McCloskey New Venture Competition · Round 1 Applications Open Sept 20, 2026

Over $100,000 in Prizes to Build Your Venture

The McCloskey New Venture Competition is Notre Dame’s flagship student startup competition — more than two decades running, with a prize pool topping $100,000. Every idea is eligible, no matter how early.

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IDEA Center Director John Henry presents the McCloskey grand prize trophy to 2026 winner Kristin Manion
Last year’s grand prize winner, Kristin Manion, with IDEA Center Director John Henry

What Is McCloskey

Run by the IDEA Center, McCloskey awards a $50,000 grand prize funded by the McCloskey Foundation endowment, plus a slate of sponsored category prizes. Round 1 is your entry point — a venture summary, a short pitch deck, and a three-minute pitch video are all it takes to get in front of judges.

Key Dates

1

Applications Open

September 20, 2026

2

Round 1 Submissions Due

November 8, 2026

3

Round 1 Decisions Announced

November 24, 2026

4

McCloskey Matchmaking

December 3, 2026

5

Round 2 Submissions Due

February 9, 2027

6

Semifinalists Announced

March 5, 2027

7

Semifinal Pitches

April 22, 2027 · IDEA Center, in person

8

Final Pitches & Awards

April 23, 2027 · Decio Theater at DPAC

A Round 1 finalist pitches to the judges’ panel at McCloskey
Round 1 finalists pitch live to a panel of judges

Who Can Apply

Every Idea Is Eligible

From a first hunch to a venture already earning revenue — if you’re building something, you belong in Round 1.

Open Beyond Students

Notre Dame students, alumni, faculty and staff, Saint Mary’s and Holy Cross students, regional high schoolers, and community members can all apply.

Info Session

Thursday, October 8 · 5:30–6:30 PM · Virtual. Get a walkthrough of the application, last year’s winning pitches, and time for Q&A before you submit.

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Start Your Pitch Deck

Round 1 asks for a venture summary, a short pitch deck, and a three-minute pitch video. Get a head start with our pitch deck guide while you put your application together.

View the Pitch Deck Guide →

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