2024 CHALLENGES AND COMPETITIONS OFFERED BY THE BUERK CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP
HAVE AN IDEA? GREAT! Now is the time to CREATE YOUR IMPACT
Innovations in health and healthcare are sparking new approaches to wellness, care and treatment, safety, and access. If you have a passion for innovation and solving problems, develop your idea and make an impact! Questions? Contact Jessica Roberto at jlb42@uw.edu More details at hic.uw.edu
HIC: COMPETITION STEPS AND STAGES ENTRY APPLICATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 29 Submit a 5–7 page business summary for official entry into the HIC. RESOURCE NIGHT FOR FINALIST TEAMS: FEBRUARY 13 Mandatory attendance by at least one student team member.
Competitions are open to students enrolled and in good standing at an accredited college or university in the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, and Alaska. Some additional rules apply. Do you have questions about the application? We can help. Sign up for weekly office hours or contact us directly at startup.uw.edu
PITCH WORKSHOP FOR FINALIST TEAMS: FEBRUARY 20 Mandatory attendance by at least one student team member. 1–PAGE BUSINESS SUMMARY: DUE BY FEBRUARY 22 Summaries are sent to judges before the day of the Challenge. CHALLENGE DAY: FEBRUARY 29
Reimagine the planet! This is your opportunity to innovate in areas like regenerative agriculture, circularity, climate tech, consumer products, and more. Channel that unshakable belief that you can have an impact on climate change through meaningful solutions. Form a team today! Questions? Contact Lauren Brohawn at brohal@uw.edu More details at eic.uw.edu
EIC: COMPETITION STEPS AND STAGES ENTRY APPLICATION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 12 Submit a 5–7 page business summary for official entry into the EIC.
This is for all ideas! The Dempsey Startup is a new venture competition that brings together students from a variety of majors and disciplines looking to take the next step with their ideas. These startups focus on everything from high-tech and non-profit ideas to consumer products, healthcare, AI, sustainability, and more! Questions? Contact Yuko Oaku at yukooaku@uw.edu More details at foster.uw.edu/dempsey-startup
DEMPSEY STARTUP: STEPS AND STAGES ENTRY APPLICATION DEADLINE: APRIL 1 Submit a 5–7 page executive summary for official entry into the Dempsey Startup Competition. RESOURCE NIGHT FOR INVESTMENT ROUND TEAMS: APRIL 11 Mandatory attendance by at least one student team member.
RESOURCE NIGHT FOR FINALIST TEAMS: FEBRUARY 27 Mandatory attendance by at least one student team member.
INVESTMENT ROUND: MAY 2 Tradeshow-style event for the top 36 teams, ending with announcement of Sweet 16. Teams submit executive summary in advance.
PITCH WORKSHOP: MARCH 7 Mandatory attendance by at least one student team member.
COACHING ROUND: MAY 15 Non-competitive, mandatory virtual session for Sweet 16 teams.
1–PAGE BUSINESS SUMMARY: DUE BY MARCH 24 Summaries are sent to judges before the day of the Challenge.
SWEET 16 ROUND: MAY 23 (AM) Teams must submit a 15-20 page business plan by May 17 and a PPT pitch deck by the morning of May 23. Top 4 teams selected to advance.
CHALLENGE DAY: MARCH 28
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FINAL ROUND: MAY 23 (PM) Team presentations in front of select panel of judges. AWARDS DINNER TO FOLLOW THE EVENING OF MAY 23