Siperstein Challenge
The Siperstein Challenge helps guide student entrepreneurs through the journey of launching socially impactful ventures.
This cohort-based pitch competition supports up to 10 teams of Emory undergraduate students through the development process, and awards winners up to $3,500 to advance their ventures.
Through this program, students will:
- Build and grow their ventures with confidence.
- Develop a strong brand, market effectively, and drive sales or attract donors.
- Learn to pitch to investors, protect their ideas, and lead high-performing teams to success.
How to Participate
The Siperstein Challenge is open to undergraduate students in the Emory College of Arts and Sciences. Applications must describe their venture, progress, and goals.
Selected teams are required to:
Attend the Siperstein Summit on November 8, 2025
Work with an alumni mentor for at least 10 hours between November 2025 – February 2026, and submit progress reports after each meeting
Compete in the final pitch competition on February 21, 2026
The Process
Step 1
Siperstein Summit (November 8, 2025)
- Educational sessions led by alumni entrepreneurs
- Dedicated team time for applying knowledge and building a plan to progress the venture
- Networking with alumni presenters and mentors
Step 2
Alumni Mentorship
Each participating team will be assigned an alumni mentor who will devote a minimum of 10 contact hours to meeting with the student teams as they move through the program towards the pitch competition.
Step 3
Siperstein Showcase (February 21, 2026)
The program concludes with the pitch competition where all participated teams will give their pitch in front of an audience of faculty, staff, and invited guests. Judges will select the top-performing teams to receive a financial award to support the further development of their ventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Complete the application linked above during the open application period (September 19 - October 24). Be sure to describe your venture and the work you've already done in detail. Completed applications must be received by 5:00 PM on October 24.
Selected teams will receive:
- 1:1 mentoring from Emory alums, in addition to connection with a broader array of alumni innovators and entrepreneurs
- The opportunity to connect with other students in similar stages of advancing their ventures
- Educational sessions that expand their knowledge around raising capital, marketing strategy, and preparing an effective pitch
- The chance to compete in the final pitch competition for a financial award:
$3,500 (1st place), $2,500 (2nd place), $1,500 (3rd place)
Participating teams must:
- Be composed of undergraduate students
- Attend the Siperstein Summit on November 8, 2025
- Connect with their alumni mentor for a minimum of 10 hours from November 2025 through February 2026, and submit a progress report following each alumni meeting
- Participate in the final pitch competition on February 21, 2026