The New Venture Competition is where University of Nebraska–Lincoln students put their ideas and ventures in motion.
Undergraduates, graduate students, and recent alumni (May 2025 or later) are invited to pitch their ideas or ventures to panels of founders, investors, and leaders in the entrepreneurship community. Whether you’re refining an idea, getting your venture off the ground, or growing a revenue-generating business, this competition is your chance to gain valuable feedback, secure funding, and take your venture to the next level.
The New Venture Competition Features Two Tracks:
Traditional Bracket Competition: For first-time competitors or teams that haven’t placed in the top four in a previous New Venture Competition. These teams compete in four rounds over two days. Prizes total $45,000
Advanced Traction Competition: For teams that have previously earned $7,500 or more in past New Venture Competitions. These teams do not compete against or in the same bracket as Traditional Bracket teams; instead, they compete within their own bracket in a dedicated, growth-focused round designed to highlight their progress and potential. Prizes total $15,000.
Learn more about the competition format, prize money, guidelines, key dates, and frequently asked questions here: https://go.unl.edu/newventurecompetition. Registration closes on March 30.
More details at: https://go.unl.edu/newventurecompetition