Baylor Bear Challenge

A Venture Ideation Challenge

April 25-26, 2025
Waco, Texas
Baylor University

The Bear Challenge is an exciting entrepreneurship competition designed to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators. High school students from across Texas, representing cities like Austin, Houston and Dallas, are invited to Baylor University to tackle real-world business scenarios and create financially viable, market-centered solutions and opportunities for local businesses.

This unique event not only sharpens entrepreneurial skills but also allows participants to experience the dynamic spirit of Baylor’s top-ten-ranked entrepreneurship program.

Teams for the 2025 Bear Challenge have been selected. Information on the 2026 Bear Challenge will be available soon.

If you would like to come to watch the 2025 Bear Challenge student team presentations, please email BearChallenge@baylor.edu for more information.

A Journey of Innovation and Growth

Participants will be immersed in a two-day event that provides far more than a typical competition. The Bear Challenge offers:

Campus Experience: Students will tour Baylor's vibrant campus and interact with current students on a university campus committed to innovation and entrepreneurship.
Keynote and Instruction: The event will kick off with a keynote from an industry leader, followed by detailed instructions on the challenge ahead.
Mentorship and Feedback: Each competing team will be paired with a Baylor student who will guide them throughout the competition, providing valuable mentorship and feedback to hone their business strategies.
Constructive Work Sessions: A hands-on work session will allow teams to develop their final presentations, refining their ideas in preparation for the judging panel.

Compete for Prestigious Awards

The Bear Challenge culminates in team presentations judged by a distinguished panel of successful entrepreneurs and industry professionals. Judging criteria will focus on:

Problem-Solution Fit: Teams must clearly communicate the problem, their innovative solution and the research that supports their idea’s value and competitive edge.
Business Model Development: Teams need to present a solid business model, defining their customer value proposition, target audience and pathway to financial sustainability.
Pitch Delivery: A professional, confident and compelling pitch will be critical to winning over the judges.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three teams recognizing their creativity, business acumen and presentation skills. First place will receive $2,000. Second place will receive $1,000. And third place will receive $500.

An Unforgettable Baylor Experience

In addition to the competition, participants will have the opportunity to connect with current Baylor students and experience firsthand the energy and dynamism that sets Baylor apart. Baylor's entrepreneurship program is one of the nation's finest, offering students a unique learning environment filled with innovation and collaboration.

2025 Bear Challenge Partners

Bear Challenge Partners provide financial and in-kind resources that enable the Baugh Center to provide an on campus, experiential learning experience for high-performing high school students.

Financial Partners

Travis Hardwick, TCC Multi-Family Interiors Inc

Get Involved

Are you interested in learning more about how your students can participate in this transformative event? Or would you like to partner with a financial or in-kind donation to support the Bear Challenge? Send an email to BearChallenge@baylor.edu for more details.

2025 Bear Challenge Winners

First Place: Memorial Senior High, Houston

Second Place: Elkins High School, Missouri City

Third Place: Akins High School, Austin

2025 Honorable Mentions:

Anderson High School (Team A), Austin
Anderson High School (Team B), Austin
Centennial High School, Frisco
Emerson High School, McKinney
Northeast Early College High School (Team A), Austin
Northeast Early College High School (Team B), Austin
Southlake Carroll High School, Southlake
Vanguard High School, Mesquite
William P. Clements High School & John Foster Dulles High School, Sugar Land

2024 Bear Challenge Winners