ready to win the largest non-dilutive Entreprenuship prize at USC?
Maseeh Entrepreneurship Prize Competition
The Maseeh Entrepreneurship Prize Competition (MEPC) was established through a generous gift from Fariborz Maseeh to inspire our innovators and turn their concepts and technologies into companies and solutions.
Throughout its history, MEPC participants have gone on to secure capital from government grants, raise hundreds of millions of dollars from top-tier venture capitalists, and experience successful exits (often starting another company after the acquisition). The MEPC prize is the largest non-dilutive prize available at USC.
MEPC selects concepts that are rooted in deep technology, have market viability, and have the highest potential for growth and impact. Beyond acting as a seed fund, MEPC places a strong priority on teaching entrepreneurial education and instilling the entrepreneurial spirit in our founders.
Admitted teams will be paired with mentors to provide guidance in their MEPC journey, will be required to attend a series of workshops that will explore your market, customers, the commercial readiness of your technology, and will be given funding to test and refine your business ideas. These MEPC resources are intended to empower USC innovators and to create lasting impact whether on this venture or the next
About fariborz maseeh
Fariborz Maseeh, an Iranian-American engineer and philanthropist renowned for his pioneering work in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), has established a significant relationship with the University of Southern California (USC). As a member of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering's Board of Councilors, Maseeh has actively contributed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the university. In 2010, he endowed the Maseeh Entrepreneurship Prize Competition (MEPC) with a $1 million gift, aiming to inspire engineering students to transform their technological concepts into viable business ventures. The MEPC, now offering a grand prize of $100,000, stands as the largest non-dilutive prize available at USC, supporting teams that develop deep technology solutions with high growth potential. Beyond his philanthropic endeavors, Maseeh's professional achievements were recognized in 2023 when he was elected to the National Academy of Engineering, underscoring his impact on both the engineering field and the USC community.
the maseeh foundation
The Massiah Foundation, established by engineer and philanthropist Fariborz Maseeh, operates on the principles of venture philanthropy, focusing on innovative, transformational initiatives that provide broad public benefit. Since its inception, the foundation has contributed to various causes, including education, health, and arts and culture. Notably, it has supported nearly 300 scholarships for low-income high school graduates pursuing higher education. Additionally, the foundation made a significant contribution to Portland State University, facilitating the creation of the Northwest Center for Engineering, along with faculty endowments and student scholarships. These efforts reflect the foundation's commitment to fostering innovation, education, and community development.