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Innovation Challenge
Also known as: UMass Innovation Challenge
University of Massachusetts Amherst · Amherst, MA
Quick fit check
- Offers direct funding
- No equity required
- Currently active
- Verified by research
Key numbers
Funding range
$2,000 – $65,000
Equity
None
Application
Annual
Campus Wide
Last activity
2026-06-25
Medium confidence
Known startups and winners
Competition winners and notable student ventures from our research.
Diel Technologies
$36,000
prize won
University of Massachusetts Amherst
2025 UMass Innovation Challenge winner ($36K); kinetic energy harvesting venture.
FishBite
$5,500
prize won
University of Massachusetts Amherst
2026 UMass Innovation Challenge prize recipient (~$5.5K).
HertZ Innovation
$31,000
prize won
University of Massachusetts Amherst
2026 UMass Innovation Challenge winner ($31K); contamination detection startup.
OffCampusSpaces.com
$10,000
prize won
University of Massachusetts Amherst
UMass Innovation Challenge prize recipient (~$10K in 2026; also won in 2025).
PlateMate
$16,000
prize won
University of Massachusetts Amherst
2025 UMass Innovation Challenge winner ($16K); AI nutrition app.
Supreme Microgreens
1st place
placement
University of Massachusetts Amherst
UMass Innovation Challenge winner in 2025 and 2026 cohorts.
The Innovation Challenge is the Berthiaume Center's premier spring pitch competition. Up to $65,000 in equity-free funding. Two-part competition: Preliminary Round (mid-April, 25+ teams selected from 50+ applicants) and Final (late April at Old Chapel). Open to UMass students and GOLD alumni. 2026 winners: HertZ Innovation ($31K, contamination detection), Supreme Microgreens ($18.5K), OffCampusSpaces.com ($10K), FishBite ($5.5K). 2025 winners: Diel Technologies ($36K), PlateMate ($16K), OffCampusSpaces.com ($11K), Supreme Microgreens ($2K).
News & articles
News articles and official sources documenting Innovation Challenge at University of Massachusetts Amherst.
3 sources
Four UMass Amherst Student Startups Share $65K in Annual Innovation Challenge Pitch Competition
University of Massachusetts Amherst
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Four UMass Amherst Student Startups Share $65K in Annual Innovation Challenge Pitch Competition
Amherst Indy news article about 2026 Innovation Challenge final. Four startups shared $65K. Winners: Hert
Read on University of Massachusetts Amherst
Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship
University of Massachusetts Amherst
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship
--- title: "Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship" source_url: https://www.umass.edu/entrepreneurship/ capture_date: 2026-06-25 source_type: web --- The Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship at UMass Amherst's Isenberg School of Management is the central hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Executive Director Gregory Thomas. The Center provides start-up competitions (Innovation Challenge up to $65K, Minute Pitch $2.5K), incubator space at Bartlett Hall 301 (free for all UMass students), boot camps, mentorship, and year-round programming. Supports Entrepreneurship Club and Social Entrepreneurship Club. Open to UMass students and GOLD alumni (graduated within last decade). Partners with businesses, alumni, and regional organizations. Contact: berthiaume@umass.edu.
Read on University of Massachusetts Amherst
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Innovation Challenge
Innovation Challenge program page. Premier spring pitch competition. Up to $65,000 in equity-free funding. Preliminary Round and Final at Old Chapel. Open to UMass students and GOLD alumni. 2026 winners: Hert
Read on University of Massachusetts Amherst