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Ship Tank

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The purpose of Ship Tank, presented by the Diller Center, is to provide Shippensburg students with a chance to explore their entrepreneurial interest in an environment where they can learn, grow, and earn some cash! Students will pitch their ideas to a panel of ‘sharks’ who range from Shippensburg University faculty, community entrepreneurs, and their peers in the audience. The competition will be based on the premise of the Emmy award winning tv show ‘Shark Tank’. You will pitch your idea to the panel for a chance to win from the $3,250 prize pool.

Ship Tank 2026

April 9, 2026
6-8 p.m.
Stewart Hall

Ship Tank: A Legacy of Innovation at Shippensburg University

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Ship Tank, one of the Diller Center’s longest-running and most beloved programs, returned on April 10 to continue its tradition of empowering student entrepreneurs at Shippensburg University. Hosted by the Charles H. Diller Jr. Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation, Ship Tank provides SU students with the opportunity to turn bold ideas into real-world ventures- and win cash prizes while doing it. 

Rules

  • Teams can range from 1 student to 5 students.
  • All Shippensburg University students are allowed to compete in Ship Tank (if you have an idea with a student who attends another university, please contact dillercenter@ship.edu).
  • Your idea must be an original idea of the group. Ideas similar to existing products are allowed if you prove what makes yours unique (i.e., different target market, different difference in quality, etc.).
  • Your team may only submit one idea/concept.
  • To present at the ‘Final Pitch’ your team must complete the application and executive summary.

  • Your pitch should be 5 minutes long, with an additional 5 minutes given afterwards for the judges to ask questions.

Ship Tank FAQs

The executive summary is a 1-2 paragraph summary of your business idea. It will introduce us to your business idea/concept. This will be used to check for originality of the idea. In the summary you should include the problem you are addressing, your solution, target market, and any other material you deem important to the concept (i.e., financial information, background research, etc.).

No! All we need is your idea. Some of the best businesses don’t have physical products, so we will not expect you to have one. However, if you have one and think it will be beneficial to your pitch you are more than welcome to use it. You will not be evaluated on the physical product, just the idea.

That is completely fine, you can compete as an individual. If you would like to form a group, please indicate that on the application. However, finding a team is not guaranteed.

No! Entrepreneurs come from all backgrounds, so we invite different academic disciplines to compete. There will be resources available if you need help along the way!

For any questions or concerns please reach out to dillercenter@ship.edu.

Contact the Charles H. Diller Jr. Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation

John L. Grove College of Business   Grove Hall Room 305   1871 Old Main Drive, Shippensburg, PA 17257 Phone: 717-477-1670