VCU da Vinci Center’s Demo Day returns this spring

The VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation will host its spring 2026 Demo Day, a high-energy pitch competition and showcase of emerging ventures from across Virginia Commonwealth University and the Richmond community.

Sponsored by Capital One, the event invites students, alumni and local entrepreneurs to apply, pitch and connect while offering the public an opportunity to experience innovation in action. This spring’s event will be held on April 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. at VCU’s Shift Retail Lab.

“Demo Day is a reflection of what makes the da Vinci Center unique, bringing together students, faculty and community partners to turn ideas into action,” said Lloyd Young, executive director of the VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation. “Whether you’re just getting started or actively building a venture, this is a space to test, grow and be supported.”

Held biannually, Demo Day brings together interdisciplinary thinkers to share bold ideas, compete for funding and gain valuable feedback from judges and the audience. Presenters will compete for cash prizes, and this year, the Tom Tom Festival will award complimentary tickets to its conference to all Demo Day awardees, expanding opportunities for visibility, networking and continued growth.

“The energy around Demo Day continues to grow,” said Ashley Wenger, program manager at the da Vinci Center. “It’s where ideas take shape, ventures gain traction and community comes together.”

New this year, the da Vinci Center’s Food Shelfie Program has demonstrated meaningful impact, supporting founders through mentorship, curriculum and student collaboration, while generating over $137,000 in capital raised and creating new jobs and business opportunities across the region. Among the featured ventures presenting on the Demo Day stage is Pi’s Coffee, a standout business from the Food Shelfie Program that will be selling coffee out of their new coffee truck at Demo Day.

“The Food Shelfie Program is about meeting founders where they are and helping them move forward, whether that’s refining their product, building their brand, or navigating growth,” said Ryan Evans, food and beverage specialist-in-residence at the da Vinci Center. “Demo Day is an exciting moment to showcase that progress and connect these businesses with a broader community of support.”

Judges and partners from across industries, including Capital One, play a key role in shaping the experience and supporting participating ventures.

“Capital One is proud to support Demo Day and the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs,” said Chrystie Kallis senior director, climate strategy, analysis and advisory, at Capital One. “Events like this create real opportunities for students and founders to build confidence, refine their ideas and take meaningful steps forward.”

Students participating in past Demo Days emphasize the impact of the experience. Gabby Reed-Carlock, a VCU Brandcenter student, is the designer of the Giddi app, a mobile product designed to reduce decision fatigue around everyday food choices.

“Demo Day gave me the validation I didn’t realize I needed,” Reed-Carlock said. “Giddi was one of my earliest projects while at the Brandcenter, and I often questioned whether I kept returning to it because it was strong or because it was familiar. Demo Day changed that. Getting that level of feedback and validation made me realize the idea actually had weight, and that I wasn’t stuck, I was onto something. It gave me the confidence to treat Giddi as a real venture and to trust my instincts as a designer.”

Participants have until 11:59 p.m. on April 6 to apply to pitch in categories ranging from early-stage ideas to active ventures, with opportunities to compete for funding up to $5,000 and gain visibility. Community members are encouraged to attend, vote for their favorite ventures, and support the next wave of innovation. To learn more or RSVP, visit davincicenter.vcu.edu/demo-day/.