From the Foster School of Business:
Calling All Students!
Apply Now for the 2026 Dempsey Startup Competition
The deadline for students to apply is before midnight on Monday, April 6.
The Dempsey Startup Competition could be one of your defining college experiences. UW's annual business plan competition provides a real-world, multi-stage experience where your ideas and new venture creations directly intersect with the Pacific Northwest's entrepreneurial and investment community.
Students can register now for the upcoming information & prep events!
- Tuesday, March 3 5:00 – 6:00 PM Virtual Session Sign up here
- Thursday, March 5 5:00 - 6:30 PM Dempsey Startup Pitch Clinic Sign up here Get feedback on your business idea from pitch coaches!
- Tuesday, March 10 11:00 – 12:00 PM In Person Session Sign up here You will have an opportunity to look at successful past applications in print and meet prize winning teams, MoodRoom and PolyForge, at Team Tuesday
- Tuesday, March 17 12:30 – 1:30 PM Virtual Session Sign up here
Why should you enter the Dempsey Startup Competition?
- Make serious progress on your idea in a really short amount of time!
- Gain feedback from experienced industry professionals & build your network — Each year, over 300 entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, angel investors, and industry professionals participate as judges in the competition and provide feedback.
- Win Prize money! — We will award $90,000 in prize money to teams, including a $25,000 Grand Prize, and nearly a dozen $2,500-$5,000 Best Idea and Big Picture prizes that any team that advances beyond the Screening Round is eligible for!
Apply! Deadline Monday, April 6
Start Your Application
Open to students attending an accredited college/university in WA, OR, ID, AK and British Columbia
For UW students only: If you advance to the Investment Round (top 36 teams), you can opt to receive practicum credits (2 credits) for your participation.
Questions? E-mail Yuko Oaku, Dempsey Startup Competition Manager, at yukooaku@uw.edu
Yuko Oaku (she/her)
Assistant Director, Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship