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What is HSNVC?

The High School New Venture Challenge (HSNVC) is a multi-round entrepreneurial competition for young innovators and problem-solvers. Hosted by the CU Boulder Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative, the competition is open to high school students across Colorado in support of entrepreneurial learning, pathways to higher education, workforce readiness, and life skills development.

Participation is free of charge and student teams have the opportunity to compete for more than $20,000 in scholarship funding to apply towards future tuition at CU!

With a particular focus on rural and underserved communities, HSNVC seeks to reduce socioeconomic barriers, increase accessibility, and provide both resources and inspiration for college and career readiness.ÌýÌý

HSNVC is designed to help the next generation of innovators to think creatively, identify opportunities, build confidence, and develop solutions to real-world challenges.

Educators/coaches can offer this opportunity in conjunction with existing curriculum (e.g. STEM, CTE, business, leadership, etc.), as a part of extracurricular activities (e.g. DECA, FBLA, JA, etc.), or engage independently without ties to a specific program.

Who can participate?

How does it work?

Important dates forÌýHSNVC 2024-25

• July 1 to Jan. 31 -
• Nov. 1 to Jan. 31 – Venture Team Registration Open
• Jan. 31 – Registration Deadline (*NOTE: this is just initial registration; final competition materials are due on 3/18)Ìý
• Aug. 1 to March 18 – Entrepreneurial Learning and Competition Preparation Period
• March 18Ìý– Round 1 Virtual Competition Materials Due
• March 19-31 – Round 1 Virtual Judging
• April 1 – Championship Finalists Announced
• April 12ÌýÌý– Championship Competition at CU Boulder

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it cost money to participate?

There is no feeÌýto participate in HSNVC.

Where are the HSNVC competitions held?

The first round of competition will be offered online. The final competition will be held in person at the CU Boulder campus.

Do I have to be in Colorado to compete in HSNVC?

Yes. To participate in HSNVC, your team must be enrolled in high school or homeschooled in Colorado.

Does the scholarship money have to be applied toward tuition at CU Boulder?

Yes. The scholarships are valid for CU Boulder tuition only.Ìý

Is there a specific curriculum we need to follow?

No, students may proceed through the learning process at a pace/sequence that best works for them. Just be sure to follow the provided rubric as a guideline and submit the requested materials online and on time!Ìý

Is there curriculum support available if I need it?

Yes, Please contact: leah.shafer@colorado.edu for more information.

Additional Information

Learning ProcessÌý

Venture Coaches and Venture Teams are welcome to navigate through the learning process in a manner that best fits their needs, backgrounds, resources and goals. During the months leading up to the competition, we generally recommend that coaches and teams engage in the following:Ìý

Stage 1: Exploration & Problem IdentificationÌý

• ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ begin by thinking creatively to identify problems and potential solutions.

Stage 2: Creation & Solution Development

• ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ form into team of 2-5 individuals, start working on their solution, and formulate a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).

Stage 3:Ìý Customer Discovery & ValidationÌý

• ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ engage in widespread customer discovery to validate and refine their ideas.

Stage 4:Ìý Product & Pitch DevelopmentÌý

• ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ turn their MVP into a real product or service and start building their pitch.

Stage 5:Ìý Venture Registration & Deliverables Preparation

• ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ create and refine their pitch and gear up for competition.