Yellowstone Times

Applications are now open for Montana State University's $100,000 Venture Competition. This annual event is organized by the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship in collaboration with the MSU Blackstone LaunchPad.

The competition allows entrepreneurs to present their business ventures, receive feedback, and compete for startup funding. Interested participants must submit an online application by March 30. Semifinalists will be notified on April 4 and will deliver virtual presentations during the week of April 14. The finalists will then compete on April 24 at Inspiration Hall in MSU’s Norm Asbjornson Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

Eligible participants include undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, researchers, post-doctoral researchers, and recent alumni from Montana State University, the University of Montana, and Montana Technological University.

This competition offers a total prize money of $100,000 along with opportunities to connect with experienced entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and network resources. Participants will also receive feedback from judges which could potentially attract investor interest.

The competition includes categories such as Social Impact, Deep Tech or University-based Research, and Traditional Venture. Ventures can range from new products or services to nonprofit ventures or projects focused on social impact.

Previous finalist ventures included innovations like a modular rack system for vehicles, prosthetic adaptations for action sports, and carbon-capture technology using algae blooms.

Venture award winners from previous competitions are not eligible to participate again. Projects that have received venture capital or angel funding are also ineligible; however, those funded by an MUS institution or through Small Business Innovation Research or Small Business Technology Transfer programs may enter.

Further details about applications can be found at montana.edu/business/venture-competition/. For inquiries regarding the competition, contact 406-994-4383 or info@msulaunchpad.org.

The Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship provides several undergraduate study options including accounting and finance as well as minors like entrepreneurship. It also offers advanced degrees such as a master of professional accountancy degree.

MSU's Blackstone LaunchPad supports students in entrepreneurship across all majors by offering mentoring opportunities to grow networks and access resources needed for business success. More information is available at montana.edu/launchpad/.