Idea Challenge

  • Banner text: Idea Challenge. Image shows group of students at the Idea Challenge.

Idea Challenge

Each fall, the Rowan Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship teams up with the Rowan Innovation Venture Fund, along with sponsors Rohrer College of Business, the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering and the College of Science and Mathematics, to give Rowan students the opportunity to move their idea forward. The annual showcase encourages entrepreneurial thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration from students throughout the Rowan community.

Applications for the 2024 Idea Challenge will be posted on StartupTree in September. 

How to Participate
Please check Startup Tree for dates, deadlines and more information for this year’s Idea Challenge. Info sessions will also be posted for September and October.
Structure

The Idea Challenge encourages students from across all Rowan colleges to enter and provides a unique format to ensure that the idea has the needed resources to become a real business. A summary of each phase is below.

Phase 1 - Team Registration

Each team must submit an initial idea application on StartupTree to register their team and provide a brief summary of the business idea. 

Phase 2 - Virtual Toolkit

Upon registration, teams will receive a link with access to a virtual toolkit for student startups with resources that will help prepare entrants for the Idea Challenge.

Phase 3 - 90 Second Pitch Video

Teams must submit a 90 second pitch to confirm participation. Videos should be uploaded to YouTube as unlisted. Be sure to test the link before submitting.

Phase 4 - The Idea Challenge

Teams showcase their business at a decorated expo booth in Business Hall 104 and present their idea to students and faculty. Students are encouraged to think BIG and BOLD when planning their booth. A 6ft table and linen table cloth are provided. Power can be requested and is available as space permits.  

Prizes
First Place
$4,000 in seed funding
People's Choice Award package valued at $75*
Most Promising New Venture: CPG Award package valued at $50*
Most Promising New Venture: Cannabis Commercialization Award package valued at $50*
Most Promising New Venture: Technology Award package valued at $50*
Most Promising New Venture: Service Award package valued at $50*
Most Promising New Venture: Social Award package valued at $50*
Honorable Mention (2) Certificate

*Award packages are prizes valued at listed dollar amount.
 
Selected winners are also better positioned to unlock various rounds of seed-funding throughout the school year and move on to RCIE's Rohrer New Venture Competition.
Rules and Regulations
  1. Any Rowan undergraduate can submit an Initial Idea Application. You do not need to have a team in place to enter but you must have a team developed when submitting the final video pitch application.
  2. Eligible teams must be composed of at least two undergraduate students from different colleges at Rowan University. For example, a team with a student from the College of Business and the College of Engineering is eligible to compete.
  3. There is no limit to the size of the team assuming Rule #2 is met.
  4. All ideas must operate within the confines of the law.
  5. Winning teams must collect their prizes within the timeframe given.
Resources
RCIE is available for 1:1 mentorship and guidance appointments as teams prepare for the Idea Challenge. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the virtual student startup toolkit.