Charlotte Venture Challenge, the business innovation competition, is accepting applications from early-stage entrepreneurial companies through Monday, March 3.
Organized by UNC Charlotte’s Charlotte Research Institute and Ventureprise, Charlotte Venture Challenge has become the premiere start-up competition in the Southeast attracting more than 200 startup companies in the last two years.
Judged by innovation executives and tech scouts from Fortune 500 companies, angel investors and venture capitalists, the challenge is seeking applicants in six categories: New Energy and High Tech, IT and Informatics, Health IT and Biotech Sciences, Consumer Products and Services, Student Undergraduate Ventures and Student Graduate Ventures. Students enrolled in community colleges or four-year institutions must operate entries in the undergraduate and graduate categories.
In its 13th year, the Charlotte Venture Challenge is open to companies in the Carolinas, Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia and Washington, D.C.
“The competition is designed to match startups with large potential customers and provide early introductions to investors,” said Devin Collins, assistant director of business and entrepreneurial development at UNC Charlotte’s Charlotte Research Institute. “Charlotte has a great base of Fortune 500 companies that are actively involved with CVC and we are excited to attract more to the southeast to connect with our innovative startups.”
A series of workshops for registered start-ups will begin on Tuesday, Feb. 18. Prior to the competition finals, registrants will learn about opportunity assessments, receive feedback and have the chance to network. The finals and awards will be held on Tuesday, May, 6.
More information and application details are online.
Email questions to Devin Collins at devin.collins@uncc.edu.