MDC’s Startup Challenge is calling on students from all disciplines and campuses to dream big and enter a competition designed to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit. Is the next Facebook spinning around in your brain? Are you ready to start a new world food program, or come up with the latest toy craze?
If you have a solution to an issue, an innovation for a product, a cause you want to help, or an organization that you want to launch, this is your opportunity to connect with mentors and seed money that will help bring your ideas to life.
Presented by The Idea Center, the first annual Startup Challenge runs Jan. 6 – 30, 2015. One winner will receive $5,000 in seed money to start a venture. Two runners-up will receive $3,000 each for their project. This is a unique opportunity to have your proposal reviewed and critiqued by a panel of experts. Selected entrants will proceed to subsequent phases where they will receive the support and mentoring needed to advance the project to a viable venture.
Submitting your project is easy. Just create a 60-second video pitching your idea, and fill out the online entry form. You can enter as an individual or a team with up to five members. Entries advancing to the second phase will be selected by both a panel and by popular vote, so make sure to campaign for your idea on social media platforms. Semi-finalists will receive one-on-one mentoring and a private meet and greet with one of the Idea Center’s acclaimed guest speakers. This is your moment; go for it!