What is the Innovation Challenge?

Build and run an innovative business that is desirable, feasible, and viable.

Participate in mentoring sessions, grow your network, and compete in pitch competitions for the opportunity to win up to $10,000 and a co-working space for your business. Whether you run a business already or are starting from scratch with just an idea, come and participate, we will find a way to help.

WHAT WE OFFER

Three women seated at a conference table engaged in conversation, with a group discussion happening in the background in a modern meeting room.

  • 3:1 mentorship with a Regis Business faculty, a Regis alumni, and an expert from the community.

  • 10 events are hosted throughout the Challenge, ranging from workshops on finance, marketing, branding, CRM software, etc. to the multiple rounds of pitches prepping our teams to sell their business.

MENTORSHIP + GUIDANCE

A man with dark hair wearing a blue and white plaid shirt is sitting at the front of a conference room, facing a group of people who are seated and standing, listening to a presentation. The room has a modern design with a ceiling projector, glass walls, and bright lighting.
Two men shaking hands at an event. One man in a white polo shirt and black pants, the other in a blue jacket and khaki pants, holding a microphone. Behind them is a backdrop with the logos and name of Anderson College of Business and Computing at Regis University.

  • Connect you with experts all over the Denver Metro area and the country, forming strong connections and support for your business.

  • Facilitate a “Mentor Swap”, teams work with a completely different set of mentors.


NETWORKING + ECOSYSTEM

  • We are proud to share that the Innovation Challenge has invested over $200,000 into local, small businesses.

  • Each team must have a Regis student (Undergraduate or Graduate) on their team. Being part of the Challenge is like earning a “mini MBA” and the opportunity is open to all.

FUNDING + RESOURCES

HOW THE INNOVATION CHALLENGE WORKS

  • Sign Up and Open House

    Sign up on our website by completing the Innovation Challenge Business Application Form. Competition begins during the fall of 2025, with our Open House events on 10/8/25 and 10/16/25. Our Open House events are designed to provide founders one-on-one pitch guidance prior to qualifying pitches in November.

  • Kickoff

    Our Kickoff on 10/22/25 is designed to allow allow founders and student team members connect with fellow participants, hear from past winners and student team members, and get valuable insights into the competition and how it works.

  • Qualifying Round

    Participating founders pitch their businesses to our panel of judges. Up-to 10 selected teams will move on to the semi-final round, where they are provided with industry relevant mentors and have access to the Innovation Challenge team and resources throughout the spring of 2025.

  • Mentor Saturdays

    Our 10 teams selected after qualifying rounds are invited to attend Mentor Saturday events, where founders receive personalized mentorship from industry professionals, and gain the tools and guidance to develop a successful business.

  • Semi-final Pitches

    In March, teams will have the opportunity to pitch their business to a panel of judges. The top four teams selected teams will move on to the Finals in May, while continuing to receive guidance from their experienced mentors.

  • Finals

    During Finals, five teams will execute their final pitches to a panel of judges for the opportunity to win $10,000 and a co-working space for their business. The second and third placed teams will also be awarded monetary sums.