Duquesne New Venture Challenge Applications Open with Increased Prize Money for Winners

Applications open Sept. 1, 2026, and close Nov. 15, 2026. Individuals and teams of up to five members with ventures that are fewer than four years old as of the application deadline are eligible to apply.
 
"Entrepreneurs need more than great ideas. They need resources, mentorship and capital," said Staci Offutt, director of Duquesne's Center for Excellence in Entrepreneurship. "This year, we're making an even greater investment in founders by increasing our prize pool to more than $125,000 and substantially expanding the cash awards available to finalists. For many early-stage startups, these resources can help bridge the gap between a promising concept and a viable, growing business."

Expanded Prize Funding Supports Startup Growth

A significant enhancement to this year's competition is a dramatic increase in Stage III cash awards. Finalists will compete for $65,000 in total cash prizes, with every placement receiving a meaningful increase over previous years. 
 
The increased awards are designed to help entrepreneurs fund critical early-stage activities such as customer discovery, prototype development, product testing, intellectual property protection, marketing initiatives and preparation for outside investment.
 
Stage III cash awards include:

• First Place: $30,000, an increase of 50% from $20,000
• Second Place: $15,000, an increase of 50% from $10,000
• Third Place: $10,000, an increase of 50%
• Fourth Place: $5,000, an increase of 67% from $3,000
• Fifth Place: $5,000, an increase of 67% from $3,000

 "Entrepreneurship drives innovation and economic growth, but many startups struggle to access meaningful early-stage funding," said Dr. Dean McFarlin, dean of the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business. "These increased awards reflect our commitment to supporting founders when capital can have the greatest impact. By expanding prize funding, we're giving entrepreneurs more runway to test ideas, gain traction and position their ventures for long-term success."
 
The DNVC is a three-stage competition that includes: 
 
Stage I: One-Minute Video Pitch and Business Summary
Entrants submit a one-minute YouTube video pitch and a written business summary. Up to 15 semifinalist teams will advance to Stage II. In addition, judges will recognize outstanding video pitches with awards of $1,500 for First Place, $1,000 for Second Place and $500 for Third Place.
 
Stage II: Executive Summary, Business Plan and Five-Minute Pitch
Semifinalists submit a five-minute video pitch via YouTube link, an executive summary of up to 500 words in a PDF format and a business plan of up to 2,500 words in a PDF format. Semifinalists who complete the required submissions will receive $1,000, access to Duquesne's Center of Excellence in Entrepreneurship makerspace and associated resources to support and advance product development.
 
Stage III: Live Business Plan Presentations
Up to five finalist teams will advance to a live presentation round, where they will pitch their ventures before a panel of judges on Duquesne's campus. Finalists will compete for $65,000 in cash awards and an array of professional support services. 
 
The top three finalists will receive additional prizes and support, including legal education provided through the Duquesne University Thomas R. Kline School of Law, business consulting services from Duquesne's Small Business Development Center and ongoing advisement meetings with Palumbo-Donahue School of Business entrepreneurship program leaders. 

A Proven Launchpad for Emerging Ventures

The DNVC has become a recognized launchpad for startup founders and innovators. Participants gain valuable experience developing business models, testing market assumptions, pitching to industry experts and building connections with investors, mentors and entrepreneurial leaders. Previous participants have used the competition as a springboard to attract funding, enter accelerators and advance their ventures. 

Duquesne University

Founded in 1878, Duquesne is consistently ranked among the nation's top Catholic universities for its award-winning faculty and horizon-expanding education. A campus of more than 8,200 graduate and undergraduate students, Duquesne prepares students by having them work alongside faculty to discover and reach their goals. The University's academic programs, community service and commitment to equity and opportunity in the Pittsburgh region have earned national acclaim.

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