Enter a Competition
Iowa Centers for Entreprise Elevator Pitch Competition (fall)
The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC) and the University of Iowa Research Foundation (UIRF) sponsor the Elevator Pitch Competition for University of Iowa faculty, staff, & graduate students, as well as start-up companies whose principal address is at the UI Research Park or at the Bedell Entrepreneurship Learning Laboratory. The competition allows for early-stage entrepreneurs to compete for start-up capital for their business idea. Participants will compete for $40,000 in total cash prizes. Congratulations to our Fall 2011 competition winners!
Iowa Centers for Entreprise Challenge (spring)
The purpose of the IOWA Centers for Enterprise Challenge is to encourage new, original ideas or start-up business opportunities. The contest permits University of Iowa faculty, staff, & graduate students, as well as start-up companies whose principal address is at the UI Research Park or at the Bedell Entrepreneurship Learning Laboratory to take their first steps toward turing an idea or opportunity into a viable business. Participants will compete for $56,000 in total cash prizes. The spirit of the contest is that it is both an educational experience and a potential launch pad for those who wish to start a business or are currently in the process of starting a business. Congratulations to our 2012 winners!
Pappajohn New Venture Business Plan Competition (spring)
In September 2000, John Pappajohn created a statewide business plan competition to encourage and help Iowa undergraduate and graduate students pursue their interests in starting their own companies. Regional competitions are held at each of the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers in Iowa. Regional finalists present their plan to John Pappajohn and his staff at Equity Dynamics Inc. Three awards of $5,000 each are awarded to the top teams.
Congratulations to the University of Iowa finalists! IMIG Foley Catheter & Tutor Universe
Congratulations to the University of Iowa winner of the state competition! Mazira - $5,000
Pappajohn Iowa Business Plan Competition (spring/summer)
Held annually since 2006, the Pappajohn Iowa Business Plan Competition has encouraged entrepreneurial activity across the state of Iowa. The competition is open to any Iowan. The first-place prize is $25,000 and total prizes exceed $50,000. The program is sponsored by John Pappajohn, Equity Dynamics, the five John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers around the state, and the Iowa Department of Economic Development. For more information, visit www.iowabusinessplancompetition.com.
National Business Plan Competitions (fall/spring/summer)
Throughout the year, JPEC nominates serveral startups to represent the University of Iowa by competing in national business plan competitions for a chance to win seed money for their new venture. Pontential prizes range from $1,000 to $1,300,000. For more information, contact iowajpec@uiowa.edu.
SolveIt Case Competitions (fall/spring)
Several times throughout the year, JPEC sponsors these competitions where teams of 4 members compete by addressing a business problem of a true start-up company. It is open to all UI students, faculty and staff. After 2 weeks the team submits a one page executive summary and YouTube video explaining how they will solve the problem.
Competitions for Undergraduate Students
During the year, JPEC and its partners offer several opportunities for undergraduate students to raise money to start or grow their business while in college. Annually, JPEC awards more than $115,000 in cash prizes through its business plan and elevator pitch competitions. JPEC's goal is to help foster and grow the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders.