University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Cozad New Venture Challenge Finals 2026
- When
- Friday, April 17, 2026 at 1:30 PM (UTC−5)
- Where
- NCSA Auditorium, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL
- Application deadline
- February 1, 2026 · passed
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
Who should apply
Eligibility is on the school's page. This site does not take applications.
Deadline was February 1, 2026
Presenting teams (1)
Teams the host has named for this event. This is not a scored applicant list.