Iona Innovation Challenge
About the program · 2 linked sources
The Iona Innovation Challenge (IIC) is Iona's flagship annual pitch competition, run by the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Now in its 9th year (Spring 2026), it awards $20,000 total in non-dilutive cash prizes. Students complete three milestones (video pitch, executive summary, slide deck) and receive mentorship before finalists pitch live.
Also known as: IIC
How we know this: the figures on this page come from the linked sources (last verified 2026-06-22); what those sources do not state is left unknown.
Key numbers
Funding range
$10,000
Grant
Equity
None
Application
Annual
Campus Wide
Last activity
2026-05-01
High confidence
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Reminders
Iona Innovation Challenge
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Student experiences · Read or add a note
Student notes
Iona Innovation Challenge
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Application and Timing
Annual Spring cycle. Kickoff in Spring semester. Three milestones submitted progressively. Finalists notified mid-April. Live pitches first week of May.
Participants
Open to all Iona undergraduate and graduate students with valid @iona.edu email. Individual or team entry (max 5). One idea per student. No company required.
Funding and Equity
Non-dilutive cash grants. No equity taken. IP released to students.
Recent Activity
Spring 2026: 9th annual competition. Spring 2025 (Year 8): 43 teams, 57 student participants, 8 teams advanced to finals. Winners included SipSation ($10K, sensory water bottle), Strendex (tendon rehab device), Bracelet Buddy (wrist support). 8+ year track record with winners documented from 2018.
Known startups and winners
Competition winners and notable student ventures from our research.
Adaptive Gamer
1st place
placement
Iona University
2023 Iona Innovation Challenge first place; OT accessibility gaming project.
Algae 3
1st place
placement
Iona University
2022 Iona Innovation Challenge first place; sustainable algae venture.
Backyard Blendz
1st place
placement
Iona University
2018 Iona Innovation Challenge first place Technology winner.
Balcacer's Bouquets
$6,000
prize won
Iona University
2024 Iona Innovation Challenge first place ($6K).
Bracelet Buddy
3rd place
placement
Iona University
Wrist stabilizer that helps users clasp jewelry independently. 2025 Iona Innovation Challenge third-place finisher.
Evital
1st place
placement
Iona University
2020 Iona Innovation Challenge first place by Raymond Carapella.
FrostCore V2
Finalist
placement
Iona University
2025 Iona Innovation Challenge Promising Prototype; sneaker restoration device.
Jobs Transition Initiative
1st place
placement
Iona University
2018 Iona Innovation Challenge first place Social Entrepreneurship winner.
PlanGenie
Finalist
placement
Iona University
2025 Iona Innovation Challenge Fan Favorite; AI activity recommendation app.
SipSation
$10,000
prize won
Iona University
Sensory water bottle with integrated fidgets designed for neurodivergent teens. 2025 Iona Innovation Challenge first-place winner ($10K).
Strendex
2nd place
placement
Iona University
Tendon rehabilitation device developed by Iona student entrepreneurs. 2025 Iona Innovation Challenge second-place finisher.
The Love Wrap
1st place
placement
Iona University
2021 Iona Innovation Challenge first place.
The People's Kitchen
1st place
placement
Iona University
2019 Iona Innovation Challenge first place Social Entrepreneurship winner.
Research gaps & things to verify
Verification Gaps
- Prior year prize breakdowns (only 2026 specifics confirmed)
- Number of applicants vs. selection rate
- Post-competition outcomes for winners
Program details
Iona Innovation Challenge
Prizes (Spring 2026)
- 1st Place: $10,000
- 2nd Place: $5,000
- 3rd Place: $3,000
- Fan Favorite: $1,000 (video engagement)
- Superlative Awards: $1,000 (judge's discretion)
Total: $20,000
Additional research notesShow
Evidence
- 2026-06-22-iona-innovation-challenge
- 2026-06-22-iona-hynes-institute-home
- Iona University Startup Intelligence Report
News & articles
News articles and official sources documenting Iona Innovation Challenge at Iona University.
2 sources
Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation Homepage
Iona University
Iona University
Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation Homepage
Official homepage of the Hynes Institute, Iona's university-wide entrepreneurship hub. Founded 2017 with $15M gift. 3,800 sq ft coworking space in Spellman Hall. Hosts Iona Innovation Challenge ($20K total prizes), GaelVentures incubator space, and mentoring programs. USASBE 2025 Model Program Award. BS Entrepreneurial Leadership, BBA Entrepreneurship, minor, and graduate certificates offered.
Read on Iona University
Iona University
Iona Innovation Challenge Program Page
Official page for the Iona Innovation Challenge, Iona's annual pitch competition. Spring 2026 is the 9th edition. Prize breakdown: $10K 1st, $5K 2nd, $3K 3rd, $1K Fan Favorite, $1K Superlative Awards ($20K total). Documents 2025 winners (SipSation, Strendex, Bracelet Buddy), participation stats (43 teams, 57 students), and winners from 2018-2024. Three milestones: video pitch, executive summary, slide deck. Open to all Iona undergrad and graduate students.
Read on Iona University