The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well at Virginia Tech, where student Fernando A. Figueroa, who is studying Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Technology, has launched Campus CoLab, a groundbreaking platform designed to connect student entrepreneurs, foster collaboration, and bring ideas to life.

A Vision for Student Collaboration 

Campus CoLab was born from a simple yet powerful idea:

students need a dedicated space to find co-founders, form teams, and develop startups together. Recognizing the challenges that many young entrepreneurs face—finding the right people, resources, and support—Figueroa created Campus CoLab as a digital ecosystem that empowers students to turn their ideas into reality.

The platform provides a collaborative space where students from diverse disciplines can connect, ensuring that innovative concepts benefit from a mix of skill sets, from business and marketing to engineering and design.

“When I first started trying to build something on my own, I struggled to find the right people who shared my vision. I had ideas, drive, and passion—but no clear way to connect with others who could help me bring it all to life. Campus CoLab is about removing those barriers. I was inspired to build a platform where students don’t have to wait—they can start building something real right now, with the right people by their side” said Figueroa

The Next Steps: User Testing and Growth 

Campus CoLab is now moving into its next crucial phase—user testing. This step will involve real student entrepreneurs engaging with the platform, providing feedback, and refining its features to ensure an optimal experience. The goal is to create a seamless and effective space where students can build, learn, and launch startups with confidence.

“We’re excited to take Campus CoLab into user testing,” said Figueroa. “The feedback from our early adopters will be invaluable in shaping the platform into a truly essential tool for student entrepreneurs.”

In addition to the features and benefits of CoLab—like skill-based matching, startup team formation, and a collaborative project environment—users will have access to a growing resource hub. This includes curated guides on building a startup from the ground up, downloadable tools like business model canvases and pitch deck templates. CoLab is designed not just to help students find collaborators, but to equip them with the knowledge and support they need to turn ideas into actual ventures.

Driving Innovation at Virginia Tech and Beyond

As a student at Virginia Tech, Figueroa is deeply inspired by the university’s motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). Through Campus CoLab, he hopes to create a lasting impact by fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship not only at Virginia Tech but at campuses nationwide.

With user testing underway, Campus CoLab is on the path to becoming a leading platform for student entrepreneurs, providing them with the connections and resources they need to transform ideas into thriving businesses.

For more information and to get involved, visit Campus CoLab.