During the fall semester, the IEI hosts the Innovative Idea Competition. This competition encourages the generation of innovative new products, services, and technologies from all 17 schools and colleges within Temple University which can become the foundation for new businesses. To compete, Temple affiliates submit a two page paper outlining their product and service, its competitive advantage, target market, and revenue model. There are two tracks to compete in: Undergraduate and Upper Track (Graduate Student/Alumni/Faculty/Staff). $7000 Prize Pool!
Starting in the fall and continuing through the spring semester is the Be Your Own Boss Bowl® business plan competition. The objective of the competition is to encourage the launch and sustainability of new small businesses and scalable entrepreneurial ventures by the Temple community. Along the journey, participants will learn about all aspects of entrepreneurship, make new networking connections and learn how to write highly strategic, comprehensive business plans. This elite category competition is open to alumni, faculty and staff from all 17 schools and colleges within Temple, as well as Temple organizations (library, tech transfer, etc. ) to compete for ten prizes, including a grand prize worth over $115,000 in cash, Microsoft products and professional services.
The Changemaker Challenge is part of the IEI’s Social Entrepreneurship Program. Beginning in the fall and culminating in a pitch competition at The Social Entrepreneurship Summit in February, The Changemaker Challenge offers mentoring, resources, and seed funding to ideas and ventures in the social impact space with an aim to create positive change in the world.
The Lori Hermelin Bush Seed Fund supports ideas and models that advance women in entrepreneurship. The Fund provides seed funding ranging from $500-$10,000 based on defined needs and stage of the business venture. Funds are provided with the purpose of supporting companies in proving their concept, and where the money will have a significant impact on the company’s ability to progress. Ideas or ventures should be scalable, innovative, and further advance women in entrepreneurship.