VenturePack Challenge

Overview

The VenturePack Challenge, formerly known as eGames and originating in 2009, is NC State University's annual flagship startup competition designed to support student entrepreneurs. It provides valuable guidance, resources, mentorship, and significant cash prizes to help student ventures succeed. The competition welcomes all types of ventures, including non-profit organizations, for-profit businesses, and solo-preneur side hustles, regardless of their stage or organizational structure. The competition is divided into two distinct tracks: the Student Track and the Daugherty Endowment Track. Participants in both tracks must undergo two rounds of judging, where their ventures are evaluated on various criteria such as market feasibility and financial strategy. The event culminates in an annual ceremony and showcase, celebrating innovation and entrepreneurial spirit within the NC State community. The Daugherty Endowment Track, a key component since 2016, specifically aims to boost the success of startup companies that have licensed intellectual property from NC State. This track allocates substantial funds to winning companies, which can be utilized for crucial early-stage business expenses, fostering the commercialization of university-developed technologies. The overall competition awards over $100,000 annually, demonstrating its significant commitment to nurturing a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem at NC State.

What to build

Participants are required to develop and present a startup venture, which can be a non-profit organization, a for-profit business, or a solo-preneur initiative. The ventures should be viable and measurable against criteria such as market feasibility and financial strategy.

Prizes

Key dates

• Next Ceremony and ShowcaseApril 2026

Eligibility

For the Student Track, teams must be comprised of at least 50% degree-seeking NC State students (undergraduate or graduate). For the Daugherty Endowment Track, eligibility is restricted to officially registered startup companies that have actively licensed NC State intellectual property within the past three years. All venture types, organizational structures, sizes, and stages are welcome.

How to enter

1. Form a team that meets the eligibility criteria for either the Student Track or the Daugherty Endowment Track.
2. Develop your venture, which can be a non-profit, for-profit business, or solo-preneur side hustle.
3. Undergo two rounds of judging, where your venture will be evaluated on aspects such as market feasibility and financial strategy.
4. For the Daugherty Endowment Track, submit an application to enter.

Judging criteria

• Market feasibility
• Financial strategy

Sponsors & partners

Resources

• Complete Rules (Student Track)
• Competition Timeline (Student Track)
• Finalist Requirements (Student Track)
• Complete Rules (Daugherty Endowment Track)
• Application to Enter (Daugherty Endowment Track)
• Competition Timeline (Daugherty Endowment Track)
• Daugherty Endowment Information