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New Venture
New Venture Competitors

Bring Your Business to Life

The New Venture Competition is a showcase of entrepreneurial spirit, innovation and competition. All ventures created, run, and owned by University of Nebraska–Lincoln students* are invited to compete. During the two day event, undergraduate and graduate students pitch their business plans to a panel of judges and field questions based on feasibility, market potential, financial projections and more. Judge panels are comprised of founders and professionals in the entrepreneurship space who are dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship in Nebraska and beyond.

*Alumni who graduated within a year of the competition (May 2023 or after) are invited to compete.

calendar

April 16 and 18, 2024
City Union and Rococo Theater (140 N 13th St Lincoln, NE 68508)

Register to Compete

Registration Deadline: 5:00 p.m. CST on April 4, 2024.

How It Works

The New Venture Competition uses a bracket style (3 rounds, knockout elimination) competition. Teams advance through two preliminary rounds on Day 1. Following those two rounds, four teams will compete against one another on Day 2. One grand prize of $15,000 will be awarded, as well as cash prizes for 2nd-4th place. Prizes will be awarded immediately following the competition during the awards reception. Feedback from the finals judges will be available.

Grand Prize

$15,000

Second Place

$12,500

Third Place

$10,000

Fourth Place

$7,500

Finalist teams may have the opportunity for further investment up to $25,000 from the Husker Venture Fund, a student-led venture fund that provides early stage capital to startups.

Thomas G. Guy Startup Team Award

Awarded to the team demonstrating the best organization and collaboration

$2,500

Guidelines

  • The competition is open to all University of Nebraska–Lincoln undergraduate and graduate students. *Alumni who graduated within a year of the competition (May 2023 or after) are also invited to compete.
  • Registration is due by 5:00 p.m. CST on April 4, 2024.
  • All teammate names and contact information must be included in registration.
  • Team must consult with the Center for Entrepreneurship regarding the pitch deck format (PowerPoint, PDF, etc) no later than 5:00pm on April 9, 2024.
  • Submitting a business plan is not required, but is highly recommended.
  • Submitting a finalized pitch deck is not required, but it would be advantageous for teams to submit their finalized pitch decks by 5:00pm on April 14, 2024. This will allow the Center for Entrepreneurship to pre-load presentations on the computers available for use in the competition spaces.
  • If you do not upload your final pitch deck by 5:00 p.m. on April 14, 2024 your team will be responsible for and must plan for potential tech delays and/or compatibility issues directly before your presentation.
  • Teams that have competed in prior University of Nebraska–Lincoln competitions AND been awarded $7,500 or more (total across all competitions) must report this in the registration.
  • Teams must be present at check in for all rounds in which they are competing.
  • Teams who wish to cancel their registration must do so by 5:00pm on April 10, 2024 by emailing entrepreneurship@unl.edu. Failure to notify the Center for Entrepreneurship by this date could result in disqualification from future competitions.
  • Prize payment information (business name, account information, etc.) must be provided to the Center for Entrepreneurship immediately following the competition and completed no later than 5:00 p.m. on June 10, 2024.
  • The New Venture Competition provides a trusted and confidential environment where students should feel safe to develop, test, and present their business models. All participants (students, judges, etc.) must keep all discussions, materials, and pitches confidential and not share information with others outside of the competition or take competitors/presenters ideas and make them their own.
  • Teams that have competed in prior University of Nebraska–Lincoln competitions AND been awarded $7,500 or more (total across all competitions) must report this in the registration. These teams will be placed in the Advanced Traction Bracket. See below for further details.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Registration When is the registration due?
Thursday, April 4, at 5:00pm CST.

Does each member of the team need to register?
No. Only one team member should submit a registration. In this registration, the team member will share contact information for all team members. All communications from the Center for Entrepreneurship will include all team members listed on the registration.

Will I receive a confirmation of my registration?
Yes, you will receive an immediate confirmation email following your submission. Additionally, you will receive an email from the Center for Entrepreneurship team within 72 hours of your registration with additional details regarding document uploads. Be sure to check all your inbox folders.

Do I need to submit a business plan or other supporting materials when I register?
No, not during registration. See the "Business Plan" section for further information.

Can I compete with an existing business?
Yes. All new, student-created, managed and owned ventures are welcome. The competition is for new, independent ventures in the idea development/pre-launch, seed, startup or early growth stages.
Teams that have been awarded $7,500 or more in University of Nebraska–Lincoln sponsored competitions will compete in the Advanced Traction Bracket and will not compete on Day 1. These teams will compete against one another on Day 2 and will not compete against teams that have not hit the $7,500 University of Nebraska–Lincoln award threshold.
The Event Logistics What is the structure of the New Venture Competition?
The bracket-style, three-round competition is structured as follows:
  • Round 1: morning of Tuesday, April 16 in the Nebraska City Campus Union
  • Round 2: afternoon of Tuesday, April 16 in the Nebraska City Campus Union
  • Final Round and Awards Reception: afternoon and early evening of Thursday, April 18 at the Rococo Theater
Do I have to show up at check in or only when I present?
You must show up at check in.

