Baylor New Venture Competition

The John F. Baugh Center for Entrepreneurship will host the 14th Annual Baylor New Venture Competition (NVC) on April 16-17, 2027 at Baylor University's Foster Campus for Business and Innovation. Applications for the competition are open April 1 through Oct. 1. This business plan and elevator pitch competition showcases collegiate student created, managed and led ventures from across the globe. The competition provides participants with personal and professional development through:

• industry-specific mentorship towards sustainable business plans,
• exclusive access to accomplished experts and fellow innovators,
• and a chance to compete for more than $200,000 in cash prizes and vital resources.

Since its inception, more than 1,000 student entrepreneurs world-wide have applied to compete in the competition. Nearly $1 million in cash and prizes has been awarded to these collegiate entrepreneurs.

About the Baylor New Venture Competition

The Baylor New Venture Competition is underwritten by an anonymous gift to Baylor University and the Hankamer School of Business. The differentiator between this competition and others is the focus on encouraging student entrepreneurs worldwide to catalyze and grow their business.

Applicants will receive expert advice throughout the competition cycle:

• Executive Summary Feedback
• Business Plan Feedback
• One-on-One Mentorship
• Rounds of Pitch Coaching
• Feedback Sessions
• Final Presentation Feedback

The day of finals will include pitch presentations with judge Q&A, networking, a business showcase, audience participation and awards.

The NVC is successful because of the support from hundreds of experienced entrepreneurs, business leaders and partners.

Introducing the National Collegiate Innovation Championship

The NVC will team up with the National Collegiate Business Championship Series for the 2nd annual National Collegiate Innovation Championship (NCIC). This collaboration will give students the opportunity to simultaneously apply to both the NVC and NCIC by completing just one application. For more information about the collaboration and eligibility, visit the NCIC website.

2027 BNVC Prizes and Awards

NVC Awards

• First Place: $50,000 Cash + In-kind awards
• Second Place: $25,000 Cash + In-kind awards
• Third Place: $10,000 Cash + In-kind awards
• Honorable Mention (4th - 10th): $1,500 Cash + In-kind awards

*In-kind awards can include website hosting, various consultations, co-working space, legal services and more. 

NVC Elevator Pitch Awards

• 1st Place - $1,500 Cash
• 2nd Place - $1,000 Cash
• 3rd Place - $500 Cash

2027 NVC Eligibility

The 2027 NVC is open to teams of not-for-profit accredited university students and recent alumni around the world. There is no limit to the number of teams from a single university that may apply. For further information on team eligibility, visit the 2026 official guidebook linked in the application.

2027 NVC Competition Important Dates

NVC Applicant Round One: Executive Summary (Online): April 1, 2026 - Oct. 1, 2026
Teams submit a two-page Executive Summary of their business concept and verification of student status. Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. (CST) on Oct. 1, 2026. The top 50 teams will be notified of advancement to the next round.

NVC Top 50 Announced: Nov. 20, 2027

NVC Round Two: Business Plan (Online): Nov. 20, 2026 - Jan. 18, 2027
The top 50 teams will submit a full business plan, cap table, verification of establishment of a legal entity and tax forms by 11:59 p.m. (CST) on January 19, 2026. The top 10 finalist teams will be assigned a mentor and will compete in the competition finals at Baylor University.

NVC Top 10 Announced: February 26, 2027

NVC Pre-Competition Activities (In Person, at Baylor University): Friday, April 16, 2027
Kickoff events and feedback sessions

NVC Finals (In Person, at Baylor University): Saturday, April 17, 2027
Top-ten finalist teams will be randomly chosen to present to a panel of judges. Judges will score each team and will record feedback comments. 

NVC Elevator Pitch Competition and Awards Banquet (In Person, at Baylor University): Saturday, April 17, 2027
Round One: A member from each team will present their 90-second pitch for audience polling. The top five teams will advance.
Round Two: A different member from the top five teams will present their 90-second pitch for audience polling. The top three winners will be chosen according to the number of votes from the audience.

Application link: https://accounts.younoodle.com/login?redirect-url=https:%2F%2Fapply.younoodle.com%2Fround%2F2026_2027_baylor_new_venture_competition

More information: https://hankamer.baylor.edu/baugh-center/new-venture