Registration for the 2019-20 High School Utah Entrepreneur Challenge is now open. The statewide business model competition is open to all students in Utah ages 14-18. Teams compete for $30,000 in cash and in-kind prizes, including a $7,000 grand prize. The registration deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020.
The competition is managed by the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute, an interdisciplinary division of the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah, and sponsored by Zions Bank.
“The High School Utah Entrepreneur Challenge provides an opportunity for students to showcase their creativity as well as their ability to put their ideas into action,” said Sam Hirsch, the student director of the competition. “We encourage all high school students to get involved for a chance to earn prizes, scholarships, and have a great learning experience.”
With equity-free funding from Zions Bank, support from local businesses and an expanded professional network, the High School Utah Entrepreneur Challenge helps students launch their startup ideas.
Last year’s winner, Noisy NICU Cap, won the grand prize of $7,000 for an idea of a cap that protects newborn babies from the loud sounds experienced in the NICU. Second place went to Career Rocket, a team from Waterford High School, and third place went to Enable Helmets, a team from Park City High School. Learn more about last year’s winners online here.
To participate, students can visit the event website to view the competition guide and apply online. Students must submit a written business model.
Learn more about the High School Utah Entrepreneur Challenge online at lassonde.utah.edu/hsuec.
2019-20 Competition Timeline
- Application Opens Online— Friday, Sept. 13, 2019, noon
- Application Deadline— Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2020, 11:59 p.m.
- Online Judging Starts— Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2020, 8 a.m.
- Online Judging Ends— Tuesday, March 3, 2020, 5 p.m.
- Top 20 Finalists Announced— Thursday, March 5, 2020, 9 a.m.
- Public Online Voting Starts— Friday, March 6, 2020, noon
- Public Online Voting Ends— Friday, March 27, 2020, 11:59 p.m.
- Final Awards & Judging Event— Saturday, March 28, 2020
About the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute
The Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute is a nationally ranked hub for student entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of Utah and an interdisciplinary division of the David Eccles School of Business. The first programs were offered in 2001, through the vision and support of Pierre Lassonde, an alumnus of the Eccles School and successful mining entrepreneur. The institute now provides opportunities for thousands of students to learn about entrepreneurship and innovation. Programs include workshops, networking events, business-plan competitions, startup support, innovation programs, graduate seminars, scholarships, community outreach and more. All programs are open to students from any academic major or background. The Lassonde Institute also manages Lassonde Studios, a five-story innovation space and housing facility for all students. Learn more at lassonde.utah.edu.
