Programs

Skandalaris Venture Competition

Applications for SVC Spring 2026 will open in January.

Get help to develop your new idea, invention, or venture in the Skandalaris Venture Competition (SVC).

SVC provides expert mentorship to WashU ventures and startups to ready them for commercializing their idea, launching, and pitching to investors. Teams will develop materials focused on explaining the idea they are working on to a broad audience. 

Up to $25,000 in awards available!

  • Innovator Funding ($2,000): This fund supports startups that the Skandalaris Center believes are showing promise and potential, providing initial funding to explore their concepts further.
  • Disruptor Funding (up to $5,000): This fund supports startups that are refining their product and enabling them to advance towards market readiness.
  • Catalyst Funding (up to $10,000): This fund supports the launch of startups poised for growth and providing resources for the critical next steps in their development.

Eligibility

  • Current enrollment as a WashU student or a WashU graduate within the past year with an early-stage venture or idea. 
  • The WashU-affiliated team member must have at least 33% ownership of the company/idea.
  • The company/idea must have been conceptualized or formed within the last three years (no earlier than August 2022 for this current SVC cycle) or while enrolled at WashU. 
  • Ideas from WashU Intellectual Property are not permitted. In addition, a license to the IP (Intellectual Property) from WashU or another university is also not permitted. 

**Please note the maximum funding available to any one startup idea through SVC is $10,000. Once a team has earned this amount in funding over one or multiple cycles of SVC, they are no longer eligible to enter future cycles of the competition.

Timeline for Fall 2025 Cycle:

  • Initial application due by Wednesday, January 28 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time
  • One-page executive summary due Monday, February 9 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time
  • IdeaBounce® post and two-minute video pitch due Monday, February 16 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time
  • Semifinalists announced Friday, February 20
  • Customer Discovery form due Monday, March 2 at 12:00 p.m. Central Time
  • Semifinalists Pitch Wednesday, March 4
  • Finalists announced on Wednesday, March 4
  • Revised executive summary with financial projections due Monday, March 23 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time
  • Pitch deck for final presentation due Monday, April 13 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time
  • In-person final presentations on Wednesday, April 15
  • Winners announced on April 15 at the WashU Innovation & Entrepreneurship Awards, presented by the Skandalaris Center.

Judging Criteria

Stage 1

1.1 Submit online application (By 01/28/26 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time)

1.2 Executive Summary (By 02/09/26 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time)

One one-page Executive Summary will be judged on the following criteria:

  1. Problem: Clear, concise description and understanding of the problem.
  2. Solution: The solution is feasible and implementation is achievable by team and highlighted collaborators.
  3. Target customer: Team has spoken to potential users and has a plan for ongoing customer discovery.
  4. Value Proposition: This is an original solution and differentiated from established competitors.
  5. Minimally Viable Product or Service: Team has a plan for the development of a working product or service.
  6. Resource Support: Team has pursued other avenues for funding and resources, including non-WashU entrepreneurship competitions. Teams are strongly encouraged to enter external competitions.                     
  7. Team: The team understands their capabilities and has a plan to fill knowledge gaps. Diversity of disciplines encouraged.

*We will review examples of executive summaries at SVC orientation.

1.3 Post your 2-minute video pitch idea for a new invention, service, or startup concept  (By 02/16/26 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time)

IdeaBounce® Post-Two-Minute Video

  1. Problem: Clear, concise description and understanding of the problem.
  2. Solution: The solution is feasible and implementation is achievable by team and highlighted collaborators.
  3. Target customer: Team has spoken to potential users and has a plan for ongoing customer discovery.
  4. Value Proposition: This is an original solution and differentiated from established competitors.

Stage 2 (Semifinalists)

2.1 Customer Discovery Evaluation (By 03/02/25 at 12:00 p.m. Central Time) 

Teams will submit a two to three-page, single-space PDF document that addresses the five questions below.

  1. What hypotheses did you test?
  2. Who did you talk with and when?
  3. What was the outcome?
  4. How did you evolve the business?
  5. What are your next steps?

2.2 Two-minute in-person presentation at Semifinals-Selection of Finalists (Wednesday, March 4, 2026)

Teams will be judged on the following criteria:

  1. Problem: Clear, concise description and understanding of the problem.
  2. Solution: The solution is feasible and implementation is achievable by team and highlighted collaborators.
  3. Target customer: Team has spoken to potential users and has a plan for ongoing customer discovery.
  4. Value Proposition: This is an original solution and differentiated from established competitors.
  5. Minimally Viable Product or Service: Team has a plan for development of a working product or service.
  6. Team: The team understands their capabilities and has a plan to fill knowledge gaps. Diversity of disciplines encouraged.

*You are not permitted to have AV, props, or a script for this presentation.

