What is the Cozad New Venture Challenge?

Entering its 25th year, the Cozad New Venture Challenge is a premier entrepreneurship program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign designed to nurture innovative business ventures and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among students. Participants receive access to networking and mentorship to refine their projects and winners receive resources and financial support for their startup.

Your Support Matters

Through your contribution, you’ll be joining a community of dedicated alumni, partners, sponsors, and stakeholders who provide critical support to student entrepreneurs. Since its inception in 2000, the Cozad New Venture Challenge has impacted over 4,000 students and awarded over $3.4 million to student startups. The Global Impact Prize is awarded to projects aimed at creating change across borders.