Brandeis Annual Startup Mixer Was a Success
On September 15, 2025, the Mandel Forum was buzzing with energy as Brandeis Innovation hosted its annual Startup Mixer. The evening drew attendees including students, alumni, faculty, and aspiring entrepreneurs, all eager to connect, share ideas, and learn about opportunities within Brandeis’ innovation ecosystem.
The program opened with welcome remarks from Fern Shamis and Rajnish Kaushik, who introduced the Brandeis Innovation Center and its role in supporting student entrepreneurs. Attendees then heard lightning introductions to key programs and partners: the SPARK Program (presented by Gianna Saludo), the Maker Lab (presented by Tim Hebert), BETA Club (presented by Sarah Baskin), and the Asper Center for Global Entrepreneurship (presented by Philippe Wells).
One of the evening’s highlights was an interview and open Q&A led by Christina Inge with Bipasha Roy of DermX, a SPARK Program alum and winner. They discussed Roy’s journey as a founder, as she offered candid advice on navigating the challenges of building a startup and the importance of community support.
The evening closed with announcements of upcoming opportunities, including Pitch for Pizza on October 20 and The Brandeis Pitch 2025 on October 11, ensuring that participants left not only with new contacts but also with clear next steps to continue their entrepreneurial journeys.
The Startup Mixer 2025 once again showcased the collaborative spirit of Brandeis Innovation—empowering students and community members alike to turn bold ideas into real-world impact.