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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Cozad New Venture Challenge Finals 2026
Friday, April 17, 2026 at 6:30 PM UTC
NCSA Auditorium, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL
Official event page · dates verified
About the event
The Cozad New Venture Challenge is UIUC's largest venture creation program, open to all full-time students. In its 26th year, the 2026 challenge drew 350+ teams and 900+ students and awarded more than $700,000 in prizes and investments, including its first-ever $100,000 grand prize. The finals were held April 17, 2026 at the NCSA Auditorium.
2026 winner highlight: UncertIA, an AI-powered energy management startup, won $125,000 including a SAFE from Pear VC.
Hosted by Cozad New Venture Challenge
Presenting teams (1)
Archived showcase from this event.