The Duke Start-Up Challenge is a business plan competition that runs the course of the academic year, from September to April. The competition format advances through three phases, each phase requiring one or more deliverables with multiple teams winning cash and prizes throughout the competition for the best submissions. The prizes are awarded to overall best plan/presentation and best submission in each of several categories (e.g. High-Tech/IT, Healthcare/Lifesciences, Consumer Products/Services, and Social Enterprise). Additionally, at the end of each phase, teams are provided with feedback from our panel judges to help with further development of the business concept into the next phase and beyond.

Important Dates for the 2007-2008 Competition:
Phase I Executive Summaries Due : November 8th, 2007 @ 11:59pm
Phase II Full Business Plans Due: February 7th, 2008 @ 5pm
Phase III Final Competition: April 12, 2008 @ 5pm

Please note that participation in Phase I is not required in order to compete in any other phase of the competition though it is highly recommended that you do so.