The New Venture Competition, hosted by the Nebraska Center for Entrepreneurship on April 10 and 14, is where University of Nebraska–Lincoln students put their ideas and ventures in motion. Register before noon on March 30.
The New Venture Competition invites undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent alumni (May 2025 or later) to pitch their ideas or ventures to panels of founders, investors and leaders from the entrepreneurship community. Whether you are refining an early concept, launching a startup or growing a revenue-generating business, the competition provides an opportunity to gain real-world feedback, compete for funding, and take meaningful steps forward with your venture.
The bracket-style competition begins with 64 teams, each pitching their idea to a panel of judges. As the rounds progress, teams advance through the bracket based on the strength of their ideas, business models and presentations. The bracket steadily narrows until just four teams remain. The competition includes four total rounds: two preliminary rounds on day 1 (April 10) and the semifinal and final rounds on day 2 (April 14).
Every round follows the same format. Each team receives 10 minutes to pitch their idea or venture, followed by 10 minutes of Q&A from judges.
The competition features two tracks designed for founders at different stages of their journey.
The Traditional Bracket Competition is designed for first-time competitors or teams that have not placed in the top four in a previous New Venture Competition. These teams move through the tournament-style bracket across four rounds, with judges selecting teams to advance until the final four compete for the prizes totaling $45,000.
The Advanced Traction Competition is for ventures that have previously earned $7,500 or more in past New Venture Competitions. These teams compete in a separate bracket designed to highlight their growth and momentum as more established startups. Rather than competing against early-stage teams, this track focuses on ventures that have already demonstrated traction and are ready to showcase their next stage of development. This bracket awards $15,000 in total prizes.
Learn more and register here by noon on March 30.
Beyond the prize money, many students find the most valuable part of the competition is the experience itself. Participants strengthen their ability to communicate ideas, answer difficult questions, and refine their ventures through direct feedback from experienced founders and investors.
Whether you have a fully developed startup or simply an idea you want to explore, the New Venture Competition offers a chance to test your thinking, build momentum, and connect with Nebraska’s entrepreneurial community.
Registration for the 2026 New Venture Competition closes at noon on March 30. Students interested in pitching their idea or venture can learn more and register here.
The New Venture Competition preparation workshops include:
- March 26, 5 p.m. | Howard L. Hawks Hall, Room 315 | Office Hours: Bring any questions or requests for help, regardless of topic. Faculty and staff will be available to assist.
- March 31, 2 p.m. | Online (find Zoom link on website) | New Venture 101 with the Director: Pitching, Business Plans and Customer Discovery.
- April 1, 2 p.m. | Online (find Zoom link on website) | Effectively Calculate & Communicate Your Numbers (Financials, Market Size, etc.).
- April 7, 2 p.m. | Online (find Zoom link on website) | Pitch Deck Success.
- April 7, 5 p.m. | Howard L. Hawks Hall, Room 315 | Open Pitch Night: Practice your pitch and get feedback from peers and faculty.
- April 8, 5 p.m. | Howard L. Hawks Hall, Room 315 | Office Hours: Bring any questions or requests for help, regardless of topic. Faculty and staff will be available to assist.
Students who want a head start, extra feedback, or who can’t attend a scheduled workshop can also schedule time with Mallory Krenk, the center’s student engagement and recruitment coordinator. Krenk works with students one-on-one to discuss ideas, help prepare pitches, and connect them with resources to move their ventures forward. Schedule a meeting with Krenk here.
