Duquesne New Venture Challenge to Award Entrepreneurs More than $100,000 in Cash and Prizes

The 2025–2026 DNVC is a premier, three-stage business plan competition designed to help innovators refine their ideas, connect with experts and compete for more than $100,000 in cash and service prizes. Applications close Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. 

"Each year, the DNVC showcases the creativity, determination and entrepreneurial spirit that drives the next generation of business leaders," said Staci Offutt, director of the School's Center for Excellence in Entrepreneurship. "With more than $100,000 at stake, along with access to mentorship and resources, this is an incredible platform for innovators to take their businesses to the next level."
 
The DNVC welcomes individuals and teams of up to five members. Business ideas must be established within four years prior to the DNVC's application deadline. 
 
Now in its seventh year, the DNVC has become a recognized launchpad for startups in the region and beyond. 
 
"The DNVC has firmly established itself as a premier, difference-making competition," said Dr. Dean McFarlin, dean of the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business. "Winners and finalists have gone on to secure funding, scale their ventures and earn recognition as leading startups to watch. For entrepreneurs ready to pursue bigger goals, DNVC offers cash, expert guidance and unparalleled visibility. Previous DNVC winners have gone on to earn access to incubators and accelerators, been named among the top startups to watch in the region, and secured additional funding allowing them to further scale their businesses.”
 
The DNVC is a three-stage competition that includes: 
 
Stage I: One-Minute Video Pitch
Entrants submit a short YouTube pitch. Up to three teams will be recognized for outstanding video pitches, with $1,500 awarded to the top winner. Up to 15 semi-finalists will advance to Stage II.
 
Stage II: Executive Summary, Business Plan and Five-Minute Pitch
Semi-finalists submit a written plan and video pitch. Each semi-finalist receives $1,000 and 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
Finalists deliver 15-minute presentations, followed by a Q&A session with a panel of seasoned judges. More than $40,000 in cash prizes will be awarded, including $20,000 for the winning team.
 
The top three finalists will receive additional prizes and support, including legal education provided through Duquesne’s 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.

Learn more and submit an entry to the DNVC. 

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.

It's time for bigger goals. Follow Duquesne University on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and LinkedIn.
www.duq.edu