# e-Fest: Schulze Entrepreneurship Challenge

### Pitch Your Venture. Build Your Network. Compete for Cash Prizes.

**e-Fest** is a national undergraduate entrepreneurship competition hosted by the Schulze School of Entrepreneurship at the University of St. Thomas. The competition provides student entrepreneurs with opportunities to develop and pitch innovative business ventures, receive feedback from experienced judges, and compete for cash prizes.

Designed for undergraduate students developing early-stage ventures, e-Fest combines startup pitching, mentoring, professional development, and networking with entrepreneurs and investors. Participation offers valuable experience regardless of whether students ultimately launch their businesses.

## Why Participate?

**Develop Career-Ready Skills**

Gain practical experience in:

<div id="bkmrk-business-planning-an">- Business planning and market research
- Startup development and venture strategy
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Professional presentations and pitching
- Teamwork, leadership, and collaboration

</div>**Strengthen Your Résumé**

Participating in a national entrepreneurship competition provides hands-on experience you can highlight on your résumé, discuss during job interviews, and use to demonstrate initiative, leadership, and entrepreneurial thinking.

**Compete for Cash Prizes**

e-Fest offers **$250,000 in cash prizes** across multiple competition categories, including the Schulze Entrepreneurship Challenge, Pitch Slam!, Innovation Challenge, and special recognition awards.

Qualifying finalist teams may also receive travel stipends to help cover participation expenses.

**Explore Entrepreneurship and Venture Development**

Discover how an innovative idea, research project, or emerging business concept can be developed into a viable startup venture. Students gain experience refining business models, preparing pitches, and evaluating opportunities for growth.

**Connect With Mentors and Entrepreneurs**

Receive feedback from experienced judges, participate in professional development workshops, and connect with entrepreneurs, investors, and student founders from across North America.

## Learn More About e-Fest

**2027 Competition:** April 22–24, 2027 | Minneapolis, Minnesota  
**Submission Period:** November 11, 2026 – January 31, 2027

For official competition information, eligibility requirements, prize details, guidelines, and application instructions, visit:

**[e-Fest Official Website](https://efest.biz/)**

*Note: Competition information is subject to updates by the organizers. Students should consult the official website for current requirements.*