Can my friends and family attend to support and watch my pitch?
Yes! Please remind all spectators of the need for confidentiality while observing other pitches.

Are meals provided on competition day?
Yes! Breakfast and lunch are served on the first day of the competition. Heavy appetizers are provided during the final round and award celebration on day two.
The Teams Who can compete?
All programming and competitions hosted by the Nebraska Center for Entrepreneurship are open to all University of Nebraska–Lincoln undergraduate and graduate students.
Alumni who graduated within a year of the current New Venture Competition (May 2023 or after) are also invited to compete.

Is the competition for individuals or is it team based?
The competition supports individuals and/or teams who are pursuing entrepreneurship.

Do all team members need to be students?
No, but for companies in the concept phase, students must have played a major role in conceiving the venture and have key management roles within it. Existing companies must be at least 50% student-owned. For the purpose of this competition, students are defined as currently enrolled University of Nebraska–Lincoln undergraduate and graduate students, as well as alumni who graduated within a year of the competition (May 2023 or after).

Are there restrictions as to who can present?
If there are non-students who are members of your venture's management team, they are not allowed to present. They can participate in planning the venture and may help answer questions from the judges, but cannot present.
The Business Plan Do I need to submit a business plan?
No, however, submitting a business plan is highly recommended as it will be used to build the competition bracket and will ensure the competition is fair and balanced.

How long should my business plan be?
There are no length requirements, but all business plans should include: a problem statement, solution, target market(s), business model, marketing and sales plans, competition, management team, financial projections, key metrics, current status, accomplishments to date, timeline and use of funds.

How and when do I submit my business plan? Your business plan and any supporting materials (executive summary, financial projections, etc.) must be uploaded though a OneDrive link available here and sent via email to all registrants after they register. These documents must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. on April 9, 2024. Your business plan does not need to be finalized when you upload it, but should be nearly complete. You are welcome to make changes to your business plan prior to your pitch.

Are there resources to assist me with my business plan and/or financial projections?
Yes! Center for Entrepreneurship faculty and staff are available to help you with your business plan, pitch, and any other questions you may have. Please refer to the schedule of pre-competition workshops for topic-specific help. Contact entrepreneurship@unl.edu to set up an appointment.

Can I submit more than one business plan?
No.
The Pitch How long is the pitch?
Each team will be given five minutes to set up, 15 minutes to present its business plan, followed by a 10-minute question and answer session with the judges. These time limits will be strictly enforced.

What specifics do I need to know about my pitch deck?
A pitch deck should be around 10-15 slides to fit within the 15-minute presentation limit. Teams will be responsible for determining the best way to share their slides while presenting, considering tech compatibility. Please reach out to entrepreneurship@unl.edu if you would like assistance.

How many times will I pitch?
There are three rounds of competition - two preliminary rounds on Day 1 and a final round on Day 2. Because the competition is run in a bracket (knockout) format, you may be required to present once, twice or three times. If you are a finalist, you will present your business plan three times.

What technology is available to me during my pitch?
The room is equipped with a computer, keyboard, mouse, slideshow, clicker/pointer, speakers, a projector and screen. The computer will have inputs for HDMI and an HDMI cord, but bringing your computer and connecting to the computer/projector screen could create delays based on technology issues.

What is the ideal way to prepare my technology for presentation?
Historically, these methods have been the most successful for teams during their competition time slot.
  • Prepare pitch in a .pdf or PowerPoint format and upload by 5:00pm on April 14, 2024.
  • Save pitch as a .pdf or PowerPoint and save it to a cloud based storage (OneDrive) and access it yourself via the internet during the presentation.
  • Access pitch yourself using a web based service (Canva, etc.) during the presentation.
Can I have props?
Yes. If props are oversized, potentially dangerous, or could be restricted by the competition venue, please consult the Center for Entrepreneurship team at entrepreneurship@unl.edu.

Can I observe other teams' presentations and/or their question and answer sessions?
Yes! Teams are allowed to observe other teams' presentations and/or question and answer sessions. However, teams should respect the confidentiality agreement made when entering the competition.
The Advanced Traction Bracket Who qualifies for the Advanced Traction Bracket?
Teams that have competed in prior University of Nebraska–Lincoln competitions AND been awarded $7,500 or more (total across all competitions). Following a completed registration indicating the above criteria applies to them, teams will be notified that they have been placed in the Advanced Traction Bracket. If a team fails to notify the Center for Entrepreneurship that they meet the Advanced Traction Bracket criteria, they will be disqualified from the competition and from future competitions.

Will Advanced Traction Bracket teams compete against teams that are new to the competition?
No, Advanced Traction Bracket teams will not compete during rounds one and two. Placement in this bracket automatically advances the team to the final round of competition on day two where they’ll compete against one another. These presentations will occur before the traditional bracket presentations, typically during a morning session.

