Competitions

Baylor New Venture Competition – The Baylor New Venture Competition is underwritten by an anonymous gift to Baylor University and the Hankamer School of Business. The differentiator between this competition and others is the focus on encouraging student entrepreneurs worldwide to catalyze and grow their business.

1846 Business Accelerator – The 1846 Business Incubator at Baylor University was created with the goal of helping student entrepreneurs develop feasible, sustainable and profitable businesses. Our program focuses on working with early-stage student ventures to become operational, reach financial sustainability and meet production and sales targets through entrepreneurship programming and education, hands-on support from faculty, a network of mentors and office space in the incubator.

Oso Launch – Oso Launch is a program designed specifically for the niche group of student entrepreneurs at Baylor. The goal for the program is to walk side-by-side with this group of students and to provide mentorship and networking while also discussing the ins and outs of what it takes to successfully run and operate a business as a student business owner. The program consists of bi-monthly meetings that are intentionally casual, but innately educational. The meetings rest comfortably in the grey area between a formal classroom setting and a social gathering.

Entrepreneurship Internship Program – Baylor Entrepreneurship students can gain valuable experience and excel in diverse settings, from dynamic startups to established corporations and innovative consulting firms. Securing an internship aligned with their interests and goals is crucial for students to gain real-world experience, build valuable connections and take the first step towards a fulfilling career.

L2M Fellows Internship Program – Every semester TE welcomes undergraduate to post-doctorate students with the ability or interest in learning to translate technology opportunities into potential business opportunities to join their team in a two-semester internship opportunity called the L2M Fellows. Students will interact with a vast, experienced network and engage with technology innovations created to impact the world. L2M Fellows provides experiential learning opportunities through a variety of projects. The Baylor University Lab to Market (L2M) collaborative is a program aims to commercialize the technologies created in the laboratory and are effectively translating innovative ideas into products and services with real-world market impact. L2M is expressed in the synergy between business and engineering, helping to significantly expand student access to entrepreneurship education.

Baylor Innovation Conference – The goal for the Baylor Innovation Conference is to provide a conduit for collaboration, communication, and targeted relationship building among members of the L2M Collaborative, prospective partners, local startups in Waco, entrepreneurs, and the Baylor community with the purpose to inform, inspire, involve and influence. This Conference is a venue for celebration of the ecosystem between innovative technologies developed in Baylor laboratories and entrepreneurial ventures of Central Texas, seeking to serve the general population through technologies that impact the world. The vision for the conference is an annual one-day event, showcasing a unique aspect of the many value stream at Baylor, where transactional conversations are NOT the focus, but a flow of expressive and exploratory discussions that lead to connections.

IdeaMSU Competition – IdeaMSU is a competition designed to provide Midwestern State University undergraduate and graduate students with a business idea the opportunity to hone their idea, get valuable advice, and win some money to get started. The contest operates in two steps. During the first step teams’ submit their four-page (maximum) business plan. From those plans the judges pick six finalists, who then make an oral presentation to the judges. The judges pick the winners based on those presentations.

IdeaWF Competition – Participants in i.d.e.a.WF will be led through the business planning and startup or expansion processes. Six orientation sessions, as well a series of six unique seminars will teach entrepreneurs exactly what they need to do to plan their business, conduct market research, make sales and financial forecasts, market their companies, pitch to investors, keep accurate business records and understand those records. i.d.e.a.WF is funded in part by the Wichita Falls Economic Development Corporation and overseen by the Lalani Center for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise, which is located in the Dillard College of Business Administration at MSU Texas. The purpose of i.d.e.a.WF is to stimulate the local economy by providing funding and other resources to entrepreneurs in Wichita Falls. Winners can use their funds to open new businesses or expand existing businesses.

