From Idea to Impact:
The 2026 U.S. University Startup Challenge.
Join 30+ Student Orgs. Zero Equity. Silicon Valley Demo Day. Open to Undergrad, Grad, & PhDs.
Startup Incubation, Real Connections
We want to be the first to believe in you!
Zero Barrier Entry
Have an idea? That's enough. We teach you how to build a Business Plan from scratch. Incubation begins from Day 1 of the competition.
Dual Tracks
Founder Track for competitors who want to build. Learner Track for anyone who wants to attend workshops, talks, and grow their entrepreneurial mindset.
Silicon Valley Finals
Top teams pitch directly to VCs and industry leaders in San Francisco — in the heart of Silicon Valley. Real stage, real investors, real feedback.
Community Over Competition
We're building an upward-moving community, not just running a contest. Bi-weekly workshops, mentor networks, and peer support that lasts beyond the competition.
The Roadmap
A carefully designed journey from idea to Demo Day — scheduled around university finals.
Pre-Launch & Rolling Partnership
Building momentum. We begin outreach to student organizations and entrepreneurship clubs across the U.S. Partners can join at any time — even after launch. Contact us for collaboration opportunities.
Rolling partnership model — no hard deadline for partners to join. Reach out to [email protected] anytime.
Applications Open + Preliminary Round
Applications open on Feb 20. Submit your idea, team info, and initial market thinking. No complete BP required — just your vision. Incubation support begins immediately.
Submission: 1-2 page idea description + team background. Application deadline: April 5.
Incubation from Day 1: Weekly Office Hours, BP templates & case library, peer study groups, and 2-3 guest speaker sessions.
Preliminary Results
Evaluation period. Results announced within one week. Top 10-20 teams advance to the Semi-Finals. All participants receive written feedback on their submissions.
Semi-Finals / Deep Incubation
Intensive incubation phase. Each team is matched with a dedicated mentor. Complete your full Business Plan and Pitch Deck.
Deliverables: Full BP (10-15 pages) or Pitch Deck (10-12 slides). Evaluation: Written materials (30%) + Virtual pitch (70%).
Support: 1-on-1 mentor sessions, 2 mock pitch rehearsals, 1 round of detailed BP feedback, continued bi-weekly guest speakers.
Semi-Final Results
Final roster announced. Top 6-8 teams are selected for the Grand Final in San Francisco, Silicon Valley.
The Grand Final — Silicon Valley Demo Day
In-person Demo Day in San Francisco, in the heart of Silicon Valley. Each team gets 8 minutes to pitch + 5 minutes Q&A before a panel of VCs, successful founders, and industry leaders.
Schedule: Morning — Pitches | Afternoon — Networking Reception | Evening — Awards Ceremony. Scheduled before Finals Week to avoid academic conflicts.
San Francisco, CA — Silicon Valley
Learn From the Best
Bi-weekly speaker series throughout the competition. Open to both Founder Track and Learner Track participants.
Idea Validation & Market Research
Building Your First MVP
Business Model Canvas Workshop
Pitch Deck Masterclass
Fundraising 101: Angel to Series A
Legal Essentials: Incorporation & Equity
Empowered by 30+ Leading Student Organizations
A nationwide network of innovation-driven communities. Partners can join at any time.
Become a PartnerPitch in the Innovation Capital of the World
The Grand Final takes place in San Francisco — the beating heart of Silicon Valley. Present your startup to a panel of top-tier VCs, successful entrepreneurs, and industry leaders in a professional Demo Day setting.
Morning: Demo Day Pitches
Afternoon: Networking Reception
Evening: Awards Ceremony