The Derby Entrepreneurship Center at Tufts awarded three undergraduate students The Paul and Elizabeth Montle Prize for Entrepreneurial Achievement in recognition of their passion, knowledge and skillset in the field of entrepreneurship.
The annual prize includes three monetary awards: “The Senior Award” ($15,000), “Most Progress in a New Venture” ($10,000), and “Best Demonstration of Grit” ($10,000). Devan Venkataraman, A22, Amber Asumda, A22, and Jay Yi, A22, were selected for the respective honors following a rigorous review of applications and interview process.
“The selection committee warmly congratulates the recipients of this year’s prestigious Montle Prize and fellow nominees. Their inspirational stories showcase the transformative impact of an entrepreneurial mindset,” said Elaine Chen, Director, Derby Entrepreneurship Center at Tufts, and Cummings Family Professor of the Practice in Entrepreneurship. “While the selection process this year was difficult, every person nominated has already made a difference in their communities near and far.”
The prize’s “Senior Award” recognizes a graduating student who has shown strong personal growth in their entrepreneurial mindset and skillset since their first year of studies. The “Most Progress in a New Venture” and “Best Demonstration of Grit” awards recognize the continuous refinement and resiliency students show in and out of the classroom.
The Montle Prize for Entrepreneurial Achievement was established by the late Paul Montle, an alumnus of Tufts University’s Class of 1969, to support students as they become leaders in business and nonprofit sectors. The honor celebrates innovative thinking and expertise gained through entrepreneurship courses, co-curricular events, competitions, and working in a startup.
Recipients of the Montle Prize accept a future commitment to give back to Tufts University, with many going on to compete in the $100k New Ventures Competition.
Moderated by Elaine Chen, this year’s selection committee included:
- Kevin Oye, Executive Director, Tufts Gordon Institute; Director, MS in Innovation & Management Program; Professor of the Practice
- Diane Ryan, Associate Dean for Programs and Administration, Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University
- Christopher Swan, Dean of Undergraduate Education, Tufts University School of Engineering; Associate Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering; Faculty, Steering Committee member, Tisch College Community Research Center at the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life
To learn more about The Paul and Elizabeth Montle Prize for Entrepreneurial Achievement, visit: https://sites.tufts.edu/entrepreneurship/competitions/montle/
