Upcoming Events
We hope to see you at one of our upcoming events! You can also view our past events here.
March 25, 2025 | In-person
Side Hustle Showcase
Got a side hustle? Loyola’s Side Hustle Showcase is your chance to share your business and compete for up to $500 in prize money!
Learn moreUpcoming Entrepreneurship Competitions
Explore these recommended entrepreneurship competitions—great opportunities for up-and-coming ventures to gain exposure and funding. Ignite Lab members can apply for sponsorship to participate in these events.
Rice Business Plan Competition
Hosted by: Rice University
Description: The world’s largest and richest intercollegiate student startup competition, the Rice Business Plan Competition hosted by Rice Alliance in Houston, Texas, is searching for 42 of the best student startups in Energy, Cleantech & Sustainability; Life Science & Healthcare Solutions; Hard Tech; Digital Enterprise; Consumer Products & Services. This year will be a special one as they celebrate 25 years.
Applications due: January 27, 2025
Apply and learn more: rbpc.rice.edu
e-Fest
Hosted by: University of St. Thomas
Description: e-Fest® is a premier event for the Top 25 student entrepreneurial teams nationwide. Finalists, selected through an online submission round on March 3, compete in Minneapolis from April 24-26 for over $220,000 in prizes, participate in workshops, and gain national exposure. Schools submitting at least one team are eligible for $2,500 Development Grants. Watch the Submission Guide Video for more information.
Applications due: March 2, 2025
Apply and learn more: efest.biz
Contact: Jennifer Gessner at jgessner@stthomas.edu
Fowler Global Social Innovation Challenge (FGSIC)
Hosted by: University of St. Thomas
Description: FGSIC inspires global student entrepreneurs to solve social and environmental issues. The 2025 Finals, May 30-31 in Minneapolis, offers $25,000 in seed funding.
Applications due: March 1, 2025
Apply and learn more: fowlergsic.org
Contact: hello@fowlergsic.org or Billy Mzenga at billy.mzenga@stthomas.edu
MN Cup
Hosted by: University of Minnesota
Description: MN Cup is the largest statewide startup competition in the country. Their completely free programming supports emerging entrepreneurs through networking events, education, mentoring, and a chance at $400,00 in non-dilutive funding. All Minnesotans and Minnesota-based companies earning less than $1M in annual revenue are eligible to apply. MN Cup encourages undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in a Minnesota college or university to apply to the Student Division. The selected winner will take home a $25,000 non-dilutive cash prize!
Applications due: April 11, 2025
Apply and learn more: mncup.org
Baylor New Venture Competition
Hosted by: Baylor University
Description: The Baylor New Venture Competition is a business plan and elevator pitch competition that showcases collegiate student-created, managed, and led ventures from across the globe. The goal of this premier program is to provide an environment that aids in experiential learning, entrepreneurial education and professional networking. By providing multiple rounds of expert feedback, collegiate students are encouraged to embrace entrepreneurship. Teams have the opportunity to compete for more than $200,000 in cash prizes and vital resources.
Applications due: Fall of 2025
Apply and learn more: hankamer.baylor.edu
Contact: newventurecomp@baylor.edu
We hope to see you at one of our upcoming events! You can also view our past events here.
Upcoming Entrepreneurship Competitions
Explore these recommended entrepreneurship competitions—great opportunities for up-and-coming ventures to gain exposure and funding. Ignite Lab members can apply for sponsorship to participate in these events.