Students pitch business models, vie for more than $40,000 in prizes at VT Entrepreneur Challenge Finals
February 26, 2019
The Apex Center for Entrepreneurs will host the 2019 Virginia Tech Entrepreneur Challenge Finals on Friday, March 1, on campus at 281 Davidson Hall, 4-7 p.m.
With more than 100 active startup teams on campus, the 2019 challenge showcases 10 of the best student-led new venture teams at Virginia Tech, said Apex Center director Sean Collins.
In the finals, the top 10 teams will pitch before a live audience in a bid to win more than $40,000 in prizes, including an on-the-spot $5,000 fan favorite award decided by the audience. Industry experts and visiting Hokie entrepreneurs will judge the pitches and select the winners.
The event will also feature networking opportunities where students can meet fellow-student startup founders and alumni, see what is being built at Virginia Tech, and consider joining a new venture team. This year, more than 2,500 students from all eight academic colleges at Virginia Tech engaged in Apex Center programs and events.
“Often we see talented students with a real passion for entrepreneurship, and they’re looking for an outlet. The Entrepreneur Challenge provides a fantastic platform to match up high-potential students with founders who need help making their new products or service come to life,” Collins said.
“The Apex Center works to inspire and empower students to put their passion, purpose, and ideas into action,” he said. “The Entrepreneur Challenge is just the beginning for these students, many of whom will continue to build their new ventures with Apex Center support, such as mentoring, workshops, and grants, to allow them to intern at their own companies over the summer.”
Collins thanked information technology and services company 1901 Group and its founder, Virginia Tech alumnus Sonu Singh, for their generous support of the challenge.
Students and faculty can attend the event at no cost: Save your seat and attend for free.
For more information about the challenge, visit the Apex Center Entrepreneur Challenge, or contact Lindsey Barts, Apex Center for Entrepreneurs, at lbarts@vt.edu or (540) 231-1328.
