Burgess New Venture Challenge
Hosted by the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Burgess New Venture Challenge is the premier pitch competition for student venturers at Michigan State University, providing a transformational experience to compete for $50,000+ in funding.
Burgess NVC is an innovative, entrepreneurial experience that values collaboration, venture development and the power of the entrepreneurial mindset. The Challenge enhances the probability of success for student venturers by providing mentoring and guidance, connections to Michigan's entrepreneurial ecosystem and opportunities for engagement and investment. At its core, Burgess NVC is a learning experience for early-stage venturers, undergraduate and graduate students at Michigan State University, to bring big ideas and bold solutions to a large audience. Are you ready for the Challenge?
🗓️ 2025 BURGESS NVC IS APRIL 3, 2025!
IMPORTANT DATES FOR BNVC 2025
🗓️ DECEMBER
Dec. 1 Round One Applications Open
🗓️ JANUARY
Jan. 20 Round One Application (Intent to Compete) Deadline
Jan. 28 Round Two Application (Business Plan) Deadline
🗓️ FEBRUARY
Feb. 17 Round Three Application (Pitch Deck) Deadline
Feb. 19 Invitations to Compete Sent to Teams
Feb. 21 Teams Affirm or Deny Invitation to Compete
Teams Assigned to Venture Coaches
Feb. 24 - Apr. 2 Coaching / Mentorship Period
Feb. 24 - Feb. 28 Promotional Headshot & Videography Shoot
🗓️ MARCH
Mar. 10 - Mar. 14 Promotional Headshot & Videography Shoot
Mar. 11 Teams Announced Publicly
Mar. 20 Pitch Practice
🗓️ APRIL
Apr. 3 Day of Challenge
Awards
The Burgess NVC will award $50,000+ in prizes to competing teams, as Pitch & Plan Awards, Challenge Awards, People’s Choice and Seed Funding.
⭐️ PITCH & PLAN AWARDS - $7,500 ea. (5): The Pitch & Plan Awards honor five participants who deliver a compelling pitch supported by a detailed, innovative, and actionable business plan. These awards are selected during the application process and recognizes exceptional clarity, creativity, and feasibility, celebrating the entrepreneur's vision and strategic plan.
⭐️ CHALLENGE AWARDS - $2,500 ea. (5): The Challenge Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in key areas of the pitch competition, recognizing teams that excel in categories like Showcase Pitch, Social Impact, Prototype, Booth/Display, and Unique Idea. These awards are selected on the Day of the Challenge and highlight creativity, innovation, and impactful execution, encouraging participants to push boundaries and showcase their entrepreneurial excellence.
⭐️ PEOPLE'S CHOICE - $1,000 (1)
⭐️ SEED FUNDING - $500 ea. (Non-Winning Teams)
Eligibility, Rules, & Guidelines
The 2025 Burgess NVC utilizes Qualtrics as its preferred platform for managing application submissions. To apply, one (1) individual from the team, the applicant, must complete the online application by Mon., Jan. 20, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET.
Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria and requirements to compete in Burgess NVC, at the discretion of the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, who determines qualifying teams based on significant progress. For information about how to apply and what to prepare to compete, visit the Eligibility, Rules & Guidelines.
Values & Code of Conduct
The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Michigan State University is committed to governing Burgess NVC in a manner that is ethical and consistent with the standards and expectations of the community, while upholding the mission of the University.
The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. Accordingly, the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation will not tolerate disrespectful or harassing behavior, conversations or interactions by any participants (i.e. competitors, mentors, judges, sponsors, volunteers and attendees), in any form, in any aspect of Burgess NVC, regardless of whether it occurs on campus or off campus. While not anticipated, the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation reserves the right to refuse admittance, disqualify or penalize any participant, from a current or future Burgess NVC, that is found to be acting inconsistently with the Code of Conduct, violates outlined rules, regulations, or the spirit of the Challenge, at the discretion of the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. If you experience or witness potential violations of our Code of Conduct or unethical behavior by any member of our community, concerns should be reported to the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, without fear of retribution.
Questions
For questions, please contact Aubrey Haase, haaseaub@msu.edu.
