Navigating a New Brand

The Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Logo

The Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Logo & Branding

Problem

The Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (IIE) at Old Dominion University faced a unique branding challenge. Their existing logo was so closely tied to ODU that many assumed IIE’s services were exclusive to students and alumni. In reality, IIE supports all entrepreneurs — from veteran- and woman-owned businesses to independent startups — regardless of any university affiliation.
The Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Logo & Brand Guidelines Mockup
The Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Logo & Brand Guidelines Mockup

Solution

To give IIE a brand identity of its own while maintaining its connection to ODU, we drew inspiration from Norfolk’s deep maritime roots. The new logo features a compass rose icon paired with a clean wordmark that navigates seamlessly within ODU’s color palette and font family. The result is a refreshed identity that stands confidently on its own — reinforced by the tagline “Your FREE Business Navigator” — communicating both openness to the public and a clear sense of direction.
The Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Early Logo Options