Experience the highs, lows, fun 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 those early-stage ideas in this immersive experience. Undergraduate students may choose to participate for credit by enrolling in ENTR 325 (48-Hour Challenge: Building Entrepreneurial Teams and Testing Ideas), a one-credit-hour pop-up course, OR by registering for the experience for just $10.
Friday, February 10 - Sunday, February 12, 2023 Registration Coming Soon Register by Wednesday, February 8
The weekend is all centered on action, innovation and education. Beginning with Friday night pitches and continuing through testing, business model development, and basic prototype creation, 48-Hour Challenge culminates in Sunday night demos to a panel of potential investors and 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 weekend to offer their functional expertise. Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Each year, we have students from many different colleges across campus compete. Diverse backgrounds and skillsets help ideas progress forward!
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!
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!
All meals, drinks and snacks are provided. Those participating in the challenge without enrolling in the pop-up class (ENTR 325) will pay just $10 to cover meals. If you enroll in the pop-up class, you won’t have any additional event registration cost for meals.
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.
entrepreneurship@unl.edu HLH 315 402-472-3353
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