The IDEA Competition is an annual competition which opens in September of each year.
New applications are accepted between September 1 and November 30.
If you missed entering this year, we encourage you to continue refining your idea and consider entering next fall.

Why enter? Here's what you get when you participate:

• Access to valuable tools and resources
• The opportunity to refine your investor pitch
• Attention in the media
• A chance to pitch your idea to qualified potential investors and leaders in the business community
• The chance to receive substantial funding for your venture, including individual cash awards of $10,000 each, for up to five winners
  

 

If you're interested in entering the competition next fall, we encourage you to submit the Contact Form on this site. Submitting the Contact Form doesn't commit you to entering. It just gives us your contact information so we can keep you informed of key deadlines and send you updates about the competition.

For more information on the competition, you are encouraged to check out the FAQS page - it answers many of the questions that are frequently asked. It will also help you to determine if you are eligible for the competition. You are also encouraged to study the Judging Rounds page and the Judging Criteria page, which explains what the judges are looking for when they score applications.

Not sure about entering? Read our testimonials!

Still have questions? Contact our project coordinator, Michelle Landsverk, by phone (218-435-2834) or by sending an email.

Check out our past winners!

Audio Podcasts

Welcome to the
IDEA Competition

Completing the Round
One Appplication

Sample Business Plans

Metal Removal Tech

Net Dog

Rock Grips

ADDITIONAL
RESOURCES