Tim Draper Utah Entrepreneur Challenge

The Tim Draper Utah Entrepreneur Challenge is a statewide collegiate business competition administered by the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute at the University of Utah. Backed by notable venture capitalist Tim Draper and other sponsors, the program invites student-led teams from accredited Utah colleges and universities to propose viable business models for a chance to win from a pool of $75,000 in cash and in-kind prizes. The challenge aims to foster entrepreneurship and practical business development skills among Utah’s student population, with a structured competition model that helps teams develop, pitch, and refine their business ideas. The competition spans three rounds: an initial business model submission, a video presentation for semifinalists, and a final live presentation for the top 20 teams. Submissions must include a succinct business model no longer than six pages (excluding the cover page), outlining the company overview, product or service, market analysis, sales strategy, revenue model, and team structure. These documents are evaluated by panels of experienced entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and community leaders. Top 20 teams advance based on nominations by their own institutions and are required to submit a 2-minute video pitch and attend the final in-person presentation event. Eligibility is limited to student-led teams where the leading student is enrolled for at least nine credit hours across both semesters of the competition year. Teams must not have previously placed in the top eight of past UEC competitions. While additional non-student team members are allowed, the business must be student-directed. Existing companies may apply if they are under two years old, have raised less than $100,000, and are not franchises. Participants must be mindful of submission appropriateness; content deemed inappropriate may lead to disqualification. The 2025–2026 timeline includes an application window from September 10, 2025, through February 19, 2026, followed by an online judging period from February 20–27. Finalists are announced March 2, with public video voting running March 5–27. The final event, held March 28 at the University of Utah, determines the winners. Awards must be used to advance the submitted business ideas, and any prize exceeding $10,000 must be made payable to a legally registered business entity. Applicants are responsible for understanding the financial aid and tax implications of prize receipt, especially international students who must consult tax specialists to determine eligibility under tax treaties. No confidentiality agreements are provided, and students should protect proprietary information themselves. For support or clarification, participants may contact lassonde@utah.edu or 801-587-3836.

Emphasize clear and compelling business model, articulate product-market fit, maintain professionalism in video, and ensure all submission components are within format guidelines.