The University of Oregon boasts a myriad of business plan, financial, and entrepreneurial pitch competition opportunities for students, alumni, and the community. The Lundquist College of Business is home to past and present competitions such as NVC, Duck Tank, Startup Weekend, and more.
Internal Competitions
Oregon Innovation Challenge
Open to all University of Oregon students, regardless of major or class standing, the Oregon Innovation Challenge welcomes students no matter the stage of their venture—from idea to emerging to currently in business. During the program, students participate in workshops, have access to office hours with Lundquist Center for Entrepreneurship staff, and get time with alumni mentors.
Ducks Disrupt
The Oregon Executive MBA's signature innovation boot camp—Ducks Disrupt—is host to the region's professionals and graduate students who come together for two weekends to learn entrepreneurship essentials, develop startups, and present in the pitch competition.
External Business Plan Competitions
Oregon MBA students have ample opportunities to participate in business plan competitions throughout the United States and internationally based on the competitive strength of a new venture concept and management team. The business plan competition circuit has grown to a level such that successful teams can win upwards of $100,000 in cash awards.
Examples of business plan competitions in which students regularly have the chance to participate include:
- University of Manitoba Stuart Clark Venture Challenge
- Hong Kong University of Science & Technology International Business Plan Competition
- University of Louisville Cardinal Challenge
Financial Competitions
Finance and securities analysis students have numerous opportunities to compete and participate in case competitions, gaining valuable case analysis and problem-solving skills and experience. A sample of these include:
- The Chartered Financial Analysts' Global Research Investment Challenge was hosted by the Cameron Center for Finance and Securities Analysis at the University of Oregon's Portland campus.
- National Investment Banking Competition in which the most accomplished and dynamic students distinguish themselves and attain international recognition from their peers and senior industry professionals. Competitors use and develop skills in financial analysis, modeling, and pitching—all of which are essential to a successful career in investment banking.
- FDIC competition
- ACG Cup Northwest
New Venture Championship
The New Venture Championship (NVC) had been one of the top graduate investment competitions in the world. Its focus as a student learning experience and its guaranteed interaction with multiple panels of judges in a professional format positioned NVC as an unmatched experience for any student team pursuing a start-up venture. Presented by the University of Oregon’s Lundquist Center for Entrepreneurship, NVC attracted schools from across the nation and around the world. Esteemed judges included venture capitalists, seasoned business executives, and experienced entrepreneurs.