Since 2005, the New Venture Challenge Competition has played a big role in the Institute, challenging  undergraduate and graduate students to put business ideas on the line and in front of investors.

The competition is the culmination of months of business planning and projections by students across disciplines. Student teams evaluate technologies and work with the inventor and community resources to build business plans.   

The plans are judged by business and entrepreneurial leaders, with the primary criterion being fundability. In a question: Would someone invest in this idea?

The competition has attracted serious ideas and investors. Since 2005, seven student teams have been approached for funding after presenting their business plans, bringing new businesses into the Kansas City community.