Calling all UT System student entrepreneurs | Spring 2026 Boyd Venture Challenge applications are open
For the first time in the program's history, the competition is open to students from the entire UT System, including all undergraduate and graduate campuses.
The Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ACEI) is once again putting out the call for student founders across the University of Tennessee System.
The Spring 2026 Boyd Venture Challenge application portal is officially open, offering a pool of up to $50,000 in non-dilutive capital to help UT system student-owned businesses scale. Selected finalists will compete for individual grants of up to $25,000. Because the funding is non-dilutive, student entrepreneurs keep full equity in their companies while gaining the runway needed to hit their next milestones.
“Expanding the Boyd Venture Challenge to a system-wide competition, and increasing the prize pool to $50,000, underscores the Anderson Center’s leadership and continued investment in entrepreneurship and innovation across UT. We’re proud to support and recognize innovators, value creators, and emerging business leaders throughout the system while advancing UT’s position as a leader in entrepreneurial activity,” said Breanna Hale, ACEI’s Executive Director.
Since its inception, the challenge, fueled by the support of UT System President Randy Boyd and ACEI donors, has become a cornerstone of the university’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. To date, 68 startups have walked away with more than $500,000 in prize money to advance their ventures.
Last year’s winners
Last year’s competition saw a diverse group of participants, with the top prizes going to two student entrepreneurs.
Salubrium Aegis LLC secured $15,000 in funding. Founded by Andrew Kuntz, the company aims to protect those in high-stakes roles without the standard discomfort of traditional ballistic inserts. For Kuntz, winning this challenge provided “the resources to accelerate our mission of protecting those who protect us.”
The Henry BnB, an agritourism farm-stay experience founded by Kaitlyn Daniels, walked away with $10,000. Daniels’ BnB offers guests immersive lodging and hands-on farm activities. Daniels reflected that winning this challenge validated her vision of “reconnecting people with the land and preserving Appalachian traditions through sustainable and educational tourism.”
Eligibility and deadlines
The Boyd Venture Challenge targets legally established businesses (LLCs, C-Corps, or partnerships) where the student applicant holds majority ownership. Judges are looking for companies that can demonstrate early market traction—whether through revenue, participation in programs like I-Corps, or strong faculty backing.
Key dates to know:
- Applications close: April 3 at 11:59 p.m.
- Pitch day: May 1
- Awards ceremony: May 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Institute for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing.
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