Idea to Startup Innovation Challenge
Have you been dreaming up a business idea and looking for a way to take it to the next level? UNI JPEC is thrilled to invite you to apply for the campus-wide Idea to Startup Innovation Challenge on November 12th. This pitch competition will be a dynamic showcase of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit for students on UNI's campus. A total of $5,000 in cash will be awarded to those competing in either the Revenue Businesses or Pre-Revenue Businesses category. To compete, participants must attend at least one pre-competition workshop hosted by JPEC as well as prepare a three-minute pitch to present your business concept to a panel of judges for the chance to win a piece of the cash prize! For eligibility, workshop schedule and prize breakdown, view more details below.
This application has closed. For more information, contact patrick.luensmann@uni.edu
Competition Eligibility
General Eligibility:
- All participants must complete application along with included 500-word essay.
- All participants must attend at least one pre-competition workshop with JPEC staff.
Revenue and Pre-Revenue Businesses:
- Businesses in the Pre-Revenue track: This track is for businesses that have not yet launched or generated sales. Business idea must be well vetted.
Business in the Revenue track:
- This category is for businesses who have and are currently generating sales. Participant must be primary business owner/operator.
Pre-Competition Workshop Schedule
All participants must attend at least one pre-competition workshop. If participants are unable to register for any of the following time slots, one-on-one coaching with JPEC staff is available by appointment. Participants are more than welcome to take advantage of ALL workshops AND one-one-one coaching!
Each workshop will contain an overview of business models, how to set up your business for success, and best practices of pitching your business. Workshop registration along with information on one-on-one coaching can be found on the Idea to Startup Innovation Challenge application.
10/19 | Workshop #1:
- 12:00PM - 1:30PM
10/25 | Workshop #2
- 4:00PM- 5:30PM
10/27 | Workshop #3
- 8:30AM - 10:00AM
Cash Prizes
$5000 in cash prizes will be awarded during this competition. Revenue and Pre-Revenue business will compete in separate categories.
Revenue Track:
- First Place: $1000
- Second Place: $750
- Third Place: $500
Pre-Revenue Track:
- First Place: $1000
- Second Place: $750
- Third Place: $500
One additional participant will be awarded the Judges Choice prize of $500
Competition Eligibility
General Eligibility:
- All participants must complete application along with included 500-word essay.
- All participants must attend at least one pre-competition workshop with JPEC staff.
Revenue and Pre-Revenue Businesses:
- Businesses in the Pre-Revenue track: This track is for businesses that have not yet launched or generated sales. Business idea must be well vetted.
Business in the Revenue track:
- This category is for businesses who have and are currently generating sales. Participant must be primary business owner/operator.
Pre-Competition Workshop Schedule
All participants must attend at least one pre-competition workshop. If participants are unable to register for any of the following time slots, one-on-one coaching with JPEC staff is available by appointment. Participants are more than welcome to take advantage of ALL workshops AND one-one-one coaching!
Each workshop will contain an overview of business models, how to set up your business for success, and best practices of pitching your business. Workshop registration along with information on one-on-one coaching can be found on the Idea to Startup Innovation Challenge application.
10/19 | Workshop #1:
- 12:00PM - 1:30PM
10/25 | Workshop #2
- 4:00PM- 5:30PM
10/27 | Workshop #3
- 8:30AM - 10:00AM
Cash Prizes
$5000 in cash prizes will be awarded during this competition. Revenue and Pre-Revenue business will compete in separate categories.
Revenue Track:
- First Place: $1000
- Second Place: $750
- Third Place: $500
Pre-Revenue Track:
- First Place: $1000
- Second Place: $750
- Third Place: $500
One additional participant will be awarded the Judges Choice prize of $500