The Prêmio USP de Empreendedorismo 2026, organized by the Agência USP de Inovação (AUSPIN), is a startup competition designed to recognize and support innovative entrepreneurial projects connected to the University of São Paulo (USP). The program encourages participants to develop scalable business solutions, demonstrate their potential impact, and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It provides opportunities for entrepreneurial development, networking, project presentations, and financial recognition.
Program Benefits
- Training: Opportunities to develop entrepreneurial skills and strengthen business models.
- Networking: Connections with entrepreneurs, innovation ecosystem stakeholders, and potential partners.
- Investor Presentations: Opportunities to pitch innovative projects and demonstrate their business potential.
- Prizes: Financial awards for the top-performing teams, with R$3,000 for first place, R$2,000 for second place, and R$1,000 for third place in each competition category.
Eligibility Requirements
- Team Structure: Applications must be submitted by teams consisting of at least three members.
- Nationality and Residency: Participants must be Brazilian nationals or foreign nationals holding valid Brazilian residence visas.
- USP Affiliation: At least one founder must be a current USP student or a graduate who completed their studies within the preceding 12 months.
- Project Focus: Eligible projects should demonstrate innovation, scalability, and alignment with at least one United Nations Sustainable Development Goal.
- Business Potential: Participating teams should present entrepreneurial initiatives with a clear value proposition and potential for development.
Selection Process
- Initial Eligibility Screening: Applications are reviewed to confirm compliance with the program's participation requirements.
- Project Evaluation: Eligible submissions are assessed according to their innovation potential, feasibility, relevance, and business prospects.
- Pitch Presentations: Selected teams present their projects to an evaluation panel.
- Assessment Criteria: Projects are evaluated based on their fit with the competition objectives, innovation, viability, and alignment with the SDGs.
- Final Selection: Winning teams are determined through the evaluation process and recognized with financial awards.
Application Deadline
- Extended Application Deadline: 2 November 2026.
- Final Presentation Dates: 17 and 18 November 2026.
- Location: São Paulo, Brazil.
Participation Restrictions
- Previous Winners: Teams or projects that have previously won the competition are not eligible to participate again.
- Mandatory Attendance: Selected participants must be available to attend the in-person activities scheduled for 17 and 18 November 2026 in São Paulo.
- Institutional Affiliation: Teams without an eligible USP-affiliated founder do not meet the participation requirements.
- Residency Requirements: Applicants must satisfy the nationality or legal residency conditions established by the competition.
The Prêmio USP de Empreendedorismo 2026 offers eligible university-affiliated entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase innovative startups, expand their professional networks, develop entrepreneurial capabilities, and compete for financial prizes. Interested teams should ensure they satisfy the eligibility requirements, prepare their project submissions before the extended deadline of 2 November 2026, and confirm their availability for the mandatory in-person presentations in São Paulo on 17 and 18 November 2026.