FAQ

Q: Who can participate in the IdeaSprint competition?

A: The competition is open to all Davidson College students, regardless of whether they already have a business idea or are simply interested in entrepreneurship. You don’t need prior experience—just a willingness to learn and take action! We recommend having at least two hours a week available to work on your team’s project. 

Q. Do I need to have a team or an idea to apply?

A. No, you don’t need to have a team or a fully developed idea to apply. If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, you can join as an individual, and we will help pair you with other students and mentors.

Q. What support will teams receive during the competition?

A: Each team will be paired with a mentor who specializes in their chosen field. Teams will also receive a $200 micro-grant to help bring their projects to life.

Q. What are the key dates I should be aware of?

• Applications Due: Oct 20, 2025

• Teams announced: October 22nd, 2025

• Kickoff Event: October 23th, 2025

• Showcase Event: November 19th, 2025. Live voting takes place from 6:00p-7:00 pm and the event concludes by 8:00pm at The Hurt Hub.

Q: What kind of presentation will teams have to do at the Showcase?

A: You can think of the Showcase similar to a poster presentation where each team will have a booth while event attendees mingle around. Using visual aids such as a poster, prototype, or tech demonstration, each team will deliver short elevator pitches about their concept to event attendees as they move around the event. 

The Showcase is part of the larger Davidson Entrepreneurs Network Innovation Showcase (D.E.N.I.S) event that evening hosted by The Hurt Hub and coinciding with Global Entrepreneurship Week.  In addition to inviting the college community to attend, the local entrepreneurship community is invited as well.

Q: What is the prize for the winning team?

A: The team that wins the live showcase event will receive a $1,000 grand prize, decided by audience vote. It’s a great opportunity to get both financial support and community recognition for your project!

What if I don’t have any experience in entrepreneurship?

A: No experience is necessary! IdeaSprint is designed to give all students, including beginners, a chance to learn and develop their entrepreneurial skills. The competition includes mentorship and guidance, so you’ll have support throughout the process.

 How can I get involved as a mentor?

A: If you’re interested in becoming a mentor for one of the teams, you can reach out to Viochieng@Davidson.edu for more information. Mentors play a crucial role in guiding teams through the development of their projects.