Events & News

We are excited to share a few highlights from this past academic years events, clients, impact and growth. In total there have been 1,014 new vistors to the Morris. L Hayhurst LaunchLab with 64 being new clients. $571,004 in earnings generated for our clients and over 840 students were introduced to opportunities through the LaunchLab.

  The 2026 Zinnstarter Pitch Competition Contestants pose together for a group picture. 

From left to right: William Rakes, Kesston Wanchick, Tyler Staub, Ruby Jackson, Alex Vahey, and Ethan Weaver pose together for a pre-competition picture. 

Presented by the Hayhurst Family and hosted by West Virginia University Extension & the Morris L. Hayhurst LaunchLab presented the Mountain State Innovators Summit in November of 2025, which included a collection of live pitch competitions to bring West Virginia entrepreneurs and businesses together, network, find funding, and grow.

Safety Pitch Competition Winners gather together for a group photo at Evansdale Crossing

Women entrepreneurs and businesses win a total of $5,000 at the Women’s Pitch Competition.

Veterans Pitch Competition Winners gather together for a group photo at Evansdale Crossing

Five West Virginia small businesses recently competed for cash prizes to accelerate their startups, thanks to the West Virginia University Morris L. Hayhurst LaunchLab and its inaugural Hayhurst Invitational. The invite-only pitch competition was featured in Bridging Innovation Week 2024, and was sponsored by the Hayhurst Family.

The Morris L. Hayhurst LaunchLab hosted its first-ever March Matchness, a unique event that allowed students and faculty from different WVU colleges and schools to connect. At the event, participants had the opportunity to pitch their ideas and skills, compete in innovative games, and find potential business partners.