Edward L. Kaplan New Venture Challenge

2026-06-04 · 08:00:00 · Chicago

Harper Center, Room C-25

5807 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago, 60637

<p>Join us for the finals of the 30th annual Edward L. Kaplan, \'71, New Venture Challenge (NVC). NVC finalists will present to a panel of judges comprised of top investors,...</p>\n

Organizer: Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

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At a glance

Tickets
Free
Format
10 finalists presented their business plans to a judging panel of nearly 30 investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, who deliberated behind closed doors before announcing the winners.
Who can apply
NVC is Chicago Booth's startup accelerator for graduate students, with four tracks serving distinct University of Chicago audiences, including undergraduates and executive MBA students.
Prizes
Total $2.1 million awarded. Prizes: First place $575,000, second $560,000, third $210,000, fourth $150,000, fifth $135,000, sixth $190,000, seventh $205,000, eighth (tie) $25,000 each. Additional: People's Choice $5,000, Moonshot Prize $25,000.
Attendance
Booth students, members of the public, mentors, advisors, faculty, staff, and investors
Sectors
Agnostic

Speakers, judges and hosts

  • Justin Hoot — Head of Business Development, Slideflow Labs (Speaker)
  • Mark Tebbe — Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship, University of Chicago Booth School of Business (Speaker)
  • Steve Kaplan — Kessenich E.P. Faculty Director of the Polsky Center and Neubauer Family Distinguished Service Professor of Entrepreneurship and Finance, University of Chicago Booth School of Business (Speaker)

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