One of the first of its kind at a college of art and design, MICA’s annual venture competition has awarded $735k in seed money since its inception seven years ago. UP/Start is spearheaded by the College’s Ratcliffe Center for Creative Entrepreneurship, which supports students and recent alumni as they develop and grow innovative businesses that are driving the new creative economy. This year's competition saw over $100k awarded to startups with deep commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Below are stories about some of this years finalists, but we encourage you to read more about all 2022 UP/Start businesses here.