Q&A with Kevin Carter, Director of Business Development
- Heather Fields
- Posted on
- Compass Series
In this series, we deep dive with the minds behind EcoMap to break down how we do what we do and how it helps ecosystems to grow and thrive.
The Future of Entrepreneurship in Higher Ed
Kevin Carter, Director of Business Development at EcoMap, brings a wealth of experience in fostering entrepreneurship at the university level. Before joining EcoMap, Kevin played a pivotal role in building the entrepreneurship center at Johns Hopkins University. He shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities in student entrepreneurship and how technology can support academic institutions in nurturing the next generation of innovators.
What prompted you to build an entrepreneurship center at Johns Hopkins University?
My journey began in the summer of 2017 as a Venture for America fellow. I was drawn to the opportunity to help start an entrepreneurship center at Johns Hopkins. The seed was really planted by Pava LaPere, EcoMap’s late co-founder, who was a student and persistently advocated for a dedicated space for student entrepreneurs.
She essentially created a grassroots student entrepreneurship club called TCO Labs, which led the university to dedicate resources to build an official center called FastForward U. Pava proved there was a groundswell of student demand, and they were organizing and reaching out to alumni on their own. The university resources amplified their efforts.
[Note: In 2024, FastForward U was renamed the Pava Marie LaPere Center for Entrepreneurship at Johns Hopkins University.]
What were some of the big challenges you faced when establishing the entrepreneurship center at Johns Hopkins University, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges was that we didn’t really have a playbook. While certain components are standard, like providing mentorship, funding, and space, we needed to make it distinctly Johns Hopkins and responsive to the needs of the students. We conducted our own version of user discovery to learn what students wanted. In the first year, we focused on recruiting students to learn about their projects, the support they had, and the support they wished they had. Getting the word out was also crucial. We attended hackathons, dropped in on social entrepreneurship groups, and spoke at classes, meeting student innovators where they were and creating awareness that this new resource existed.
Based on your experience at Johns Hopkins University, what are the most critical resources student entrepreneurs need to succeed?
Every student wants money, but that’s often not the most critical thing. Building community and connecting students with relevant alumni and experienced community members is essential. Sharing experiences and providing a real-life perspective on entrepreneurship, beyond the glamorized TV version, is invaluable. The most critical thing students can do is just try. It’s great to experiment when you’re a student because you have a safety net. You’re still getting your degree, and there’s no better time to learn these skills, even if the venture doesn’t work out.
How do you see the landscape of student entrepreneurship evolving, and what role can ecosystem technology play in supporting this evolution?
Student entrepreneurship is evolving because it’s no longer limited to a physical location. There are opportunities and competitions hosted across the country. Understanding not just what’s in your backyard but also what’s available in the broader higher-ed entrepreneurial ecosystem is critical. EcoMap can identify resources both locally and remotely, creating pathways and highlighting specific programs that can benefit student entrepreneurs.
How does your background in student entrepreneurship inform EcoMap's approach to serving academic institutions and student-focused ecosystems?
One of my main jobs at Johns Hopkins was meeting with students and providing one-on-one support. I often spent time researching specific programs and resources based on their interests. I even created our first student funding database that aggregated relevant opportunities our students could compete for all over the country. Connecting people to accurate information is crucial. Providing an evergreen resource that students can access and plug into is incredibly helpful and informs our understanding of what students need.
How do you see EcoMap's technology addressing the specific needs of student entrepreneurs and academic institutions?
At Johns Hopkins, we worked with a wide variety of student entrepreneurs, from those in medical technology to those creating apps and social enterprises. EcoMap’s technology can point students to the most relevant resources and programs, regardless of their field. It eliminates the need to have all the information memorized, making it easier to support a diverse range of student ventures.
What are some of the key metrics or outcomes that academic institutions are looking for when considering ecosystem technology solutions?
Key outcomes revolve around connectivity and utilization. Academic institutions want an evergreen resource that students can access on demand, fitting their work habits. They also want something that can evolve over time, accommodating the constant influx of new students. Having a digital source of truth that can be easily shared with newcomers is invaluable.
How do you see EcoMap's role in bridging the gap between academic entrepreneurship and the broader startup ecosystem?
At Johns Hopkins, our role was to build entrepreneurs, not just startups. We wanted to help students transition from the university to the community, encouraging them to stay in the city they’ve come to love. EcoMap can facilitate this transition by connecting students with opportunities in the broader startup ecosystem, whether it’s joining a startup or starting their own venture with community support.
Based on your experience, what do you think is the next big trend in student entrepreneurship that EcoMap is well-positioned to support?
Universities are trying to stand out by providing value to students even after they graduate and transition to alumni. EcoMap can offer a tool that allows alumni to stay connected to the university ecosystem, contribute as mentors, and access ongoing resources. Universities want to create a two-way street and maintain relationships with their alumni, and EcoMap can help facilitate that.
What advice would you give to universities or colleges looking to establish or enhance their entrepreneurship programs?
Try a lot of things. Not every program will work, but you only know by trying. So be entrepreneurial in your own right. Don’t commit to something before testing it and getting feedback from students. The students are your stakeholders, so keep them front of mind and ensure that whatever you offer meets the needs they’ve articulated.