suit

Best of Student Startups (BOSS)

Where bold ideas transform into businesses

Ohio State is rich with driven creators and change-makers with an ever-expanding interest in entrepreneurship. The BOSS program supports this community through interactive workshops that culminate in a business competition.   

BOSS is a critical part of the Keenan Center's continuum of student programming. The program focuses on supporting the transformation of ideas into sustainable businesses, with an emphasis on customer discovery. 

In interactive sessions, you will define customer segments, articulate a value proposition, and conduct customer discovery interviews. Participation in BOSS is encouraged for students interested in advancing to the President's Buckeye Accelerator Boost Camp

Registration for BOSS is closed. Check back for updates and announcements, or contact keenan@osu.edu for more information. 

BOSS students interact outside the event venue

Joan & Chester Luby Microgrant Prize Program for BOSS

The winning student-led venture from the BOSS fall program will receive $20,000 in funding through the Joan & Chester Luby Microgrant Prize Program for BOSS. The winner will also receive an invitation to pitch at the President's Buckeye Accelerator Finale. The program also distributes awards of $10,000 and $5,000 during the specialized summer and general fall BOSS programs.*

*must meet the terms and conditions

Fall 2025 Program Timeline

Application Opens

August 18
Online application closed

BOSS Info Session

October 1 (5-6:30 p.m.)
Student Entrepreneurs' Center

Application Closes

October 5 (Midnight)

BOSS Session 1

October 9 (5-6:30 p.m.)
Student Entrepreneurs' Center

BOSS Session 2

October 23 (5-6:30 p.m.)
Student Entrepreneurs' Center

BOSS Session 3

October 30 (5-6:30 p.m.)
Student Entrepreneurs' Center

BOSS Prelims

November 12-13
Student Entrepreneurs' Center

BOSS Finale

November 19 (5-7 p.m.)
Student Entrepreneurs' Center