WNY Student 2 Biz Challenge

UB Business Day included presentations on topics such as financial, workplace development, purchasing, travel and risk management during a day long conference at the Buffalo Marriott Niagara Hotel in Amherst, NY. Photographer: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki.

Organized by the Western New York area’s higher education institutions, the Student 2 Biz Challenge's goal is to help launch student businesses grounded in innovation, research and strong mentorship while providing an economic boost to the the WNY economy.

About WNY Student 2 Biz Challenge

The Student 2 Biz Challenge encourages students from the WNY area colleges and universities to submit business plans around student-born innovations designed to address currently unmet needs. Students then pitch their ventures to an external panel of judges. They compete in five categories:

  • energy & environment
  • medtech & well-being
  • military & first responder
  • technology & entertainment
  • food & agricultural technology

Participation and Eligibility

Currently enrolled graduate and undergraduate students from Western New York colleges and universities are eligible. Teams are invited each year to pitch their venture to an external panel of investor judges at the New York Business Plan Competition. Teams should consist of one to a maximum of six members, excluding the adviser. Students from different academic areas are encouraged to work together to create the strongest team possible. One faculty member is required to be listed as an adviser for the team; offering guidance, support, and technical expertise.

For More Information

Learn more about the WNY Student 2 Biz Challenge.