Panthers Invent – Panthers Invent is a weekend long innovation experience. This competition gives students the opportunity to solve rigorous problems that are seen in the real world. In this competition, the name of the game is innovation and it’s all about creativity and communication! Students will form teams and put their skills to the test. Each competition brings a different theme specific to a particular industry. These industries will include computer engineering, healthcare, electrical engineering, architecture, and animal science just to name a few. Throughout the competition, the teams are mentored by faculty and experts from industry leading firms. Teams will compete for monetary awards and be recognized for their innovative talents

Rice Business Plan Competition – The competition, having completed its 24th year, gives collegiate entrepreneurs real-world experience to pitch their startups, enhance their business strategy and learn what it takes to launch a successful company. Hosted and organized by the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship—which is Rice University’s internationally-recognized initiative devoted to the support of entrepreneurship—and Rice Business. Over 23 years it has grown from nine teams competing for $10,000 in prize money in 2001, to 42 teams from around the world competing for more than $1 million in cash and prizes. It is the largest and richest student startup competition in the world.

Pitch Competition – Competition where participants can present their ideas to a panel of expert judges and compete for funding and other necessary resources to bring their innovations to market.

Lumberjack Entrepreneurship Competition – Pitch your great idea at this annual “Shark Tank”-style competition for a chance to earn up to $5,000! Open to all majors.

Pop Up Pitch Competitions – These competitions occur throughout the fall semester and are open to all majors. Pitch your idea in 30 seconds and you could win up to $2,000.

Workshops and Panels – We’ve partnered with GenHERation to make available a variety of virtual panels and workshops to SFA students. By offering access to innovative companies, industry leaders and career advice, these opportunities help you prepare for your personal and professional pursuits.

SMU Business Accelerator Program – This intensive and enriching 6-month program spread out over the fall and spring semesters is a distinctive blend of immersive workshops, mentorship, and access to extensive networks of entrepreneurial and investor resources.

Big Ideas – The Big iDeas program hosts pitch competitions and provides training and coaching for entrepreneurial projects. Undergraduate students of any major are welcome to participate.

• Big Ideas Business Plan Competition – Pitch to a panel of business experts for up to $5000 in start-up funds. 4 minute pitch + 2 minute Q&A.
• Big Ideas Student Marketplace – Calling all student entrepreneurs! Sell your wares and network with your fellow student entrepreneurs at the Big iDeas Marketplace.
• Big Ideas Pitch Contest – Calling all undergraduate student entrepreneurs! Apply for the Big iDeas contest and pitch to win $1000 in seed funds to get your ideas off the ground.
• Entrepreneurship Training – The Big iDeas E-Launch Series is a FREE series of workshops and guest speakers to guide you in the creation of your idea.
• Join A Startup – Interested in being part of a start-up? Let us know the skills you can bring to our entrepreneurs. Get on the ground floor of something Big.

Aggie Pitch – University-wide Pitch Competition.

Ideas Challenge – The Ideas Challenge, hosted by the McFerrin Center for Entrepreneurship, is designed to encourage students to explore entrepreneurship and foster development of an entrepreneurial mindset. The Ideas Challenge is one of the McFerrin Center’s longest standing programs open each fall to current Texas A&M University students.

Buc Days Idea Challenge – The business concept competition allows TAMU-CC students from all disciplines to put their innovative business and technology ideas to the test.

Neely NIL Accelerator Course – How do you make a career – beyond your college career? How do you build, not just a personal brand, but an ongoing business? Neeley NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) is the education and innovation portion of TCU’s Scaled to Succeed Program. In addition to the offered workshops, one-on-one sessions and networking events, the program includes an elective course open to students of any major – which can count toward a minor in entrepreneurship and innovation. Ultimately, Neeley NIL gives you the tools for lifelong entrepreneurial success even beyond the university setting.

Values and Ventures Competition – Got a business idea that solves a social, cultural or environmental issue? You could win cash to fund it at our prestigious international competition held at TCU each spring.

TXST New Ventures Competition and Accelerator Program – TXST New Ventures is a competitive accelerator program that supports early-stage business ventures from faculty, student, or alumni ideas and innovations.

