Purdue Innovates logo
Submit invention disclosure to otc
Purdue Technology Available for licensing

NEW VENTURE CHALLENGE

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.

Applications for New Venture Challenge are now closed. To get on the waitlist for a future cohort or reach out with a question about starting a company, please contact us. We are always happy to talk to you if you have an idea you’d like to develop.

contact us

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.

NEW VENTURE CHALLENGE Entry Form

Applications are now closed.