A premier social innovation challenge for the aspiring changemakers of Case Western Reserve University.
The Fowler Center for Business as an Agent of World Benefit, in collaboration with the Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship, is proud to present Venture4Impact — a university-wide social enterprise pitch competition. Modeled after the globally recognized Hult Prize, this initiative empowers CWRU students to develop for-profit ventures that tackle the world's most pressing social and environmental challenges, in direct alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The purpose of the competition is to provide a platform for students to apply their academic knowledge to real-world problems, fostering a spirit of innovation and sustainable value creation. Venture4Impact connects students with the Fowler Center's mission, offering a unique opportunity for hands-on learning in social entrepreneurship, complete with expert mentorship and valuable networking opportunities.
Who Can Participate
Teams of 2–4 currently enrolled CWRU students, undergraduate and/or graduate, from any discipline. All members must be at least 18 years of age. Participation is free.
Participation in the Venture4Impact competition offers students the chance to:
- Network with seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders in the social impact space
- Gain firsthand insight into the principles of social enterprise and sustainable business modeling
- Apply critical academic skills to a tangible, real-world entrepreneurial challenge
- Collaborate with a diverse group of CWRU students from various academic programs and schools
- Sharpen essential presentation, teamwork, and business communication skills
- Compete for cash prizes and a chance to advance toward the Hult Prize
Competition Goals
Venture4Impact aims to cultivate a deeper understanding of social innovation and sustainable business practices within the Case Western Reserve University community. The key goals for the competition include:
- To champion the value of social entrepreneurship and business-for-good through an engaging and competitive format that resonates with our students
- To provide comprehensive resources and mentorship before, during, and after the competition to help students hone their business acumen and communication skills
- To engage with local and global leaders in the impact investing and social enterprise sectors, offering students direct insight into the evolving demands of purpose-driven industries
- To create unparalleled networking opportunities for all student participants
To deepen interdisciplinary collaboration across CWRU's schools in the pursuit of social value creation.
Competition Structure
Round 1: Qualifying Round
Teams are required to submit a 6-slide pitch deck in PDF format. The format is flexible but must outline the core elements of the venture, including the problem, the proposed solution, the business model, and the intended impact. Submissions are reviewed by a dedicated panel of CWRU professors, alumni, and industry experts, who shortlist the top teams to advance.
- Registration Deadline: October 1, 2026
- Submission Deadline: October 13, 2026
Finalist Announcement & Mentorship Phase
Finalists will be announced on October 23, 2026. Six finalist teams will be paired with experienced mentors — alumni, startup mentors, impact professionals, and business consultants — to refine their venture and receive expert feedback ahead of the final pitch.
- Mentorship Phase: October 26 – November 9, 2026
Final Round: Live Pitch Event
The competition culminates in a live event where finalist teams deliver a 4-minute pitch, followed by a 4-minute Q&A with a distinguished panel of judges, at the Peter B. Lewis Building.
- Final Pitch Event: November 13, 2026
Prizes
- First Place: $2,000 (sponsored by the Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship)
- Second Place: $1,000
- Third Place: $500
Winning teams also receive formal recognition and support toward advancing to the Hult Prize.
Want the full details? Read the complete Venture4Impact 2026 Competition Guidelines for deck requirements, judging criteria, and FAQs.
For any questions, partnership inquiries, or to express interest in volunteering as a mentor or judge, please contact Megan Buchter (mxs362@case.edu).
Good luck, and welcome to Venture4Impact!