The Brown Institute offers a range of grants, funding opportunities, and resources for those interested in new ventures at the intersection of journalism, media, and technology. Through both our Magic Grants as well as our Venture Challenge, we’ve supported projects at various stages of development, including several that have gone on to become companies.
This fall, we’re hosting three meet-ups to bring together current and aspiring founders both at Columbia Journalism School and across the University. These informal gatherings are an opportunity to learn about funding and mentorship available through Brown, meet others interested in entrepreneurship, and discuss ideas with our alums and Entrepreneurs in Residence.
Join us for one or all of the following dates:
- Friday, November 20 at 4PM
- Monday, November 30 at 12PM (Lunch Provided)
- Monday, December 14 at 12PM (Lunch Provided)
How the Brown Institute supports founders
Over the years, we’ve participated and run many programs to boost and support entrepreneurship within our community:
- Venture Challenge (Media Track): Each spring, we partner with StartUp Columbia on a Media Track campus-wide competition, open to Columbia students, alumni, and faculty. This year, 18 teams entered, and the top three took home $15,000, $10,000, and $5,000 in prizes. Meet the 2026 winners.
- Summer Entrepreneurship Program: Venture Challenge winners and Magic Grant teams join a 10-week crash course led by Justin Hendrix, CEO of Tech Policy Press, with field trips to startups and investors and a final pitch for a $75,000 Magic Grant. This summer’s cohort conducted more than 300 customer interviews, and Hey Kahani took home the top prize.
- Entrepreneurs in Residence: Our Entrepreneurs in Residence are founders, product leaders, and journalists who have built media companies and products from the ground up.
- Magic Grants: Our flagship grants fund projects from Columbia and Stanford that blend journalism and technology, and several have grown into companies. AlphaXiv, from our 2024-25 cohort, raised a $7 million seed round, and the team behind Croquis launched SFAI Agency this year.
- Marco Castro Cosio Fellowship: For emerging artists, creators and researchers dedicated to impactful, interdisciplinary work, using technology, media and art to address societal challenges, foster collaboration across disciplines, and create meaningful connections between communities and ideas. This fellowship offers $10,000 and an optional residency at the Brown Institute. Read more about past fellows and apply by January 8
Timeline
- November 20 (4PM), November 30 (12PM), December 14 (12PM): Startup Meet-ups at the Brown Institute
- January 8, 2027: Marco Castro Cosio Fellowship applications due
- Late January 2027: Venture Challenge (Media Track) applications due
- Late March 2027: 2027-28 Magic Grant proposals due
- Summer 2027: Summer Entrepreneurship Program
Whether you have a polished pitch deck or a half-baked idea, come say hi. Questions? Email us at browninstitute@columbia.edu.