NEW VENTURE CHALLENGE
New Venture Challenge is for current Purdue students. If this isn’t you, applications for our Market Readiness program are now open.
Take your startup to the next level and compete for $50,000 in cash prizes!
The New Venture Challenge (NVC) helps prepare Purdue student startups for market entry and fundraising. At the end of the six-workshop series, participants will pitch to a room of investors at the annual Purdue Innovates Startup and Technology Expo.
What happens during NVC?
A six-workshop series, NVC helps student startups look more compelling to investors. By the end of NVC, participants will:
- Craft a solid value proposition.
- Develop their go-to-market strategy.
- Build out a finance model compelling to investors.
All teams will leave the program with a finalized pitch deck, executive summary, and a chance to pitch for cash prizes.
Who is this program for?
If you’re a current Purdue student startup/team that meet some or all of these statements, this is the right program for you:
- I/we have completed Firestarter.
- I/we have built a team.
- I/we have created an MVP or prototype of some kind.
- I/we have received a grant, prize money or investment from friends or family.
- I/we have made my/our first dollar (or expect to generate revenue within 3-6 months).
If you’re a student, but not sure New Venture Challenge is the right fit? Apply anyway and our team will help you find the program best suited to your needs.
Key Information
Applications Open:
November 17, 2025
Applications Close:
January 13, 2026
Virtual Info Session:
December 11, 2025 from 12-1:30 P.M.
Save your spot for the virtual info session on Teams
Mentor Sessions
March 5, 2026 from 6-9 P.M. (Virtual)
April 9, 2026 from 6-9 P.M. (In-person)
Workshop Dates:
- January 29, 2026 from 6-8 P.M.
- Feb 12, 2026 from 6-8 P.M.
- Feb 26, 2026 from 6-8 P.M.
- March 12, 2026 from 6-8 P.M.
- March 26, 2026 from 6-8 P.M.
- April 9, 2026 from 6-8 P.M.
Semi-Finals:
April 14, 2026 from 5-8 P.M.
Finals at Startup and Technology Expo
April 22-24, 2026
Location
This cohort will be in-person at the Convergence Center for Innovation and Collaboration.