Virginia Tech Entrepreneur Challenge

The Virginia Tech Entrepreneur Challenge is a campus-wide, student startup competition that brings together successful alumni-entrepreneurs, industry partners, and students to showcase the best new ventures at Virginia Tech.

Come together — Be inspired.

Join us as interdisciplinary teams from across campus compete for the best business model and a chance to win up to $40,000 in cash awards and prizes!

The Entrepreneur Challenge event features a showcase of the finalist teams from Virginia Tech along with a high-powered lineup of judges sharing their expertise and experience in the world of entrepreneurship.

What is it?

Spring Entrepreneur Challenge is a university-wide competition where student teams pitch innovative ideas for funding and prizes, culminating in a final showcase.

Where is it?

The Competition will be hosted in The Creativity and Innovation District (CID).

When is it?

The competition will be held on April 22, 2025 from 04:00PM-09:00PM.

Who is involved?

• Student Teams competing in different categories.

• Faculty Mentors guiding students in office hours.

Why is it happening?

To foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability by supporting student ideas and ventures with funding and mentorship.

Concepts will be accepted from the following tracks:

Choose the theme that best matches your idea or proposal:
Serve: Social Impact and Sustainability – Ideas that focus on solving social or environmental challenges, such as a program to reduce food waste or a startup providing clean water solutions.

Innovate: Technology and Emerging Solutions – Ideas that use new or advanced technology to solve problems, like an AI-powered tutoring app or a new type of renewable energy device.

Inspire: Creativity and Community Ventures – Ideas that bring people together through arts, culture, or community-driven projects, such as a local art festival or a platform for independent musicians.

(These examples are just for understanding/guidance, any idea that fits the theme criteria could be acceptable).

Pick the category that best fits your idea!

How will it work?

1. Office hours: Teams must hold office hours (between March 10th - April 10th) at least once with faculty mentors or the Entrepreneur in residence, as per availability for the application to be eligible for review.

2. Teams: Each team should at least have 2 members and a maximum 5 members only.

3. Application & Selection: Faculty affiliates rank applications, selecting Top 5-6 teams to pitch for prize money.

4. Final Pitching & Showcase:

   • Top 6 teams compete for the grand prize.

   • Showcase features ~20 teams with $500 per team.

   • Winning teams receive cash prizes, with a total prize pool of $30,000.

   • Potential prizes: T-shirts, backpacks, and honorable mentions for top 20 teams.

Timeline:

1. Applications Open: March 7th, 2025.

2. Applications close: April 13th, 2025.

3. Selected Teams to be Notified: April 17th, 2025.

4. Mandatory Office Hours begin from: March 10th - April 10th.

5. Dry Run Practice: April 21st, 2025.

6. Competition Day: April 22nd, 2025.

(Note: Office hours are mandatory with Faculty Mentors or the Entrepreneur in Residence; Rob Cummings, atleast once between March 10th - April 10th, in order for your application to be considered. Book Office Hours via Startup Tree Mentor Page.)

For any questions/queries email us at apexcenter@vt.edu.