Tech Challenge

In this ‘reverse pitch’ competition, industry partners present real-world challenges in the form of Problem Statements. Participants select the challenge they wish to tackle and propose an innovative solution in the form of a new venture or technology.

During a working sprint, participants refine their solutions through research, customer discovery, and idea validation. Teams then pitch their ideas to a panel of industry experts for the chance to win cash prizes and advance their innovations.

2026 Problem Statements are Coming Soon!

Open to Boise State students from any discipline.

1. Phase 1: Sprint

Dates TBD

• Learn more about the problem
• Work with assigned mentor
• Develop an idea for a solution
• Build and test your prototype
• While the majority of the sprint is done outside of the classroom, including reviewing on-demand entrepreneur and start-up content, participants should expect the following meetings:

Virtual Kick-Off | Mentor Night
TBD

Problem Sponsor Night
TBD

Virtual Pitch Practice
TBD

2. Phase 2: Preliminary Pitch Competition (Virtual)

TBD

Teams will compete for their spot in the final competition and chance to win cash prizes by pitching their solutions to industry experts, community leaders, and experienced entrepreneurs. The top 3 teams will advance to the final pitch competition.

3. Phase 3: Final Pitch Competition

TBD
The SPACE at Boise State University’s College of Innovation + Design
The top 3 teams will pitch to judges made up of industry experts, entrepreneurs, and investors, providing connections to a network that will last well beyond this competition.

In addition to cash prizes (TBD),  winners will receive a “Golden Ticket” to pitch in the Fall 2025 Boise Entrepreneur Week (BEW) Pitch Competition.