The Dempsey Startup Competition offers a defining college experience for student entrepreneurs. As an annual business plan competition, it provides a multi-stage, real-world platform for students to intersect their new venture creations with the Pacific Northwest's entrepreneurial and investment community.
Program Benefits
• Make significant progress on an idea in a condensed timeframe.
• Gain valuable feedback and build a professional network by connecting with over 300 entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, angel investors, and industry professionals who serve as judges.
• Compete for a share of $90,000 in prize money, which includes a $25,000 Grand Prize and nearly a dozen Best Idea and Big Picture prizes ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 for teams advancing beyond the Screening Round.
Eligibility and Special Provisions
• Open to students currently attending an accredited college or university in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, and British Columbia.
• University of Washington students who advance to the Investment Round (top 36 teams) have the option to receive 2 practicum credits for their participation.
Informational and Preparation Events
• In-Person Session: Tuesday, March 10, from 11:00 – 12:00 PM, providing an opportunity to review successful past applications and meet with prize-winning teams.
• Virtual Session: Tuesday, March 17, from 12:30 – 1:30 PM.
Application Details
• Application Deadline: Monday, April 6, before midnight.
• Contact for Inquiries: Yuko Oaku, Dempsey Startup Competition Manager, at yukooaku@uw.edu.
This competition represents a significant opportunity for student innovators across the specified regions to test their business concepts, receive expert guidance, and potentially secure funding to advance their ventures.