Two-Day Startup Challenge
This immersive event, scheduled for November 8–9, 2025, will bring together up to 60 students from across the PASSHE system for a fast-paced, hands-on experience in launching a business — start to finish — in just 48 hours.
This program emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and real-world entrepreneurial skills. Students from diverse majors and class years in the PASSHE system will form teams, brainstorm ideas, prototype solutions, and pitch their business models to a panel of judges, including entrepreneurs, alumni, and regional innovation leaders.
Key Program Features
- IDEATE – Identify real-world challenges and explore creative solutions
- FORM TEAMS – Work across disciplines to combine strengths and perspectives
- COLLABORATE – Gain insights from alumni, mentors, and business professionals
- PROTOTYPE – Build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
- PITCH – Present ideas to a panel for feedback, prizes, and recognition
This challenge also serves as a pipeline to Ship Tank, Shippensburg’s flagship pitch competition, and helps students build critical skills in communication, innovation, and teamwork.
More details will be provided on registration and logistics over the summer. Please contact dillercenter@ship.edu if you have any questions or want to participate.
Sponsorship opportunities are available, please contact reburtner@ship.edu if you are interested in sponsoring.