Key facts
- Type
- Competition
- Deadline
- 2/21/2027
In short
The Tim Draper Utah Entrepreneur Challenge is a statewide student business competition offering $75,000 in cash and prizes to university students across Utah for developing the best student business.
Utah Entrepreneur Challenge
CompetitionAccepting applications nowApply by 2/21/2027205 days left
$75,000
Total prizes
Statewide
Scope
20
Finalist teams
Student Business Competition
Type
Overview
The Tim Draper Utah Entrepreneur Challenge (UEC) is a prestigious statewide business competition designed for students from universities and colleges across Utah. Participants compete to develop and present the best student business model. Managed by the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute at the University of Utah, the UEC provides a platform for student entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas. The competition culminates in a final event where teams are judged by industry professionals, experienced entrepreneurs, and community experts. Judges will distribute $75,000 in prizes and awards among the top 20 finalists. Many past participants and winners have successfully developed their ventures into thriving enterprises, highlighting the impact and potential of the UEC. Sponsors include renowned venture capitalist Tim Draper. Younger students (ages 14-18) are encouraged to participate in the Tim Draper High School Utah Entrepreneur Challenge for a chance to win $30,000 in prizes and scholarships.
What to build
Participants must develop and present a student business model. The competition focuses on identifying the best student business among teams from various universities and colleges.
Prizes
Top 20 Finalists
Cash and prizes allocated among the top 20 finalists.
$75,000
Key dates
- Application OpensSeptember 10, 2025
- Online Information SessionSeptember 4, 2025, 11-11:45 a.m.
- Online Information SessionOctober 2, 2025, 11-11:45 a.m.
- Online Information SessionNovember 6, 2025, 11-11:45 a.m.
- Online Information SessionDecember 4, 2025, 11-11:45 a.m.
- Online Information SessionJanuary 8, 2026, 11-11:45 a.m.
- Online Information SessionFebruary 5, 2026, 11-11:45 a.m.
- Application DeadlineFebruary 19, 2026, 11:59 p.m.
- Online Judging (University of Utah)February 20-27, 2026
- Top 20 AnnouncedMarch 2, 2026, 5 p.m.
- Top 20 Video Submission DeadlineMarch 4, 2026, 11:59 p.m.
- Online Information SessionMarch 5, 2026, 11-11:45 a.m.
- Public Top 20 Video VotingMarch 9-27, 2026, 11:59 p.m.
- Competition Final Event (Public showcase & awards)March 28, 2026, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (3:30-5 p.m. for public showcase & awards)
Eligibility
The competition is open to all students from participating colleges and universities across Utah. Younger students (ages 14-18) are encouraged to compete in the Tim Draper High School Utah Entrepreneur Challenge.
How to enter
- Submit an application by the deadline of February 19, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Sponsors & partners
Tim DraperWells FargoMaster of Business Creation (MBC)DoxymeAmerica First Credit UnionSherwin-WilliamsWorkman NydeggerCyprus Credit UnionEntrepreneurship AcceleratorActiumEccles School of BusinessalluNeedGregg Rosann Social Impact GrantJosh Hadley
Resources
- Competition Guide
- UEC flyer/poster 2025-26, 8.5x11 inches (PDF)
- UEC flyer/poster 2025-26, 11x17 inches (PDF)
- UEC logo (JPG)
- UEC social media graphic 2024-25, horizontal (JPG)
- UEC social media graphic 2024-25, square (JPG)
- 2025-26 season open press release
- Apply to Competition
- UEC People’s Choice Voting 2026
- Past Winners
- Marketing Resources