Our Story
We empower and equip Johns Hopkins students, alumni, and community changemakers to build impactful, sustainable ventures. The Pava Center convenes diverse stakeholders and resources to create a dynamic innovation ecosystem. We support founders doing good, creating value and opportunity.
About Us
Each year, the Pava Center supports hundreds of teams and thousands of innovators. Rooted in Baltimore, we connect diverse founders, resources, and opportunities to build ventures that create lasting impact and global value. Anyone from the curious to the committed is encouraged to plug in and access funding, resources, and more.
Origin Story
Launched in 2018, FastForward U supported hundreds of unique student-led startups each year before becoming the Pava Center in 2024.
Pava Marie LaPere’s Legacy
Pava shaped our student programs, impacting 1,000+ ventures and inspiring many with her drive to “take risks, move forward.”
Recognitions
The Pava Center is made possible due to the incredible support of many generous donors, alumni, and friends.
Our Space
Located near the Homewood campus, the Pava Center offers 10,000 sq ft of flexible co-working, meeting, and event spaces. We unite creative thinkers, support student entrepreneurs, and provide accelerator members with unlimited facility access.
Annual Reports
At the end of each fiscal year, the Pava Center publishes an annual report that encapsulates the successes of that year.