Red Raider Idea Competition – Are you looking for a way to showcase your next groundbreaking idea? Look no further! Join the Texas Tech Innovation Hub for this one-minute pitch competition that’ll launch your journey to entrepreneurship. The 2024 Pitch Off! Competition encourages participants to think outside the box and share their most innovative ideas for a chance to win up to $2,000 in cash prizes. The Red Raider Idea Competition will highlight finalists in a one-day, in-person event during Discoveries to Impact’s Startup Week!

Red Raider Startup – Want to be your own boss? Have you ever wanted to be an entrepreneur? Unlock you potential, grow your network, and create new ideas all in 72-hours! This exciting weekend is the best way to understand the entrepreneurial mindset! Get hands-on experience forming a team around an idea, validating your idea through customer discovery, developing a presentation, and pitching to a panel of Sharks! The team with the best pitch to the judges (Sharks) will win $1,000! Bring a friend and come start your entrepreneurial journey. This event is 100% FREE including meals and swag!

iLaunch Competition – iLaunch is a pitch competition to identify, grow, and launch startup companies. The competition prepares the entrepreneur for future success in launching a business. The competition is based on the Business Model Canvas. Submissions are evaluated by entrepreneurs, faculty, investors, and staff using the iLaunch scorecard. The top 10 finalists will be mentored and advance to the iLaunch Competition Event where competitors present to “sharks”.

Pantex Innovation Challenge – This isn’t just a competition—it’s a chance to make a real-world impact by working on significant problems. Engage with Pantex employees, gaining valuable insights into national security and uncovering exciting career paths. The challenge is open to all students passionate about STEM fields. Teams will focus on Pantex’s problem sets that dive into national security challenges and pitch their solutions to a panel of Pantex and Texas Tech experts.

President’s Innovative Startup Award – Texas Tech University has partnered with Market Lubbock, Inc. to establish the Presidents’ Innovative Startup Award. The objectives of the grant from Market Lubbock include 1) programs for students and entrepreneurs; 2) seed-stage funding for startups; and 3) seed grants for startups to support equipment and rental expense at the Innovation Hub at Research Park (Hub). A committee of TTUS faculty, Hub staff, and TTUS facility staff determine the top applicant startups that exemplify innovation and commercialization. Prior participation in other Innovation Hub programs can make your application more competitive (NSF I-Corps and TTU Accelerator Program). The committee will review applicant budgets and make a recommendation that may or may not require adjustments to the budget submitted in the application. Final decisions for awards are made by the TTU President and TTUHSC President.

Texas Tech Accelerator – Win $25k to ACCELERATE your startup! As it’s been said, it takes a village to raise a child. Here at the Hub, we believe it takes a community to support a startup! The Texas Tech Accelerator Program fosters a unique, diverse environment that supports entrepreneurs launching innovative startups. Our ecosystem of iTTU Mentors and resources give Accelerator teams the tools to build and sustain successful ventures. The program is divided into two tracks. The first track, the Open Accelerator is designed for startup teams with innovations in any industry. The second track, Industry Advancement Technology Accelerator is designed for startup teams with technologies in AI, machine learning, advanced manufacturing, and robotics. A cohort of up to 13 teams (9 from Open and 5 from iAT) will be selected to participate in the year-long program. Each cohort of startup teams is focused around creating new technologies, innovative products, services, and solutions that solve today’s problems.

Louis H. Stumberg New Venture Competition – A two-part, shark-tank-style experience, the Louis H. Stumberg New Venture Competition annually supports compelling student start-ups. At stake? $50k and access to experienced mentors and successful entrepreneurs.

• Stumberg Seed Round – In the first stage of the Stumberg Competition, teams of student ventures put their business ideas to the test. Pitching their ideas to a panel of judges, students vie to be selected for further mentorship opportunities and thousands of dollars in start-up funding.
• Trinity Accelerator – What do you need for your venture to succeed? Learn new concepts and apply new knowledge during the Trinity Accelerator, which takes place over the summer. Stumberg finalists dive head first into 10 weeks of full-time, paid, rigorous, hands-on discovery, and development. All this while receiving guidance from Trinity’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence, former Stumberg finalists, and successful business and community partners.

