Social Innovation Conferences and Events
The Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation holds social impact events globally, offering insights into how the sector operates and helping our community members prepare to solve complex problems.
Upcoming Events
Rustandy Center and Polsky Center Open House
Tuesday, September 29, noon - 1:30 p.m. CDT
Harper Center, Suite 207
Audience: open to Booth students
Join the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation for an Open House. At the Open House, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the offerings at each of the centers. Staff from the Polsky Center and Rustandy Center will be in attendance to answer questions and discuss resources available to Booth students.
Edwardson SNVC Kickoff
Thursday, October 1, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. CDT
Harper Center, Room C-01
Audience: open to UChicago graduate students
Interested in applying to the Edwardson SNVC? Come to our kick-off session to learn everything you need to know before submitting your application. We'll cover the application process, program structure, and what to expect throughout the competition. This is also a great opportunity to ask questions and connect with others who are thinking about applying.
The Edwardson SNVC is open to currently enrolled UChicago graduate students looking to launch a for-profit or nonprofit venture with a social mission at the core. Whether your idea is fully formed or still in progress, this session will help you figure out if the program is the right fit for you.
For the 2026-27 academic year, we are making some key structural changes. The New Social Ventures course will move from Spring to Winter Quarter, maintaining the same application-based structure with two sections and 16-20 teams from across the University. Rather than selecting seven ventures to pitch in the finals, a similar number of ventures will be selected to participate in the new Social Venture Accelerator in Spring Quarter to prepare teams for the SNVC Finals. More details on these changes will be discussed at the kick-off.
Campus Walking Tour
Thursday, October 1, 4:45 - 5:15 p.m. CDT
Harper Center Front Entrance
Audience: Open to Booth students
Led by Rustandy Center staff, this walking tour introduces students to the neighborhoods surrounding the University of Chicago campus with a particular focus on social issues and business interests that have shaped this area and Chicago as a whole. After the tour join for a dinner and discussion with a local leader driving social innovation in the area.
IGNITE Cohort Application
IGNITE combines world-class business education, coaching, peer mentorship, networking, and consulting assistance to equip the executive leadership teams of organizations with tools to expand their impact on Chicago's communities. Applications are due Friday, October 2.
Building an Impact Investing Career
Wednesday, October 14, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. CDT
Gleacher Center
Audience: open to Booth students
Join Impact Capital Managers (ICM), The Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management for an interactive panel and networking session on building a career in impact investing.
Edwardson SNVC Team Building
Thursday, October 15, noon - 1:00 p.m. CDT
Harper Center, Room C-09
Audience: open to UChicago graduate students
Looking to join an Edwardson SNVC team or need to round out yours? Come to our Team Building event to connect with other students who are interested in the program.
This is an informal mixer, so come ready to meet people, share what you're working on, and find out what teams are looking for. Whether you have a venture and need collaborators or you're looking to get involved with an existing team, this is a great opportunity to make those connections.
South Side Bike Tour
Saturday, October 17, noon - 4:00 p.m. CDT
Harper Center Winter Garden
Audience: Open to Booth students
Bike with Professors George Wu and Ghian Foreman, MBA ’01, across Chicago's South Side, learning about the economic and social history of the area.
Participants must provide their own bicycles and helmets. Snacks and water will be available. Please bring a water bottle. Ride is limited to 30 participants. Please email Christopher Schneider at cschneider1@chicagobooth.edu if you are no longer planning on attending.
Edwardson SNVC Workshop and Quick Pitch
Wednesday, October 28, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. CDT
Harper Center, Room C-06
Audience: open to UChciago graduate students
Getting ready to apply to the Edwardson SNVC? Join us for an application workshop and quick pitch event to help you put your best foot forward before the deadline. The first part of the event will walk you through the application process and give you a chance to ask questions before you submit. From there, teams interested in applying will have the opportunity to give a 5-minute pitch and get feedback before the real thing. Whether you're still refining your application or just want to hear what other teams are working on, this is a great event to attend before the deadline closes.
