Innovation Challenge
Innovation Challenge is a series of competitions that are designed to help and reward UMass students and young alumni who want to pursue a novel business idea and develop it into a marketable product.
The Minute Pitch Competition in October offers participants an easy way to get started and test business ideas without having to develop written business plans or models.
The Seed Pitch Competition in November challenges and rewards participants for taking the first steps toward building their business model and forming their elevator pitch.
The semi-final round in March is a closed-door competition that simulates an investor boardroom experience. Teams compete for slot in the final round.
In the final competition in April, the best of the best vie for significant prizes to move their business to the next level. Judges determine the winning teams and awards.
Compete!
Invest in UMass Amherst Innovation
Maroon Venture Partners Fund I, LP is a for-profit venture fund that invests in early stage companies linked to UMass Amherst. Our investments are typically in the range of $50,000 to $200,000 and are often a venture’s initial outside equity funding. Our broader goal is to foster the growing spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the UMass Amherst community.