Wolffest – Wolffest has been a Spring tradition at The University of Houston since 2002. Teams of students from the Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship raise money for scholarships and student activities by running pop-up food stands in a three-day competition.

Impact Competition – The Impact Competition is a case study competition where students will develop an innovative solution to help Workshop Houston, a local nonprofit located in the Third ward. The winning team is then given the opportunity to bring the solution to life (with a budget of $10,000) AND the top 3 teams will win financial awards totaling $7,500.

Freed Family Pitch Competition – The Freed Family Pitch Competition, previously known as DisrupTexas, is an annual pitch competition for undergraduate students at The University of Texas at Austin. Hosted by the Herb Kelleher Entrepreneurship Center, the Freed Family Pitch Competition is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for experiential learning and a chance for student teams to walk away with some serious cash.

Texas Venture Labs’ Investment Competition – Unleash the Power of Innovation: Experience the Texas Venture Labs’ Investment Competition, where University of Texas graduate students pitch their business idea for invaluable feedback, cash prizes, and valuable connections.

Texas Venture Labs’ Startup Fellows – GET PAID TO EXPLORE YOUR CAREER PATH WITHIN THE STARTUP ECOSYSTEM. TVL Startup Fellows gain experience in a variety of industries and roles while simultaneously building their expertise and networks. They work on projects that reinforce classroom learning, allowing them to bridge the gap between their career aspirations and their current skill set. In addition to their project work, TVL Startup Fellows enjoy access to a range of resources, including guest speakers, seminars, opportunities to network, and connections to mentors from members of the JBTVL Advisory Board.

Student Entrepreneur Acceleration & Launch (SEAL) – SEAL is a 9-week capstone-like accelerator that picks the most promising undergrad, grad, and faculty startups at UT and helps them make a go or no-go decision.

The Launchpad at the University of Texas at Austin Startup Grants – $500-$5K grants along with mentorship for undergraduate students to pursue an entrepreneurial opportunity of their choice.

Austin Technology Incubator at the University of Texas at Austin – Our close relationship with the University of Texas at Austin enables ATI to make student interns available to our member companies – bridging innovation-minded, start-up experienced students with our top deep tech startups. We are highly selective in recruiting our ATI Student Associates (interns) to ensure they align with defined needs of our member companies.

Texas Innovation Center at the University of Texas at Austin – The Texas Innovation Center provides funding for faculty and students to help move ideas and concepts forward for commercial viability. This ranges from exploring product feasibility to conducting market discovery for understanding customer demands to developing a proof-of-concept derived from a class project or lab research.

• Faculty Innovation Grants
• Graduate Student Awards

Herb Kelleher Entrepreneurship Center Travel Grants – HKEC-funded travel grants allow undergraduate and graduate students to participate in national and international business startup competitions to share their vision with the world.

UTD Big Idea Competition – The University of Texas at Dallas’ Big Idea Competition (BIC) is one of the most celebrated events of entrepreneurship in North Texas. Hosted annually by the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship the BIC brings the best undergraduate and graduate students together from all disciplines, alongside top research faculty and alumni to pitch the most innovative startups and ideas in front of their peers and a panel of esteemed judges for cash and scholarship awards.

UTDesign Startup Challenge – The UTDesign Startup Challenge leverages experiential learning through the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science’s UTDesign senior capstone course to help bring high-potential technology startups to life. Selected ventures will receive $15,000 of engineering services over one or two semesters to complete a presentation-quality prototype, a technical mentor, business coaches, and $5,000 cash to grow the business. Applications for the program are open to coincide with the Big Idea Competition.

Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge – Enter the Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge for access to one-on-one business coaching from America’s Small Business Development Center at UT Permian Basin. Progress through the challenge and compete for your share of $500,000 awarded to the chosen finalists!

UTPB New Ideas Competition – UTPB Blackstone LaunchPad New Ideas Competition is designed for students with a new, creative idea and a chance to compete locally to earn $1000. This competition is open to ALL undergraduate and graduate students from ALL colleges here at UTPB. This competition is similar to the Blackstone LaunchPad National competition. It is completely virtual and will be hosted on StartupTree. Up to 4 winners may be chosen. If a team wins, the prize money will be split among the two team members.

