Stony Brook Entrepreneurs Challenge 2024
DO You Have a Cool Business Idea?
Then sign up for the Stony Brook Entrepreneurs Challenge (SBEC) and compete to win funding toward making your idea into a company.
How the Funding Works: Prizes awarded are in the form of funds that will apply towards I-Corp support related
to customer discovery, technology development, infrastructure, advice, resources,
networking opportunities, and training. The I-Corps program nurtures and supports
students to transition their ideas, devices, processes or other intellectual activities
into the marketplace or into becoming I-Corps Team applicants. Awardees must complete the ZAP programs on Monday, April 9, 2024 and Monday, April
15, 2024 in order to satisfy the requirements to receive the funding. All participants of the SBEC are eligible and encouraged to participate in the
ZAP program whether or not you have been awarded funding.
This program is supported by the National Science Foundation, and seeks to develop
and nurture a national innovation ecosystem that builds upon research to guide the
output of scientific discoveries closer to the development of technologies, products
and processes that benefit society.
The Challenge has awarded over half a million dollars to Stony Brook student entrepreneurs.
The Challenge will help you prepare to pitch your idea to a campus panel of experienced
venture investors, entrepreneurs, and business services professionals - and you may
be selected for NSF I-Corps Site and/or the regional competition for funding. You
will have access to a New York State Small Business Development Center business advisor
to help you develop your business model and practice your pitch. Open to any student/any
level/any program.
Application due March 15th, 2024** Submission dates are subject to change
Competition Thursday, March 21st, 2024** Competition dates are subject to change
TO ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE: Apply to the 2024 Stony Brook Entrepreneurs Challenge. Tell your advisor that you want to participate in the Challenge. Download this year's flyer.
To Get Started: Complete and submit the Entrepreneurs Challenge application and our Client Request for Counseling form to schedule a free and confidential business counseling session with one of our business advisors. Your time is now! Apply early if you want to be assured of having a Small Business Development Center Business Advisor guide you in creating a well-rounded presentation.
Apply to the 2024 Challenge Here!
Submit Your Client Request for Counseling Form Here!
Local Competition:
Competition on Thursday, March 21, 2024** Competition dates are subject to change
Regional Competition:
Competition on Tuesday, March 26, 2024** Competition dates are subject to change
Click here for results from the 2023 Stony Brook Competition.
NYS Business Plan Competition Tracks
- Agtech & Food
- Energy & Environment
- Military & First Responder
- Medtech & Wellbeing
- Consumer Products & Services
- Technology & Entertainment
Click here for information about the Regional Competition.
State Competition:
Competition on Thursday, April 25, 2024** Competition dates are subject to change
Click here for information about the State Competition.
Please email the Stony Brook Small Business Development Center with your questions at sbdc@stonybrook.edu.