MIT rewards and recognizes student excellence in entrepreneurship with a range of awards and scholarships. Many are offered through the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship; others are independent awards or programs.
The Wilson Award provides opportunities for MIT graduate students to explore important societal problems or opportunities with international dimensions. The award includes a grant of up to $7,000 to pursue research opportunities overseas.
The Patrick J. McGovern, Jr. Award
The McGovern Award is given at each year's MIT Awards Convocation to an individual or team that, in working closely with the Martin Trust Center, has made a significant impact on the quality and overall spirit of entrepreneurship at the Institute. The objective of the award is to motivate future student leaders, raise the profile of student-led organizations, and reward individuals for outstanding achievement in building entrepreneurial excellence.
The Ronald I. Heller Entrepreneurship Grant
The Heller Grant is presented annually by the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship to a student group or individual students, working closely with our center, who make a significant impact on the quality and overall spirit of entrepreneurship at the Institute.
The David ’41 and Lindsay Morgenthaler Fellow
The Morgenthaler Fellow is recognized for his or her Ph.D.-level research in entrepreneurship.
The John C. Head III Scholarship
Recipients of the Head Scholarship in International Entrepreneurship are recognized for applying the lessons they have learned at MIT within an international business environment.
The Adolf F. Monosson Prize for Entrepreneurship Mentoring
Created to honor the memory of MIT graduate Adolf F. Monosson ‘48, the award recognizes entrepreneurship mentors who have committed their time, energy, and/or capital toward future generations of entrepreneurs. Established at the Sloan School of Management and made possible by Mr. & Mrs. William S. Grinker ‘56, the award continues Monosson’s mission of providing mentoring to would-be entrepreneurs.
Monosson provided 55 years of valuable advice and counsel to classmates, clients, competitors, friends and students on starting and building entrepreneurial enterprises. He created more than ten businesses in the finance, publishing, computer, and leasing industries. Monosson also invested his time and capital in many other startup enterprises and mentored hundreds of existing and would-be entrepreneurs on the personal skills necessary for success.
Past Award Recipients
Past McGovern Award Recipients:
Past Heller Grant Recipients:
Past Monosson Award Recipients:
2012 - Deshpande Center for Technological Innovation: Gururaj "Desh" Deshpande, Leon Sandler, Charles Cooney
2011 - Jean Hammond, Entrepreneur in Residence for the Martin Trust Center
2010 - Howard Anderson, Senior Lecturer, Sloan School of Management
2009 - MIT Enterprise Forum, led by Antoinette Matthews & Trish Fleming
2008 - Edward B. Roberts, Founder & Chair of the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship
2007 - MIT Venture Mentoring Service, founded by Alec Dingee & David Staelin
2006 - Joseph Hadzima, instructor of IAP course “Nuts & Bolts of Business Plans”
2005 - Aaron Kleiner, co-founder and former Chairman of MIT Enterprise Forum