USF Team Startup Challenge

Overview

USF Team Startup Challenge Flyer

Welcome to the USF Team Startup Challenge!

Turn your entrepreneurial vision into reality.

The USF Startup Team Challenge is a fast-paced, half-day experience designed to spark innovation, fuel collaboration, and sharpen the skills you need to launch and grow a successful startup. Whether you’re an aspiring founder, a problem-solver, or simply curious about entrepreneurship, this challenge will push your creativity to the next level.

Event Details

9:15 - 10 a.m. Breakfast & Networking
10 - 10:15 a.m. Opening remarks/ competition rules/ introduction to judges
10:15 - 10:45 a.m. Challenge 1
10:45 - 11 a.m. Teams responses, feedback, and scoring
11 - 11:30 a.m. Challenge 2
11:30 - 11:45 a.m. Team Responses, feedback, and scoring
11:45 - 12:15 p.m. Challenge 3
12:15 - 12:30 p.m. Team responses, feedback, and scoring
12:30 - 1 p.m. Lunch
1 - 1:30 p.m. Challenge 4
1:30 - 1:45 p.m. Team Responses, feedback, and scoring
1:45 - 2:15 p.m. Challenge 5
2:15 - 2:30 p.m. Team responses, feedback, and scoring
2:30 - 3 p.m. Announcement of first, second, and third place winners

Why Participate?

  • Put Your Ideas to the Test
    Turn classroom knowledge into action by tackling real startup challenges in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.
  • Build Entrepreneurial Skills
    Sharpen your strategic thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and communication—skills every successful founder needs.
  • Expand Your Network
    Collaborate with like-minded innovators and connect with mentors, investors, and industry leaders who can open doors for your future.
  • Experience the Startup World
    Get a taste of the entrepreneurial journey with real-world scenarios, feedback, and the confidence to take your next big step.

Student teams will take on real-world challenges that every founder faces in their first year of launching a startup.

The top teams will be rewarded with exclusive opportunities, including:

  • Coffee or lunch with a judge — a successful entrepreneur who will share invaluable insights and connections.
  • Feature recognition on the USF Nault Center’s platforms, highlighting your team’s innovation and hard work.
  • Priority invitations to future USF entrepreneurship events, workshops, and networking opportunities.
  • Bragging rights as one of the winning teams of the Startup Team Challenge!

Application Deadline is october 3, 2025

CONTACT

For further information, please contact Frank Nunez at fnunez2@usf.edu or Tim Ernest at ernestt@usf.edu.