Startup Games

Team up. Pitch Ideas. Create a business in a weekend.

Dive into the entrepreneurial culture with your classmates at Startup Games. This is a two-day event where students, from all areas of study, pitch their ideas to have an impact. After you pitch, you will form teams and work together to bring the best ideas to life. By the second day, each team will pitch to a group of panelists for a chance to win cash prizes. You will learn problem-solving skills, have the opportunity to meet with community members, and begin to think like a creative entrepreneur. There is also the opportunity to earn one credit hour (if you are a full-time registered UI student, this may be available to you at no cost) and we feed you (all weekend long)! Bring your ideas to life in a creative and collaborative weekend!

Deadline to enter is Monday, Sept. 30, 2024

Benefits

Share your ideas with like minded students
Learn how to bring your ideas to life by working with a team to create a business in a weekend
Grow your contacts and network for the future
Option to earn one credit hour
- If you are a full time registered University of Iowa students taking 12+ credits, this may be available to you at no cost!

Eligibility

You must be a University of Iowa student currently enrolled in courses.
* Regarding student awards, international students are generally restricted due to international tax laws. Since they are not typically allowed to start a business, Iowa JPEC restricts seed funding awards for international students but may offer non-monetary recognition instead.
Your idea must be new.
- Your idea cannot be a developed business that you have already been pursuing. If you have received revenue, funding, or professional support (including the Startup Incubator) for this specific idea it will not be eligible. If you are unsure if your idea is eligible or not, please contact us at [email protected]
You must be able to attend the majority of the planned events throughout the weekend, your team will be depending on you.
- If you would like to participate but have a scheduling conflict, please contact [email protected] to discuss your eligibility for this program.

**Please note: Prizes will not be paid until the individual winner meets with a member of the Iowa JPEC team to discuss the potential of their idea and how Iowa JPEC can be of assistance to the student. Milestones may be required for larger prizes. Meetings will not take more than 15 minutes.

NEXT STEPS

Deadline to enter Sept. 30. Spots are limited, so secure yours now.

FAQ

Have more questions? Download our Frequently Asked Questions handout to find out more about Startup Games.

No idea? No problem.

If you don't have an idea for a startup it's no problem. You will be able to choose a team whose idea you like - and join their team. Startup Games is designed to create a new business with a team, not by yourself.