Contest Timeline

Submit your idea!

CONTEST WILL OPEN EARLY SPRING
  1. Phase 1
  2. Phase 2
  3. Phase 3
  4. Diligent Dozen

  1. Phase 1: Executive Summary

    Submission Period: Deadline June 15, 2026

    For Phase 1, participants will now submit an Executive Summary rather than answering a set of stand alone questions. This change allows founders to present their business in a more cohesive, compelling, and real-world format. If you already have an executive summary prepared, you may simply upload your existing document using the upload option in the application. If not, you can complete the structured sections provided to build your executive summary directly within the platform.

    Entries must be submitted into one of four categories: Advanced Manufacturing, Business Services, Information Technology and Life Sciences.

    Don’t worry if you’re unsure which category to choose, our judges can adjust if it works out to your advantage.

  2. Phase 2: Executive Summary

    Submission Period: February 20, 2026 – March 13, 2026

    The Top 50 entries, plus ties, will submit an Executive Summary. Entries should be no more than 1,000 words.

     

    A business plan boot camp for Phase 2 participants will be held in February or March.  

  3. Phase 2: 7 Min. Pitch Deck

    Submission Period: April 6, 2026 – April 27, 2026

    The top 25 entries, plus ties, will submit “pitch decks” with voiceover audio, using PowerPoint.  “Pitch Decks” will be up to 7 minutes long. Judges will review the decks and pick three finalists from each category to advance to the final phase of the competition.

  4. Entrepreneurs’ Conference

    October 8-9, 2026

    The “Diligent Dozen” will square-off with presentations at the Early Stage Symposium.  Judging will help determine the category winners and the Grand Prize winner.

     

    All winners will be announced at the 2026 Early Stage Symposium