48-Hour Challenge

Building Entrepreneurial Teams and Testing Ideas

Experience the highs, lows, and pressure of developing a business idea and working in a startup environment. Whether participating for credit or not, all students at Nebraska are welcome to bring a business idea – no matter how developed it is – and form teams to develop early-stage ideas in this fun and immersive experience.

Undergraduate students may choose to participate in one of two ways:

Enrolling in ENTR 325 (48-Hour Challenge: Building Entrepreneurial Teams and Testing Ideas), which is a one-credit-hour pop-up course with regular tuition fees charged to MyRed
Registering for the experience here at no charge, but receive no tuition credit

Choosing the best option depends on your academic needs, if you have questions, please contact our office.

Thursday, February 20 - Saturday, February 22, 2025
Registration will open January 21, 2025

How It Works

The 48-Hour Challenge is centered on action, innovation and education. Beginning with Thursday night pitches and continuing through testing, business model development, and basic prototype creation, the 48-Hour Challenge culminates on Saturday night with presentations to a panel of local entrepreneurs.

Participants are challenged with building functional startups during the event and are able to collaborate with like-minded individuals outside of their daily networks. Mentors and coaches will be available throughout the two days to offer their functional expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I participate if my major is not in the College of Business?

Yes! Each year, we have students from many different colleges across campus compete. Diverse backgrounds and skillsets help ideas progress forward!

Do I have to come with a business idea?

You are encouraged to come with a business idea and share it with the other participants, no matter how developed it is. Anywhere is a good place to start! However, don’t worry if you don’t have a business idea – just contribute your skills, drive, experience and network as part of a team!

Do I need to register with a team?

No, registration prior to the 48-Hour Challenge is completed individually. Teams are formed on the first day after you hear the business ideas from your fellow participants!

What about food?

All meals, drinks and snacks are provided. If you cancel your registration after February 10, 2025 you may be charged $10 which is used to cover the meals provided.

If I participate, what do I get out of the experience?

The worst-case scenario is that you will work with brilliant people from numerous disciplines toward the common goal of building real companies and products. Whether you’re learning a new skill or a new way of thinking, the challenge offers the perfect opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and learn by doing. Great connections happen: co-founders meet, complementary skill sets collide and friends are made. The best-case scenario is that you will become a co-founder of a wildly successful new startup and go on to win the university’s New Venture Competition in April.

What happens if my plans change and I cannot attend?

If you are enrolled in the 1 credit course, you must drop that course in MyRed (speak to your advisor regarding drop dates and refunds) and notify our office. If you registered on this page and are not receiving tuition credit, please notify our office if you are unable to attend. Any cancellations made after February 10, 2025 may result in a $10 cancellation fee.

What does the schedule look like?

As the name indicates, this is a 48-Hour event. Generally speaking, you'll attend sessions, meet with mentors, work with your team, and share meals at the College of Business between the following hours:
Thursday, February 20: 5 - 8 p.m.
Friday, February 21: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 22: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Your team may want to continue working outside of these hours and you are welcome to do so within your assigned room in the College of Business.

Contact

Center for Entrepreneurship

entrepreneurship@unl.edu
HLH 315
402-472-3353