The Colorado State University Collegiate Challenge, one of the most enriching student business pitch competitions in the region, is now accepting online applications. Collegiate entrepreneurs from a 10-state region are invited to apply to compete for $25,000 in cash awards plus other prizes.
Qualifying round for Blue Ocean Enterprises Challenge
The CSU Collegiate Challenge serves as a qualifying round for the Blue Ocean Enterprises Challenge and the winner will advance into the regional tournament with a chance to win the $250,000 grand prize.
More than just a competition, the programming at the CSUCC aims to inspire and educate student entrepreneurs to improve their success trajectory by connecting them to the robust CSU and Northern Colorado entrepreneurial ecosystem. They receive feedback and insight from angel investors, experienced entrepreneurs and subject matter experts through roundtables and panelists.
Third annual competition will be held April 27
The third annual competition will take place April 27 in Fort Collins, Colorado. Interested student entrepreneurs may learn more about the application criteria and submit applications at www.CSUCollegiateChallenge.org.
“All students will gain knowledge, skills and connections from experienced entrepreneurs and experts to improve themselves and advance their business, whether or not they win,” said Christine Chin, interim director of the Institute for Entrepreneurship at CSU’s College of Business. “We have created a valuable, fun and educational experience as well as a realistic chance to earn capital for their companies.”
The CSU Collegiate Challenge is open to actively enrolled undergraduate or graduate student entrepreneurs attending accredited universities or colleges, as well as those who have graduated in the past 12 months from an accredited university from the following states: Colorado, Arizona, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.
The competition begins with all competitors’ pitches during the opening round, from which four finalists will be selected. Finalists will make timed business presentations to a panel of expert judges who will provide feedback and select the winners.
Additional related events for students, alumni and other entrepreneurial-minded individuals include the CSU Ventures Innovation Symposium, entrepreneurship workshops and a keynote speaker. At the Innovation Symposium graduate students showcase their research and creative works with commercial potential. They have the opportunity to interact with entrepreneurs, faculty and industry leaders, and learn ways to maximize the impact of their research.
Apply now
The final deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time Feb. 29, and competitors will be notified of acceptance on March 24. Additional information for applicants, potential sponsors and interested attendees is available at www.CSUCollegiateChallenge.org.
Questions about the CSU Collegiate Challenge may be directed to Christine Chin at Christine.Chin@colostate.edu.
CSU’s Collegiate Challenge business pitch competition
The CSU Collegiate Challenge is a competition that inspires, connects and educates student entrepreneurs to improve their success trajectory. Presented by Colorado State University, the competition is a celebration of entrepreneurial spirit among students, innovation, leadership development and supporting ventures that make a difference. The competition aims to connect students to the robust CSU and Northern Colorado entrepreneurial ecosystem. Twelve student companies from a 10-state region will get the opportunity to compete for $25,000 in prizes. More information is available at www.CSUCollegiateChallenge.org.
