Spring 2026 Entrepreneurship Challenge
Calling all Meredith students! The 2026 Entrepreneurship Challenge is back, and this year, teams will tackle real-world problems through the lens of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Working in teams of 4, you’ll build venture concepts with guidance from Triangle entrepreneurs and business leaders, competing for $5,000 in prizes.
The winning team advances to the First Flight Ventures March Madness Pitch Battle alongside Duke, NC State, UNCW, and ECU. Open to all majors. No entrepreneurship experience needed.
Contact Information
Molly McKinley
Entrepreneur-in-Residence, School of Business
233 Harris
(919) 423-4088
mjmckinley@meredith.edu
Schedule
Launch Night
Friday, March 6, at 4-5:30 p.m.
Harris 214
This session will include team formation, Sustainable Development Goal selection, and a design thinking warm-up.
Challenge Day
Saturday, March 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Kresge Auditorium (Cate Center)
Take part in mentor rotations, venture building, and make final pitches to judges.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three teams:
1st Place
$2,500 and will advance to the First Flight Ventures March Madness Pitch Battle
2nd Place
$1,500
3rd Place
$700
Impact Award
$300