Announcement of LaunchPad Competitions set for Fall 2025

Syracuse University Libraries' LaunchPad, a resource for students interested in entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity, has unveiled its lineup of competitions for the fall of 2025. These events offer a platform for students to showcase their innovative ideas, projects, and ventures, with the opportunity to win financial support for their endeavors.

The competitions are open to all members of the University community, and joining the LaunchPad is free, easy, and requires simply signing up for emails about upcoming opportunities. By doing so, students gain access to a wealth of resources, including scheduled workshops on presentation skills, pitch preparation, business development ideas, and other skill-building opportunities, led by LaunchPad staff and mentors.

One of the upcoming events is the 'Cuse Tank competition, scheduled for Friday, September 26, in Bird Library. This competition will offer more than $10,000 in prizes to student entrepreneurial teams. Applications to participate are due by Monday, September 22.

Another exciting event is the Ideas Fest competition, taking place on Friday, September 12, also in Bird Library. This competition offers a chance to win $500. Online applications to participate are due by Monday, September 8.

For those with a focus on social impact, the Impact Prize competition is scheduled for Wednesday, November 19. This competition offers up to $15,000 in prizes to Syracuse University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry students working on ventures with a social impact. Applications to participate are due by Friday, November 14.

The Halloween Freelance Small Business Competition, happening on Friday, October 31, offers cash and non-cash prizes to student entrepreneurs building a creative career or providing services. Applications to participate are due by Monday, October 27.

The Orange Central Student Startup Showcase, to be held on Friday, October 17, invites students to showcase their ventures and products. Online applications are due by Monday, October 13.

In addition to these events, the LaunchPad will host the Impact Prize competition, but the exact date in fall 2025 has not been specified in the available search results.

The LaunchPad competitions provide a valuable opportunity for students to network, gain feedback, and potentially secure funding for their projects. So, if you're a student at Syracuse University with a big idea, consider joining the LaunchPad and taking part in these exciting events.