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New Venture Challenge
Turn your idea into something bigger.
The New Venture Challenge gives you, regardless of your major, the opportunity to develop ideas, receive feedback and compete alongside fellow entrepreneurs from across campus.
Whether you're exploring your first business concept, building a social impact project or refining a venture you've already started, NVC connects you with mentors, resources and experiences that help you move forward.
15+ years
of student entrepreneurship through the New Venture Challenge.
$100,000+
awarded to help student ventures move forward.
All majors
welcome to compete, collaborate and pitch ideas.
What is the New Venture Challenge?
The New Venture Challenge is our flagship entrepreneurship competition.
More than just a single event, NVC is a chance to explore ideas, connect with mentors and gain experience turning concepts into something real. Anyone from across campus participate with business ventures, products, services, social impact initiatives and creative solutions to everyday problems.
You don't need to be an entrepreneurship major to compete. In fact, some of the strongest ideas come from students studying engineering, health professions, education, science, the arts and other disciplines.
No matter where you're starting, NVC provides opportunities to learn, receive feedback and gain confidence presenting your ideas.
Your journey to NVC
1. Explore
Many students begin by attending Spark Challenge events and other entrepreneurship programs hosted by IBIE. These experiences help you generate ideas, meet potential teammates and discover opportunities you may not have considered before.
2. Develop
As your idea takes shape, you'll have opportunities to work with mentors, receive feedback and strengthen your concept. Resources like the Idea Den, venture support programs and one-on-one coaching can help you move from an idea to a stronger plan.
3. Compete
Submit your venture and present your idea to judges, mentors and supporters. Along the way, you'll gain valuable experience communicating your ideas, answering questions and refining your approach.
4. Launch
For many students, competition day is only the beginning. The connections, feedback and experience gained through NVC often become the foundation for future ventures, professional opportunities and continued growth.
Resources for competitors
Whether you're still developing an idea or getting ready to compete, we're here to help.
Book time with us
Need help developing an idea? Looking for teammates? Need guidance preparing for competition day? Meet with a member of the NVC support team.
NVC resources
Access templates, guides and tools designed to help competitors prepare and develop stronger ventures.
IDEA Den support
Get help with prototyping, graphic design and other resources that can help bring your idea to life.
Entrepreneurship in action
For more than 15 years, the New Venture Challenge has helped students test ideas, build confidence and create connections that last far beyond competition day.
New Venture Challenge FAQs
Who can compete?
Any currently enrolled Central Michigan University student can participate. All majors and academic levels are welcome, whether you're an undergraduate, graduate or professional student. Teams may include students from different disciplines, and interdisciplinary teams are encouraged.
Do I need a team?
No. You can begin with an individual idea and compete on your own. If you're interested in finding teammates, IBIE programs and events provide opportunities to meet other students with complementary skills and interests.
What kinds of ideas qualify?
Business ventures, products, services, nonprofit concepts, social impact initiatives and other innovative solutions are all welcome. The competition is designed to support a wide range of ideas and approaches.
What if I don't have an idea yet?
That's okay. Many start by attending Spark Challenge events and entrepreneurship programs to explore opportunities, learn new ways of thinking and connect with others. You don't need a fully developed idea to get involved.
Is there a cost to participate?
No. Participation in the New Venture Challenge and related entrepreneurship programming is available to currently enrolled CMU students at no additional cost.
Can I compete with an existing business?
Yes. You may compete with ventures you have already started as long as you meet current competition requirements and eligibility guidelines.
How do I prepare for NVC?
The best preparation is to start early. Attend entrepreneurship events, ask questions, meet with mentors, take advantage of Idea Den services and use the competitor resources available through IBIE. The more feedback you receive, the stronger your venture will become.
What support is available?
Competitors have access to mentoring, venture support resources, prototyping and design assistance through the Idea Den, educational programming and one-on-one guidance from the IBIE team.
How are ventures evaluated?
Judges evaluate ventures using criteria established for the competition. Depending on the category, this may include the strength of the idea, problem-solving approach, feasibility, customer value, presentation quality and overall potential.
What happens after I apply?
After submitting your materials, you'll receive information about next steps, deadlines and opportunities to continue developing your venture. Finalists will have opportunities to present their ideas and receive feedback from judges and mentors.
Where can I find current deadlines and updates?
Stay informed by signing up for NVC updates. We'll share important dates, submission information and upcoming opportunities throughout the year.
Support future entrepreneurs
The New Venture Challenge succeeds because alumni, business leaders, faculty and community members invest their time, expertise and support in student entrepreneurs.
Whether you're interested in mentoring, judging competitions, speaking with students or supporting entrepreneurial programming, there are many ways to help students move their ideas forward.