Stage 3 (Finalists)

3.1 Two-Page Revised Executive Summary (By 03/23/26 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time)

Written Summaries (40% of final score)

Two-page summaries and will be judged on the following criteria:

  1. Problem: Clear, concise description and understanding of the problem.
  2. Solution: The solution is feasible and implementation is achievable by team and highlighted collaborators.
  3. Target customer: Team has spoken to potential users and has a plan for ongoing customer discovery.
  4. Value Proposition: This is an original solution and differentiated from established competitors.
  5. Industry Trends: There is demand for this solution, there is a significant market, and potential positive impact to society.
  6. Minimally Viable Product or Service: Team has a plan for development of a working product or service. 
  7. Financial Modeling: Pricing, marketing, sales, revenues, and investment needed are realistic.
  8. Traction: Team has established and is meeting milestones, including having paying customers and/or partnerships. There is a clear plan for future growth.
  9. Resource Support: Team has pursued other avenues for funding and resources, including non-WashU entrepreneurship competitions.
  10. Team: The team understands their capabilities and has a plan to fill knowledge gaps. Diversity of disciplines encouraged.
  11. Use of Funds: The team clearly explains how much funding they need and a detailed description with a plan of how they will use the funds.

3.2 Seven-minute In-Person Final Presentation (Wednesday, April 15, 2026)

Final pitch deck is due by Monday, April 13 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time

Pitch and Slidedeck (60% of final score)

Teams will be judged on the following criteria:

  1. Problem: Clear, concise description and understanding of the problem.
  2. Solution: The solution is feasible and implementation is achievable by team and highlighted collaborators.
  3. Target customer: Team has spoken to potential users and has a plan for ongoing customer discovery.
  4. Value Proposition: This is an original solution and differentiated from established competitors.
  5. Industry Trends: There is demand for this solution, there is a significant market, and potential positive impact to society.
  6. Minimally Viable Product or Service: Team has a plan for development of a working product or service. 
  7. Financial Modeling: Pricing, marketing, sales, revenues, and investment needed are realistic.
  8. Traction: Team has established and is meeting milestones, including having paying customers and/or partnerships. There is a clear plan for future growth.
  9. Team: The team understands their capabilities and has a plan to fill knowledge gaps. Diversity of disciplines encouraged.
  10. Presentation: Team presented confidently, answered questions effectively, and has the motivation to succeed.
  11. Use of Funds: The team clearly explains how much funding they need and a detailed description with a plan of how they will use the funds.

Previous SVC Winners

Innovator Funding (up to $2,000): This fund supports startups that the Skandalaris Center believes are showing promise and potential, providing initial funding to explore their concepts further. Four teams were awarded funding at this level: Aurora and UteroStim
Disruptor Funding (up to $5,000): This fund supports startups that are refining their product and enabling them to advance towards market readiness. Four teams received this funding: Pretus and Locus Suit
Catalyst Funding (up to $10,000): This fund supports the launch of startups poised for growth and providing resources for the critical next steps in their development. Two teams received launch funding: NeuroFore and Assertion AI

Innovator Funding ($2,000): This fund supports startups that the Skandalaris Center believes are showing promise and potential, providing initial funding to explore their concepts further. Four teams were awarded funding at this level: Aurora and Quture
Disruptor Funding (up to $5,000): This fund supports startups that are refining their product and enabling them to advance towards market readiness. Four teams received this funding: SPARC Sports
Catalyst Funding (up to $10,000): This fund supports the launch of startups poised for growth and providing resources for the critical next steps in their development. Two teams received launch funding: CERV, Menalated, and Eagleland

Innovator Funding ($3,000): This fund supports startups that the Skandalaris Center believes are showing promise and potential, providing initial funding to explore their concepts further. Four teams were awarded funding at this level: 4 Her Sport, CERV, Menalated, and WUWA Textiles
Disruptor Funding (up to $7,500): This fund supports startups that are refining their product and enabling them to advance towards market readiness. Four teams received this funding: Chick, Connect, Eagleland, and Portal
Catalyst Funding (up to $10,000): This fund supports the launch of startups poised for growth and providing resources for the critical next steps in their development. Two teams received launch funding: Phoenix and Rasa Chai

Innovator Funding ($3,000): This fund supports startups that the Skandalaris Center believes are showing promise and potential, providing initial funding to explore their concepts further. Two teams were awarded funding at this level: Portal and Mapable
Disruptor Funding (up to $7,500): This fund supports startups that are refining their product and enabling them to advance towards market readiness. Two teams received this funding: Phoenix and Sustain-a-Plate
Catalyst Funding (up to $10,000): This fund supports the launch of startups poised for growth and providing resources for the critical next steps in their development. Three teams received launch funding: Anode Free Sodium Batteries, InCase, and OvuMap

