Big Ideas Challenge
The College of Business at Minnesota State University, Mankato and the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship hosts a student new venture competition called the Big Ideas Challenge. The mission of the Challenge is to provide a platform to support, celebrate and promote new, innovative ideas from our students.
What is a “Big Idea”?
A Big Idea brings new or significant value to some group of people, a unique value proposition. It can be a new organization, product, process or service. It could be a large change for an existing organization, product, or service. It can result in a for-profit or non-profit venture. Past big ideas have come from engineering, nursing, computer science and many other fields.
Learn more about How the challenge works
New this year
STEM and Business Collaboration Teams
This year, the Big Ideas Challenge is excited to offer, as an option, STEM teams the opportunity to collaborate directly with a team of College of Business students. These business students will provide guidance on developing the business plan, refining the pitch, and preparing presentation materials.
Key Details:
- STEM teams participating in this collaboration will be considered a full team in the competition.
- All members—STEM and business—will share any cash prizes evenly if the team wins.
- Business students participating on these teams are subject to the same rules, deadlines, and expectations as the STEM team members, including attending rehearsals and meetings.
- STEM teams are encouraged to leverage the business students’ expertise while maintaining ownership of their ideas and innovations.
This collaboration is designed to enhance the professional experience for both STEM and business students, providing real-world practice in interdisciplinary teamwork, entrepreneurship and presenting innovative ideas to a judging panel.
While the STEM–business collaboration is optional, all teams are encouraged to take advantage of mentoring support available through the Small Business Development Center and our industry partners.
Contact Us
Lisa Haman, Director, Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Ashley Niss, Marketing & Events Coordinator
cie@mnsu.edu | 507-389-1018
