Create. Innovate. Give Back.
Turn your vision into impact on your terms.
You’re a founder and a Husky — bold, curious, and ready to build, innovate, and lead what’s next.
The UW Innovators’ Pledge is your opportunity to give back on your terms. It’s a simple, nonbinding promise to support the UW when the time is right, in the ways that matter most to you. Choose the amount, timing, and impact that matter most to you. Join a growing network shaping Washington’s future from day one. Start your journey with purpose.
Join a growing network of investors, entrepreneurs and innovators who are shaping Washington’s future and signaling their commitment from day one. Start your journey with purpose.
Join a community of innovators who make ideas happen
When you sign the Innovators’ Pledge, you’re not just committing to bold ideas — you’re joining a vibrant network of creators, thinkers and change-makers. As a member, you’ll have opportunities to:
Attend exclusive sessions on campus featuring cutting‑edge research and innovation.
Connect at both local and global meetups hosted by fellow pledge signers.
Hear from leading faculty and startup founders who are shaping the future.
Collaborate with peers and mentors who can help spark your next breakthrough moment.
Help shape the program and its benefits if you are an early joiner.
This isn’t just a pledge — it’s an invitation to be part of a community that accelerates innovation and amplifies impact.
Member stories
Caleb Park
Co-founder, Kiip Corp
“Programs like the Innovators’ Pledge remind founders that success is not only about building companies, but also about creating opportunities for the next generation. That’s a responsibility I take seriously.”
How it works
Step 1
Make your pledge
Complete the simple pledge form. It’s nonbinding and you control the amount, timing and destination of your future gift.
Step 2
Join the community
Connect with our startup‑savvy team and access the UW’s full entrepreneur ecosystem for recruitment, visibility and networking.
Step 3
Give when ready
When the timing is right — after IPO, acquisition or steady growth — our team helps arrange your meaningful gift to the UW.
Frequently asked questions
The Innovators’ Pledge is a personal, non-binding commitment to make a significant gift to the University of Washington when the time is right for you. In the meantime, as you focus on building your company, our team can connect you with campus resources to help your venture grow — from visibility and peer networking to introductions within UW’s vibrant innovator ecosystem.
That’s entirely up to you. Who knows how high your moonshot will soar? We don’t tie you down with a specific amount when you make the pledge. Innovators’ Pledge members can make gifts that range from thousands of dollars to multi-millions of dollars.
Again, you decide. Many Innovators’ Pledge members fulfill their pledge after a liquidity event — an acquisition or an IPO — but plenty of successful entrepreneurs don’t choose that route and still build the financial capacity to make a very significant gift. You tell us when the time is right.
Direct your gift to any school, college, unit, or program across UW’s three campuses, or support the University of Washington Fund for flexible funding of top priorities, or the Husky Promise, which ensures Washington state students can pursue a UW degree regardless of financial need. Our team will partner with you to align your goals with opportunities for the greatest impact.
No. The Innovators’ Pledge is a personal, not a company, commitment.
No minimum required. Your gift should be personally significant and mark a notable milestone in your entrepreneurial journey. Every contribution enhances the UW’s world-class education and research.
There are no tax ramifications for making the pledge. Tax considerations apply only when you make your gift, just like any charitable contribution. All gifts to the UW are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
Company founders, equity holders, investors and early stage employees. Alumni and friends who’ve already made significant gifts through previous exits are welcome to join the community retroactively.
UW innovation by the numbers
Driving impact through research, entrepreneurship and philanthropy:
$2.3 B
in fundraising in the last five years
1,756
licenses created in the last five years
848
patents filed in the last five years
110
active UW spinoffs
Contact and next steps
Bring us your questions about the Innovators’ Pledge or start your pledge process. We are excited to speak with you.
Email: innovators@uw.edu
Phone: 206-221-5669