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
IdeaStorm is the BELL's campus-wide idea competition, giving University of Iowa students the opportunity to turn early ideas into compelling concepts and share them for a chance to win cash prizes. Students receive support to develop their ideas, create a short video submission, and, if selected as a finalist, prepare to present live. No business, prototype, or entrepreneurship experience is required—just an idea worth exploring. Big ideas have to start somewhere.
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 2025-26 academic year to the most innovative ideas!
Phase 1: Elevator Pitch Competition
- Fall 2025
- Up to $50,000 in prizes
Phase 2: Business Model Competition
- Spring 2026
- Up to $125,000 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.
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 2025-26 academic year to the most innovative ideas!
Phase 1: Elevator Pitch Competition
- Fall 2025
- Up to $50,000 in prizes
Phase 2: Business Model Competition
- Spring 2026
- Up to $175,000 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.
Build It Series
FOR UI STUDENTS
The Build It Series is a hands-on innovation experience that helps students move from idea to something they can see, touch, use, test, or demonstrate. Through the Build It Sprint and Build It Jam, students design, prototype, test, and refine everything from apps and AI tools to physical products, games, digital experiences, and service innovations. Students from all majors and experience levels are welcome—no startup or polished idea required. Come with an idea. Leave with something real.