DukeCEO Pitch Night

Your strange idea deserves a “Yes, And.”

Have you ever had a weird or interesting idea—only to dismiss it a moment later?
Many great companies were once considered “impossible” at the beginning.

That’s why we’re hosting an open-minded Pitch Night.
Here, we welcome ideas that are strange, bold, or even a little unrealistic.

This is not a formal business plan competition.
It’s a night where creativity is free to happen—and where “ridiculous” ideas are taken seriously.

🎤 We’re recruiting Strange Idea speakers

If you have:
• an idea that has no clear business logic but sounds interesting
• a startup thought you’ve been curious about but never explored seriously
• a “what if…” idea that keeps popping into your head

Come share it with us on stage—in just 3 minutes.

👀 You’re also welcome to join as an audience member

You’ll hear bold ideas and take part in “Yes, And” collaborative brainstorming.
You might discover that a ridiculous idea can actually grow into something real.

Agenda

5:00 – 5:10 PM
Opening Talk: A “Ridiculous Idea” from a Founder or Guest Speaker

5:10 – 5:25 PM
Strange Idea Open Mic (3 minutes each)

5:25 – 5:50 PM
“Yes, And” Group Brainstorming

5:50 – 6:10 PM
Group Pitch: Share the Evolved Ideas

6:10 – 6:30 PM
Social & Networking

Event Details

📅 March 26, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 Teer 102 (Student Lounge)
🍕 Free food provided

All About AI Agent: MuleRun is Here

AI Agents are quickly reshaping how work gets done — yet many people still aren’t sure what they are or how to use them.

This workshop is open to participants from all backgrounds, regardless of technical experience. Rather than diving into code, we focus on practical applications: what AI Agents are, how they operate around real workflows, and where they can create value across industries.

You will gain a clear conceptual understanding of AI Agents, explore real-world use cases, and begin thinking about how they might apply to your own field.

No prior coding experience required.

Lenovo executives make a visit to Duke campus! Gain a global perspective on your professional journey!

Have you ever wondered:

💭 "How might one secure a role at a Fortune Global 500 headquarters, leading multinational projects?"

💭 "How can one truly stand out amidst diverse cultures?"

💭 "In this era where AI and volatile globalisation intertwine, can my career trajectory extend further, delve deeper, and remain steadier?"

This time, we've invited Lenovo to personally address your curiosity and aspirations!

Special Guest: Senior Management Team from Lenovo's US Headquarters

This is not merely a panel discussion, but a reimagining of life's pathways!

We have invited three senior executives from Lenovo, who are at the forefront of the global workplace:

In this era where globalisation and AI are reshaping workplace dynamics, how can Chinese students position themselves within the American workplace, break through the glass ceiling, overcome cultural barriers, and ascend to leadership roles?

Within multinational giants like Lenovo, what career strategies and leadership principles drive corporate transformation and individual growth?

This panel features three current Lenovo global executives. They will explore three dimensions—"strategic transformation," "financial decision-making," and "talent management"—to share how they define their professional paths on the global stage, influence world-changing organisations, and forge continuously evolving careers.

【DukeCEO Guest Talk Series #1】The Journey from Serial Entrepreneur to Global Investor

Curious about how to start a business from scratch?

Interested in the growth journeys of global investors?

Full of questions about the global venture capital ecosystem and markets?

How to secure international employment in an era of 'deglobalisation'?

This time, DukeCEO brings you an exclusive insight!

【About the Guest Speaker: Rutvik Deepak】

Rutvik Deepak is an emerging force in European technology investment, possessing extensive experience within the entrepreneurial ecosystem as an investor, serial entrepreneur, and advisor.

He currently oversees investment activities and manages the startup portfolio at GO Ventures, while also serving as a strategic and entrepreneurial ecosystem advisor at tenten100. Additionally, he founded doughfold, which focuses on simplifying the journey for startup investors through technology and advisory services. Notably, GO Ventures has emerged as one of Europe's most influential tech investment funds, facilitating cross-border expansion for multiple ventures through financial backing and strategic guidance.

Having worked across the United Arab Emirates, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, and Malta, he possesses diverse commercial and new business development expertise. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Economics from Pennsylvania State University, alongside a Master of Business Administration from Bayes Business School (formerly Cass Business School).