How the competition works
Apply by February 1, 2027. Twelve finalists are announced on February 12 and pitch live at Stanford on March 8, 2027.
- 1
Now
Applications open
Apply on this site with short answers, your business plan and an optional 1-minute video. Your draft saves as you go.
- 2
February 1, 2027
Applications close
Everything is due at 11:59 pm Pacific.
- 3
February 12, 2027
12 finalists announced
Every applicant hears from us by email, and finalists are invited to Stanford.
- 4
March 8, 2027
Finals at Stanford
Two rounds of live pitches, with winners announced that day.
Who can apply
- Teams of one to three people.
- At least one member is a current full-time student at an accredited college or university, anywhere in the world.
- Other members may be students or recent graduates (within two years).
- Any stage and any model: nonprofit, for-profit or public benefit, as long as the mission is clear.
- You don't need to be incorporated to apply, but you must be to receive prize funds.
What to submit
Short answers
A few short questions about the problem, your solution, your impact and what you'd do with the prize.
Business plan
The heart of your application: the problem, your solution, the model, the team and how you'll measure impact.
1-minute video
A short pitch in your own words. A phone video is fine; clarity matters more than production.
Every application is scored against the same published rubric. Read it before you apply
How finals day works
On March 8, 2027, the 12 finalists pitch live at Stanford in two rounds.
Round 1
three groups of four
Group A
Group B
Group C
The 12 finalists are split into three groups. Each group pitches to its own panel of judges, and each panel picks one winner.
Round 2
the final three
The three group winners pitch again, this time to everyone in the room. Judges rank them first, second and third.
Prizes by placement
Every finalist places. 2027 prize amounts will be announced soon.
1st place
Winner of the final round
2nd place
Final round
3rd place
Final round
4th to 6th
Second in each group
7th to 9th
Third in each group
10th to 12th
Fourth in each group
Last year's prizes, 2026
- $30,000
- Prize funding for the winning venture, Foliage.
- 60 minutes
- One-on-one with Daniel Lubetzky (JD '93), founder of KIND and Builders and a Shark on ABC's Shark Tank.
Apply by February 1
Applications close February 1, 2027 at 11:59 pm Pacific, and are open to students at any university.
Questions first? Read the FAQ