PITCH. WIN. GROW. CELEBRATE.
Whether you’re a University of Iowa student or a community business owner in the state of Iowa, our competitions, awards, and funding provide you with opportunities to win cash prizes to boost your business. Keep an eye on our events page for deadlines corresponding with our competitions.
For University of Iowa students
IdeaStorm
FOR UI STUDENTS
Pitch your business idea in two minutes or less for a chance to win money to help you bring your idea to life. IdeaStorm is a great way to test out an idea and potentially win money to help you start your business. In each of the four IdeaStorm categories, cash prizes will be awarded to the best ideas. This competition is a great starting point for someone who is new to pitching and entrepreneurship competitions.
Startup Games
FOR UI STUDENTS
Team up, pitch ideas, and create a business in a weekend. Join students from all over campus to compete for more than $2,500 in cash prizes. Did we mention there is free food all weekend and an option to earn one credit hour? If you are interested in entrepreneurship but are new to the startup process, this is a great place to start. No idea... no problem! You can join a team and help them bring its idea to life.
Innovation Challenge
FOR UI STUDENTS
The Innovation Challenge is a university-wide competition with the goal to identify, advance, and support the most innovative projects on campus. Up to $225k in prizes will be awarded during the 2024-25 academic year to the most innovative ideas!
Phase 1: Elevator Pitch Competition
- Fall 2024
- Up to $75,000 in prizes
Phase 2: Business Model Competition
- Spring 2025
- Up to $150,000 in prizes
Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition
FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS IN THE STATE OF IOWA
This statewide competition invites students from colleges and universities across Iowa who have interest in starting their own venture to compete to win seed money. This competition is hosted in partnership among John Pappajohn, Equity Dynamics, and the five John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers located in Iowa.
Student Startup of the Year Award
FOR UI STUDENTS
Granted to a University of Iowa undergraduate or graduate student startup for significant accomplishments in entrepreneurship and innovation. Winning startup will be awarded seed capital for their achievement.
This award will be presented at the Iowa Innovation and Entrepreneurship Honors.
Non-student competition and awards
Innovation Challenge
FOR UI FACULTY, STAFF, INCUBATOR STARTUPS, PROGRAM & ACADEMIC ALUMNI
The Innovation Challenge is a university-wide competition with the goal to identify, advance, and support the most innovative projects on campus. Up to $225k in prizes will be awarded during the 2024-25 academic year to the most innovative ideas!
Phase 1: Elevator Pitch Competition
- Fall 2024
- Up to $75,000 in prizes
Phase 2: Business Model Competition
- Spring 2025
- Up to $150,000 in prizes
John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
The Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition is intended to encourage and promote entrepreneurial activity and create greater awareness of the resources available to entrepreneurs in Iowa. Participants will be judged on the basis of their written submissions. Participants who advance to later rounds will also be judged on their presentations to a panel of judges. $100,000 in cash prizes will be awarded.
Faculty/Staff Startup of the Year Award
FOR UI FACULTY/STAFF
Granted to startup affiliated with faculty/staff at the University of Iowa. Winning startup will be awarded seed capital for their achievement.
This award will be presented at the Iowa Innovation and Entrepreneurship Honors.
Venture School Business of the Year Award
FOR PAST VENTURE SCHOOL STARTUPS
Granted to a startup company that has participated in the statewide seven week-long Venture School training program at a cohort location in the state of Iowa. Winners will be awarded seed capital for their achievement.
This award will be presented at the Iowa Innovation and Entrepreneurship Honors.
Young Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year Award
FOR RECENT UI GRADUATES
Granted to an entrepreneur, who previously attended the University of Iowa, for their significant accomplishments in entrepreneurship and innovation. Individuals must be age 35 or younger at time of nomination. If there are multiple founders who meet the criteria within one business, they may all be recognized in a single nomination.
This award will be presented at the Iowa Innovation and Entrepreneurship Honors.
Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year Award
FOR UI GRADUATES
Granted to an entrepreneur, who previously attended the University of Iowa, for their significant accomplishments in entrepreneurship and innovation. If there are multiple founders who meet the criteria within one business, they may all be recognized in a single nomination.
This award will be presented at the Iowa Innovation and Entrepreneurship Honors.