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 a one-credit-hour pop-up class OR for by registering for the experience (just $10 to help cover meals).
February 2023
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
The short answer is: yes! Our past participants spanned everything from an undergraduate in psychology to a freshly minted Ph.D. student. If you’re at all passionate about startups, it is likely that you will be a valuable participant.
You are encouraged to come with a business idea – no matter how developed it is. However, don’t worry if you don’t have a business idea – just contribute your skills, drive, experience and networks as part of a team working on an idea.
No! Contribute your skills, drive, experience and networks as part of a team that will form at the event.
All meals, drinks and in-between snacks are catered. Those participating in the challenge without enrolling in the pop-up class will pay $10 to cover food in the event registration. If you enroll in the pop-up class, you won’t have any additional event registration cost for food.
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: cofounders meet, complementary skill sets collide and friends are made. The best-case scenario is that you will become a cofounder 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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