Competitor Resources

Your Guide to the Y-Prize Competition

The Y-Prize Competition takes place over the fall semester, with submissions due before winter break. In that time, you will form a team, conceptualize an idea, and craft your pitch.

Next Event
Y-Prize Kickoff — Register Now
Wednesday, September 23 · 6:30 pm · Steinberg-Dietrich Hall 350
Register
1

Attend the Kickoff

Wednesday, September 23 · 6:30 pm · Steinberg-Dietrich Hall 350

Learn about the technologies and the competition. Networking reception with refreshments to follow.

Register
2

Choose a Technology

Identify promising applications for the technology through customer discovery and evidence-based validation of meaningful problems. View technologies here.

3

Form a Team

Looking for teammates or to join an existing team? Try the Team Formation Google Doc.

4

Attend the Technology Briefing

Tuesday, October 6 · 6:30 pm · LRSM 208

Take a deeper dive into the technologies with representatives from each lab. There will be time for questions.

5

Frame the Opportunity & Craft Your Pitch

Assess market need, technological feasibility, and potential customer value to define a compelling venture opportunity. Get help and guidance at Y-Prize office hours.

Schedule office hours
6

Submit Your Proposal

Due Monday, November 2

Review the submission guidelines before you begin. You will submit your entry via an online upload form.

Submission link to come
7

Finalists Selected

A panel of judges will select 4 finalists. Selected teams will be notified directly.

Selection date to come
8

Validate Your Opportunity

Transform your initial idea into a validated venture opportunity through customer discovery, industry conversations, expert feedback, and iterative refinement of your problem, solution, and go-to-market strategy.

9

Winner Declared at the Y-Prize Finale

Finalists present a venture opportunity supported by months of customer discovery, evidence gathering, and refinement. The winner will be declared in real time at this celebratory event.

Takes place in February. Date & location to come