2012 Business Plan Competition - The Tech Venture Challenge

The University of Saskatchewan Industry Liaison Office (ILO) is pleased to announce a new business plan competition for entrepreneurs with a technology-based business idea.

The Tech Venture Challenge gives University of Saskatchewan employees, researchers, students and alumni an opportunity to pursue their dream of creating their own company.

• Finalists receive ongoing mentorship, guidance, and training.
• The Winner receives $50,000 to go towards the development of the business.

Eligibility Guidelines

How do you WIN?
Submit a business plan that includes actionable operational, marketing and financing plans based on sound technology that has real commercial potential.

Who can WIN?

• Individuals or Teams, as long as the Team Leader has the U of S affiliation.
• A U of S affiliation includes students, post-doc, alumni, faculty and staff).
• The business idea must be technology based
• Business Start-Up must be located in Saskatchewan
• Must be willing to participate in Tech Venture Challenge training workshops and programs.
• If it is an existing company, the company must have been in operation less than one year, as of April 27th, 2012

What technology can WIN?
This can be any technology that adds higher value to products or services or creates new product or services. This technology can be in any sector, for example; ICT, Life Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environmental.

How do I apply?
The first step is to submit an application form, due April 27th, 2012 which gives a brief outline of your business idea. To download the application form (in Microsoft Word) please click here.

What are the Timelines?
1. February 1, - Initial Announcement and Networking Event, click here for details.
2. Feb 1 - Apr 27 - ongoing Wilson Centre Entrepreneurial Workshops
3. April 27 - Deadline to submit your Application Form
4. May 10 - Finalist Announced
5. May 11 - Business Planning Workshop (Full day)
6. May - Sept - ongoing mentoring and support for business plan development
7. Sept 5 - 26 - series of four 1 hour workshops, on business mechanics
8. Sept 30 - deadline for business plan submissions
9. Oct 10 - presentation to judge panel
10. Oct 11 - $50,000 winner is announced
11. Nov 14 -Wilson Centre Pitch Party, top three business plans pitch.

For full Wilson Centre workshop schedule please click here. To view ILO Facebook page click here

Big thanks to our sponsors!

(Last Updated on March 12, 2012)