What will be required of the Advanced Traction Bracket teams during their presentations?
Advanced Traction Bracket teams are required to submit their business plan for judge review prior to their presentation. Teams should provide a high-level view of the business and presentations must include these elements and/or be prepared to answer these questions from judges:
-Present a robust financial analysis, including projections, revenue and profit when compared to the last time the team competed
-Include details about venture updates, pivots and changes when compared to the last time the team competed
- Provide updates regarding competitors and customers when compared to the last time the team competed and consequent marketing strategy adjustments
-Provide information about defined roles and organizational structure and any gaps that exist within both
-Provide short (within the next year) and long (2-3 years) term plans
-Address what worked, what didn't work, and how the team pivoted
AND
- Give a 5-minute presentation following the traditional bracket competition during the afternoon of day 2. This presentation should be a very brief overview of the business as it is today and is not intended to feel like a pitch. Basically, tell the audience who you are, what you're doing and why you're doing it.

What prize money is available for Advanced Traction Bracket teams?
There will be no defined First, Second, Third, etc. place prior to the competition. These placings, and associated prize money, will be determined solely by the judges on competition day and may vary from year to year. Advanced Traction Bracket teams will be awarded their place/prize money during the Entrepreneur Award Celebration along with the traditional bracket teams.

How many times can an Advanced Traction Bracket team compete in the New Venture Competition?
Teams presenting the same business more than once will be limited to two New Venture Competition experiences, once in the traditional bracket and once in the Advanced Traction Bracket.

Will there be an Advanced Traction Bracket every year?
The Advanced Traction Bracket will take place only if two or more qualified teams register to compete within the same year.

The Prizes Do I need to set up an LLC or business bank account prior to the competition?
No, but if you win and receive prize money you will be required to set up a business bank account for payment purposes. Please work with your preferred bank for specific information and requirements.

If I win, how do I receive the prize money?
Winners are paid via check and/or direct deposit depending on individual team circumstances. All prize payments will be paid to the business and cannot be deposited into an individual personal account. All prize money should be deposited into a business account and used for business purposes.

Workshops

The Nebraska Center for Entrepreneurship offers workshop sessions to help you with your business plan, pitch, and any other questions you may have. See the schedule, location and topics below.

March 26

Preparing Business Plan Financials

HLH 227 @ 5 p.m.

March 28

Competition and Customers

HLH 227 @ 5 p.m.

April 2

Perfecting the Pitch

HLH 227 @ 5 p.m.

April 4

Pitch Deck Success

HLH 227 @ 5 p.m.

April 9

Office Hours
HLH 227 @ 5 p.m.

Come with any last questions, requests for help, etc. No topic is off limits!

Timeline

February 6

Registration Opens

Register

March 26

Workshop: Preparing Business Plan Financials

5 p.m. in HLH 227 | No RSVP Required

March 28

Workshop: Competition and Customers

5 p.m. in HLH 227 | No RSVP Required

April 2

Workshop: Perfecting the Pitch

5 p.m. in HLH 227 | No RSVP Required

April 4

Workshop: Pitch Deck Success

5 p.m. in HLH 227 | No RSVP Required

April 4

Registrations Due at 5 p.m.

Register

April 9

Workshop: Office Hours

5 p.m. in HLH 227 | No RSVP Required

April 9

Business Plan and Supporting Documents due at 5 p.m.

Not required, but recommended - see guidelines
Upload

April 14

Pitch deck upload due at 5 p.m.

Not required, but recommended - see guidelines
Upload

April 16

Round 1: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Round 2: 2 - 4 p.m.

Nebraska Union

April 18

Final Round and Awards Reception

Rococo Theater

June 10

Winner Payment Information due at 5 p.m.

Previous Winners

2023
dyslexico

$15,000: Dyslexico
Grace Clausen, Tristan Curd, Bridget Peterkin and Schadrack Shumbusho

$12,500: InforMedic
Tan Phan and Pranav Rajan

$10,000: Beacon
Maci Wilson

$7,500: Pat on Tap
Abby Miller

2022
cattle kettle

$15,000: Cattle Kettle
Seth Daup and Brooke Bode

$12,500: The PALETTE Project
Erika Casarin

$10,000: InforMedic
Tan Phan, Pranav Rajan, Luke Farritor

$7,500: Now Vertakking
Courtney and Sheldon Brummel


  • coraltechnologies
  • Hudl
  • Dyslexico
  • Fan Word
  • Informedic
  • Lslures
  • Oakbarn Beef
  • Pat on Tap
  • Pawlytics
  • Stahlaservices
  • The Pallette Project
  • Upstream Farms

Past Winners

2021

$25,000: Corral Technologies
Jack Keating

$25,000: LS Lures
Hunter Suchsland and Cade Ludwig

$10,000: Heartland Sounds
Hailey Demers (Coufal)

$7,500: Playbook
Maria Heyen

2019

Oak Barn Beef, Savannah Breeders Service

2018

Pawlytics and Upstream Farms

2017

Terrace Ag

2016

Concise Research Group

2015

Bongo Watersports and T&B Innovations, LLC

2014

Stahla Services

2013

PickIt

Contact

Center for Entrepreneurship

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