Oct 8 – Dec 31
Jan 7 – Mar 1
Mar 22 / Mar 24
Apr 23 – Apr 25
Inspiring the entrepreneurial spirit
In 2026, e-Fest celebrates 10 years as the ultimate capstone experience for undergraduate entrepreneurs. This dynamic three-day national competition breaks down barriers—inviting students from every major and every university to showcase their ventures on a national stage.
With more than $1.75M already awarded to nearly 600 students, e-Fest offers cash prizes, career-shaping connections, immersive workshops, and national media exposure. Bring your big idea, pursue the next level, and join a community that’s redefining what’s possible
Over $1.75M Awarded to Undergraduate Business Ventures
Since 2017, e-Fest has been the ultimate capstone experience—giving undergraduates from every major the chance to pitch their ventures on a national stage, gain recognition, build powerful connections, and take their ideas to the next level.
Considering applying to e-Fest 2026? Here’s how to get started:
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1. Commit to competing.
Take your venture to the next level by applying to be part of the 10th anniversary of e-Fest—the ultimate capstone experience for undergraduate entrepreneurs.
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2. Build your pitch.
Start crafting your pitch deck and video now. Explore our Download Library for expert resources, templates, and inspiration to help your ideas shine.
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3. Mark your calendar.
Save the date and be ready when submissions open on January 7, 2026. This is your chance to showcase your venture on a national stage.
Students, avoid making the judges cringe when you present your business pitch!
If you want to stand out at e-Fest, you need to have a memorable pitch — but not one that makes the judges cringe. Download our exclusive guide, How to Avoid Making a Cringy Pitch: 10 tips from an e-Fest judge, for tips on creating a pitch that will “wow” the judges.
Advisors, e-Fest can help put your entrepreneurship program on the map!
As a guiding force for the next generation of change-makers, we understand the crucial role you play in shaping the future of business. Download our exclusive guide, Roadmap to e-Fest, to learn how to get the most out of e-Fest for your students, your program and your institution.
Too often, the spotlight goes to ventures that already have traction, funding, or the connections to guarantee success. That can leave undergraduates wondering if their ideas even have a chance to move forward.
That’s where e-Fest changes the game.
We believe every student deserves the chance to pitch, learn, and grow on a national stage. What separates successful founders isn’t just their ideas—it’s their grit, their willingness to take a chance, and their ability to learn from every setback.
Because entrepreneurship isn’t just about creating the next Fortune 500 company.
It’s about building the confidence, skills, and resilience to champion your own ideas and bring entrepreneurial thinking to any discipline. That’s what makes e-Fest the ultimate capstone experience.
Meet the Winners of e-Fest 2025!
Touchstone
Schulze Entrepreneurship Challenge
Grand Champion – $50,000
BiliRoo
Pitch Slam!
1st Place – $10,000
