The New Venture Competition is a showcase of entrepreneurial spirit, innovation and competition. All ventures created, run, and owned by University of Nebraska–Lincoln students* are invited to compete. During the two day event, undergraduate and graduate students pitch their business plans to a panel of judges and field questions based on feasibility, market potential, financial projections and more. Judge panels are comprised of founders and professionals in the entrepreneurship space who are dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship in Nebraska and beyond.
*Alumni who graduated within a year of the competition (May 2023 or after) are invited to compete.

The New Venture Competition uses a bracket-style (3 rounds, knockout elimination) competition. Teams advance through two preliminary rounds on Day 1. Following those two rounds, four teams will compete against one another on Day 2. One grand prize of $15,000 will be awarded, as well as cash prizes for 2nd-4th place. Prizes will be awarded immediately following the competition during the awards reception.