Applications are open for Montana State University’s $100,000 Venture Competition, which is hosted annually by the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship and the MSU Blackstone LaunchPad.
The competition provides entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their business ventures, receive feedback and compete for startup funding.Those interested in competing must submit an online application by Sunday, March 30.
Semifinalists will be notified April 4 and will deliver virtual presentations to the judges the week of April 14. The selected finalists will then compete on April 24 at 5 p.m. in Inspiration Hall in MSU’s Norm Asbjornson Hall. The event is free and open to the public.
The competition is open to all undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, researchers, post-doctoral researchers, and recent alumni (2024 graduates) from Montana State University, the University of Montana and Montana Technological University.
This event offers $100,000 in prize money, in addition to connections with experienced entrepreneurs, investors, mentors and network resources. Participants will receive feedback from judges and may capture the attention of investors.
Categories for the competition will include Social Impact, Deep Tech or University-based Research, and Traditional Venture. Participants select the track that best fits their projects. All types of ventures are welcome, including new products, services, nonprofit ventures and projects with a social impact focus.
Last year, finalist ventures included a modular rack system for vehicles, prosthetic adaptations for action sports and carbon-capture technology using algae blooms.
Venture award winners from previous competitions are not eligible to compete. In addition, projects that have received venture capital or angel funding are not eligible. But those that have received funding from an MUS institution or the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs may participate.
Applications and competition information can be found at montana.edu/business/venture-competition/.
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