About this programme
The Innovation Challenge is a two-part competition run by the Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship at UMass Amherst's Isenberg School of Management. It is built to assist and reward UMass students and young alumni who are pursuing a novel idea and developing it into a marketable product.
Startups can pursue for-profit, nonprofit, or hybrid business plans. Throughout the competition, participants get coaching through boot camps, advice from industry experts, mentor guidance, and feedback from celebrity judges.
How it works
In the Preliminary Round, teams present at Old Chapel to expert judges, each submitting a business model canvas and executive summary; prototypes are welcome and encouraged. Pitches run four minutes, followed by live Q&A, and winners advance to the Final.
In the Final Round, the top teams deliver final pitches, competing for up to $65,000 in equity-free funding, after submitting an updated business model canvas and executive summary.
The competition runs during the spring semester.
Who can apply
Open to UMass students and graduates of the last decade (GOLD alumni).
Frequently asked
Who can enter the Innovation Challenge?
UMass students and graduates of the last decade (GOLD alumni).
How much prize money is available?
Up to $65,000 in equity-free funding, shared among Final Round winners.
Do I need a working prototype to enter?
No, prototypes are welcome and encouraged but not required; teams submit a business model canvas and executive summary.
What does the pitch format look like?
In the Preliminary Round, teams pitch for four minutes followed by live Q&A in front of expert judges at Old Chapel.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.