UTRGV Big Idea Competition – This in-person idea competition is open to the Rio Grande Valley community at large, including but not limited to all current and former UTRGV students, faculty, and staff. Winners will be determined by a pool of experienced entrepreneurs and business professionals.

UTRGV Business Plan Competition – Have a business plan in your back pocket? Willing to create one for a chance to win up to $10,000? This in-person business plan competition is open to the Rio Grande Valley community at large, including but not limited to all current and former UTRGV students, faculty, and staff. Winners will be determined by a pool of experienced entrepreneurs and business professionals.

Big Rowdy Idea – The Big Rowdy Idea (BRI) is an inclusive and exciting event open to all UTSA students designed to teach the Lean Startup Methodology to budding entrepreneurs while fostering personal development. It provides a platform for participants to showcase their innovative ideas and strategic plans, promoting a spirit of competition and collaboration within the university community. BRI’s welcoming atmosphere ensures that all students, regardless of background or experience, feel encouraged and supported as they explore their entrepreneurial aspirations. As a unique opportunity, BRI not only prepares entrepreneurs to launch scalable ventures but also allows them to pursue their degree program or work at UTSA simultaneously, making it a transformative journey for every participant.

The C.A.S.E. Competition – The C.A.S.E. Competition is centered around Corporate Civic and Social Engagement, focusing on challenging a diverse group of students to analyze and propose innovative recommendations for real-world challenges and issues related to corporate involvement in civic and social initiatives. This competition encourages participants to delve into the importance of corporate engagement beyond traditional business activities and comprehend its impact on society, communities, and the organization’s overall success. C.A.S.E. provides a palatable platform for students to explore an organization’s evolving landscape and complex corporate responsibilities. By participating, students will gain valuable insights into the importance of businesses actively engaging in societal and environmental issues, preparing them for future leadership roles that require a holistic understanding of corporate citizenship.

Startup Academy – Our inaugural Entrepreneurial Start-Up Academy is an exceptional program that offers you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the multifaceted realm of entrepreneurship. Over the course of 10 weeks, you’ll not only receive compensation but also engage in profound experiences and training to help take your concepts to creation. These experiences include direct interactions with a diverse range of organizations throughout San Antonio, mentorship, and innovation labs! During the Entrepreneur Start-Up Academy, you will collaborate with influential figures within San Antonio’s vibrant business community and establish a solid foundation within the entrepreneurial landscape. We encourage individuals from all disciplines and backgrounds to apply! Whether you possess a business-oriented mindset or a creative perspective, we believe that entrepreneurship is a state of mind that knows no bounds. Our doors are open to all types of entrepreneurs and individuals, and we encourage you to bring your unique ideas, perspectives, and talents to our Entrepreneurial Start-Up Academy.

Big Idea Pitch – Open to ALL Students at UT Tyler! The Big Idea Pitch is an easy, early-stage business idea competition designed to identify a pain in the marketplace. The BIP awards $4,500 in prizes every year during the fall semester.

Business Model Competition – Using the Business Model Canvas as a guide, UT Tyler’s Business Model Competition is designed to test and validate your big idea, make changes (iterations or pivots) based on evidence found and insights gained, and repeat this process until the crucial aspects of your idea are fully validated. Just because you can design somethings does not mean that it will be commercially viable.

New Venture Pitch – Awarding more than $7,000 in prizes to continue funding student ideas, the New Venture Pitch Competition is designed to test and validate big ideas, make changes (iterations or pivots) based on evidence found and insights gained, and repeat this process until the crucial aspects of your business are fully validated. The New Venture Pitch occurs every Spring.

East Texas High School Idea Challenge – The East Texas High School Idea Challenge is the largest innovation competition in East Texas for high school students. The Idea Challenge is designed to encourage, support, and inspire the next generation of inventors, innovators and entrepreneurs with the goal of growing East Texas knowledge and economy.