Held in the spring, the Innovation Challenge is the Berthiaume Center’s premier pitch event in which entrepreneurial students compete for the chance to win up to $65,000 in equity-free funding to kickstart their business idea.
What Is It?
During the Innovation Challenge, startups work closely with the Berthiaume Center team to create a polished pitch deck, present their startup plan to a panel of esteemed judges, and compete for a coveted spot in the Innovation Challenge Final Startups pitch to a panel of judges and a live audience.
Who Can Participate?
The Innovation Challenge is open to UMass students and graduates of the last decade (GOLD alumni).
Previous Winners
Previous winners from the Innovation Challenge include undergraduate first-year engineering students to Ph.D. food scientists at UMass Amherst. The founders also range from game designers to mental health startups from all across campus.
APPLY SOON!
The Innovation Challenge: Preliminary Round will take place in Spring 2026.
Check back for application details and more.
