Social Enterprise Program

Hunt Institute for Engineering & Humanity

At the Hunt Institute, �ɱ�’r�� committed to nurturing the next generation of change-makers working at the intersection of innovation and sustainability.

Social entrepreneurs are the key to solving social and environmental problems head-on and are the link between the Institute and innovative, sustainable solutions. Social entrepreneurs build resilience in the communities they work in by creating economic opportunities for under-resourced communities while tackling societal challenges with innovative technology-based solutions in areas of sustainable food systems, resilient infrastructure, human capital development, and financial inclusion.

A social enterprise is a non-profit or for-profit entity that operates with the primary goal of creating positive social or environmental impact while also generating revenue. Social enterprises have the capacity to design innovative, sustainable solutions to society’s most pressing problems, often addressing issues more efficiently than traditional philanthropic approaches. The Hunt Institute’s Social Enterprise Program is designed to provide comprehensive support to early-stage social entrepreneurial students and empower them to fulfill their potential for transformative impact through their ventures. Through hands-on workshops, expert mentorship, and strategic support from cross-disciplinary fields, our students can turn bold ideas into scalable ventures and are empowered to refine their models, grow their impact, and lead with purpose.

Social Entrepreneur Testimony

"The Hunt Institute's support has been critical to Break Bread Break Borders' success. They were willing to engage with us at an early stage. Beyond their toolbox, we benefited from the involvement of many experts, student interns and exposure. Theirs is not simply a finite program but a permanent hub for empowerment and a community for impact. Initially we were simply focused on learning and creating a solid business plan. Now we are sharing our experiences, mentoring others and forging partnerships, including for replicating our model in other parts of the world. You don't graduate but evolve in this approach and in the process our collective impact is being scaled exponentially."

Jin-Ya Huang,
Founder & CEO

The image titles 'break bread break borders'

Social Entrepreneur Highlights

Meet the changemakers leading bold, community-centered innovation.

From advancing food security to expanding access to education and clean energy, these entrepreneurs embody the mission of the Hunt Institute—turning ideas into action for the benefit of under-resourced communities. Explore their journeys, challenges, and the impact they’re making on the ground.