New Venture Competition
Baylor New Venture Competition - A Transformative Experience
The John F. Baugh Center for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise will host the 14th Annual Baylor New Venture Competition (NVC) on March 27-28 at Baylor University's Foster Campus for Business and Innovation. Applications for the competition are open Aug. 1 through Oct. 1. This business plan and elevator pitch competition showcases collegiate student created, managed and led ventures from across the globe. The competition provides participants with personal and professional development through:
- industry-specific mentorship towards sustainable business plans,
- exclusive access to accomplished experts and fellow innovators,
- and a chance to compete for more than $200,000 in cash prizes and vital resources.
Since its inception, more than 800 student entrepreneurs world-wide have applied to compete in the competition. Nearly $1 million in cash and prizes has been awarded to these collegiate entrepreneurs. Several NVC finalists have had additional successes beyond the BNVC. Most notably, Orai (2018 second-place winner) and Nanodropper (2019 top-10 finalist) were both named to the 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30. In 2024, Heartio (2022 first place winner) was also recognized by Forbes 30 under 30.
Please direct all questions via email to newventurecomp@baylor.edu.
About the Baylor New Venture Competition
The Baylor New Venture Competition is underwritten by an anonymous gift to Baylor University and the Hankamer School of Business. The differentiator between this competition and others is the focus on encouraging student entrepreneurs worldwide to catalyze and grow their business.
Applicants will receive expert advice throughout the competition cycle:
- Executive Summary Feedback
- Business Plan Feedback
- One-on-One Mentorship
- Rounds of Pitch Coaching
- Feedback Sessions
- Final Presentation Feedback
The day of finals will include pitch presentations with judge Q&A, networking, a business showcase, audience participation and awards.
The NVC is successful because of the support from hundreds of experienced entrepreneurs, business leaders and partners.
Introducing the National Collegiate Innovation Championship
In 2026, NVC will team up with the National Collegiate Business Championship Series for the inaugural National Collegiate Innovation Championship (NCIC). This collaboration will give students the opportunity to simultaneously apply to both the NVC and NCIC by completing just one application. For more information about the collaboration and eligibility, visit the NCIC website.
2026 BNVC Prizes and Awards
NVC Awards
- First Place: $50,000 Cash + In-kind awards
- Second Place: $25,000 Cash + In-kind awards
- Third Place: $10,000 Cash + In-kind awards
- Honorable Mention (4th - 10th): $1,500 Cash + In-kind awards
*In-kind awards can include website hosting, various consultations, co-working space, legal services and more.
NVC Elevator Pitch Awards
- 1st Place - $1,500 cash
- 2nd Place - $1,000 cash
- 3rd Place - $500 cash
2026 NVC Eligibility
The 2025 NVC is open to teams of not-for-profit accredited university students and recent alumni around the world. There is no limit to the number of teams from a single university that may apply. For further information on team eligibility, visit the 2026 official guidebook linked in the application.
2026 NVC Competition Important Dates
NVC Applicant Round One: Executive Summary (Online): Aug. 1, 2025 - Oct. 1, 2025
Teams submit a two-page Executive Summary of their business concept and verification of student status. Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. (CST) on Oct. 1, 2025. The top 50 teams will be notified of advancement to the next round.
NVC Round Two: Business Plan (Online): Nov. 17, 2025 - Jan. 19, 2026
The top 50 teams will submit a full business plan, cap table, verification of establishment of a legal entity and tax forms by 11:59 p.m. (CST) on January 21, 2026. The top 10 finalist teams will be assigned a mentor and will compete in the competition finals at Baylor University.
NVC Pre-Competition Activities (In Person, at Baylor University): Friday, March 27, 2026
Kickoff events and feedback sessions
NVC Finals (In Person, at Baylor University): Saturday, March 28, 2026
Top-ten finalist teams will be randomly chosen to present to a panel of judges. Judges will score each team and will record feedback comments.
NVC Elevator Pitch Competition and Awards Banquet (In Person, at Baylor University): Saturday, March 28, 2026
Round One: A member from each team will present their 90-second pitch for audience polling. The top five teams will advance.
Round Two: A different member from the top five teams will present their 90-second pitch for audience polling. The top three winners will be chosen according to the number of votes from the audience.
