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Entrepreneurs Challenge

Are you undeterred by reports of a jobless recovery or economic meltdown? Do you harbor a nagging sense that now’s the perfect time to finally get that idea you’ve been kicking around off the ground?

Discover what it really takes to launch a startup. Enter the $200K Entrepreneurs Challenge, the premier platform for identifying, nurturing and showcasing emerging entrepreneurs at NYU. At stake in our three competitions is a combined up to $200,000 in startup money plus pro bono services and technical assistance to help your venture succeed. Through the 8-month process, participants will have a chance to:

  • Test your venture idea (and your mettle) in a supportive, risk-free environment.
  • Develop critical skills such as evaluating opportunities, creating marketing plans, preparing financial statements, leading a team and pitching investors.
  • Receive individualized coaching and feedback from experienced entrepreneurs, executives and seasoned investors. 
  • Network with successful entrepreneurs, angel investors, venture capitalists, Stern alumni and others from the business community at-large. 

All NYU students and alumni are welcome to compete. No prior business courses or experience are necessary. See the Rules & Eligibility for more information.

Individuals may enter the competition alone or as a group (strongly encouraged). If you don’t have a team, we’ll try to help you find those with the interests, talent and skills you seek. 

What's Next?

Join us from 5:00-7:00pm on Thursday, September 22, 2011 at the Kickoff Event, in Paulson Auditorium in Tisch Hall (40 West 4th Street, at Green Street). There, you’ll get a chance to learn more about the program, meet past winners and ask lots of questions.



NYU Stern New Venture Competition


The NYU Stern New Venture Competition is the premier platform for identifying, nurturing and showcasing entrepreneurial talent at NYU.

The competition challenges aspiring business owners and those excited by the new venture startup process to take their ideas from concept to market.

It also helps unite the innovations developed throughout NYU schools with the business acumen of the Stern community.

Winners of the NYU New Venture Competition receive the $75,000 Rennert Prize named after the program’s benefactor, Ira Leon Rennert, a Stern alumnus and successful entrepreneur. 


NYU Stern Social Venture Competition 


The NYU Stern Social Venture Competition was started to recognize and support the growing number of students and alumni interested in using their business and entrepreneurial skills to create innovative approaches to tackling social problems, here and abroad. 

Winners of the Social Venture Competition receive the $50,000 Satter Family Prize named after Stern alumnus Stewart Satter, a successful entrepreneur whose donations support the program.

NYU Technology Venture Competition


The NYU Technology Venture Competition serves as a catalyst for the creation of new and the acceleration of existing early stage businesses based on technologies developed by NYU students, faculty and researchers. Sponsored by the NYU Innovation Venture Fund, the competition awards a total of $75,000 in cash prizes, plus pro bono services and technical assistance to the winners. 

Who Should Enter?

  • Individuals with promising life science, information or clean/green technology discoveries or inventions developed while working or studying at NYU and who would like to turn those innovations into a viable business.
  • Individuals interested in translating pre-existing NYU technologies into commercial products.

Information on selected pre-existing NYU technologies can be obtained through the NYU Office of Industrial Liaison (technology transfer/licensing office). 


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