Exploration Funding (up to $2,000): This fund supports startups that the Skandalaris Center believes are on to something and need additional support to move forward. Three teams were awarded funding at this level: Beacon Tags, Chick, and OvuMap
Proof-of-Concept Funding (up to $5,000): This fund supports companies that are building an minimal viable product (MVP), or have a proof of concept that needs some refinement. One team received this funding: Ascent Labs, Crewmate, and Papertrail
Launch Funding (up to $10,000): This fund supports startups that are launched and ready to take those next steps in growth and development. Three teams received launch funding: ASL Aspire

Exploration Funding (up to $2,000): This fund supports startups that the Skandalaris Center believes are on to something and need additional support to move forward. Three teams were awarded funding at this level: Lumilin Therapeutics, Magnifi, and Papertrail.
Proof-of-Concept Funding (up to $5,000): This fund supports companies that are building an minimal viable product (MVP), or have a proof of concept that needs some refinement. One team received this funding: Contrast AI.
Launch Funding (up to $10,000): This fund supports startups that are launched and ready to take those next steps in growth and development. Three teams received launch funding: ChiChi, Ice Cream for Bears, and Top Tutors for Us.

1st Place: $10,000 Sobriety Hub, Clayton Canfield (BU ’23), Joseph Lanfersieck (EN ’24)

2nd place: $7,500 Tutors for Us, Angelica Harris (BU ’21, SI ’22), Brianna Chandler (LA ’23), Artorius Zhang (EN ’24)

3rd Place: $5,000 ChiChi, Chiara Munzi (LA ’23), Isabelle Gorton (LA ’25), Yemane Kidane (LA ’23)

4th Place: $2,500 MiDoc, Linda Wu (GB ’22), Katie Thai (EN ’23, SI ’24), Lili Hostetler (GB ’23, SI ’24), Hanyang Liu (PhD Candidate), Arthur Zhou (GB ’22), Alec Fields (EN ’22, SI ’22)

1st Place: $10,000 Grapevine Biosciences, Victoria Mityul (ME ’25)
2nd place: $7,500, Multiflex Neurovascular Catheter, Vinay Chandrasekaran (BS ’21)
3rd Place: $5,000, Tylmen Tech, Lloyd Yates (GB ’22).

1st place: $10,000, ClosetSwitch, Chiara Munzi (LA ’23).
2nd place: $7,500, Oystar, Lungile Tshuma (MBA ’21), Kevin Ko (MBA ’21), Tim Brandt (MBA ’21), and Abhinav Gabbeta (MBA ’20).
3rd place: $5,000, Speak Information Technologies (Speak IT), Kai Skallerud (MD/MBA ’23), Maxwell Popper (LA ’22), Chris Callan (MBA ’22), Quan Khuc (EN ’23), Afam Obioha (BU ’22), Mitchell Sampson (EN ’25), Ajla Salic (BU ’22), Maddy Singleton (LA ’24) Issa Cook (JD/MBA ’22/23), Julian Lu (LA ’24), and Michael Cafiero (LA ’24).

1st place: $10,000, HIVE Medical, Inc., Joe Beggs (Biomedical Engineering ’20)
2nd place: $7,500, Salentra Biosciences, Leonardo Velazco-Cruz (Ph.D. candidate in the DBBS program, School of Medicine graduating December 2021) and Punn Augsornworawat
3rd place: $5,000, SafeBeat RX, Rachita Navara, MD (Division of Cardiology) and Kunj Patel, MD, MSc.
Honorable Mention: $2,500, Jellie Rhodes Group, Angelica Harris (‘21 in the John B. Ervin Scholars program double majoring in Computer Science and Finance)

1st place: $10,000 cash, Cedars Health, Inc., Raphael Chung (BS’19, MS ’20), Kevin Park (BS ’20), and Dr. Arett (Associate Professor of Surgery, School of Medicine).
2nd place: $7,500, Lifted Pouches, Derek Leiter (MBA ’21), Tyler Edwards (MBA ’21), Marguerite Whitelaw (MBA ’21), and Zach Hechtman (BSBA ’21).
3rd place: $5,000, Golden Roots Essentials, Fanta Kaba (MBA ’21)

1st place: $10,000, Pareto, Mitchell Lynn (GM, ME), Rachel Heymach (SI’20), and Kelley Coalier (UG’15, PM’20)
2nd place: $7,500, Honeymoon Chocolates, Cameron (PM) and Haley Loyet.
3rd place: $5,000, Caralyst, Havisha Pedamallu (LA’21, BU’21), Matthew Millet (ME), and Owen Zhang (EN’23, BU’23).

1st place: $10,000 cash and $1,000 Lyft ride credits, SpectraServe, Chris Weber, Fei Xie, Michael Wong, and Maneesh Jey
2nd place: $5,000, Illumino, Cassie Davis (SI ’19)
3rd place: $2,500, HUM Industrial Technology, Byron Porter (GM ’20)

Contact the Skandalaris Center with questions: sc@wustl.edu.

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