Inspiring the entrepreneurial spirit through undergraduate business competition.
More than just a business competition.
Cash Prizes and Grants
$220K in Cash Prizes
Take home a portion of over $220K in cash prizes across four competitions to help launch your business.
Development Grants
Receive up to $2,500 to support entrepreneurship-related programs and activities at your school.
Travel Stipends
Up to $3,750 in travel stipends offered for airfare, hotel, and meals during the event in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Networking and Learning
Networking
Connect with top student entrepreneurs and industry professionals from across the nation.
Learn from Leaders
Attend professional development workshops led by seasoned experts from around the country.
Get Recognized
Share and collaborate with peers and industry leaders to get your ideas out there.
Competition Timeline
1
Nov 15 – Jan 31
Apply for a Development Grant
2
Jan 8 – Mar 2
Submit Your Pitch
3
Mar 18 / Mar 21
Finalists Notified / Announced
4
Apr 24 – Apr 26
e-Fest 2025
Inspiring the Entrepreneurial Spirit
e-Fest changes the undergraduate start-up world by offering cash prizes, connections, workshops, and media coverage to help young entrepreneurs pursue the next level and inspire the entrepreneurial spirit.
e-Fest is a dynamic, three-day event that has awarded more than $1.5M dollars to nearly 500 undergraduates, representing more than 60 majors, from universities all across the country.
Considering Applying to e-Fest 2025?
1
Decide to go for it!
Take your business idea to the next level and commit to applying to compete at e-Fest 2025!
2
Create your pitch deck & video!
Start working on your pitch deck and video now. Don’t forget to check the Download Library for great resources!
3
Submit your pitch to e-Fest 2025!
Save the date and be ready to apply when submissions open on January 8, 2025.
Student or Advisor? Get Ahead!
For Students
Students, avoid making the judges cringe when you present your business pitch! Download our exclusive guide, How to Avoid Making a Cringy Pitch, for tips on creating a pitch that will “wow” the judges.
For Advisors
Advisors, e-Fest can help put your entrepreneurship program on the map! Download our exclusive guide, Roadmap to e-Fest, to learn how to get the most out of e-Fest for your students, your program, and your institution.
Meet the Winners of e-Fest 2024!
MabLab
Schulze Entrepreneurship Challenge Grand Champion – $50,000