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The John Shen Duke Startup Showcase is more than a pitch competition. It's a four-month founder development experience that helps student entrepreneurs strengthen their ventures through coaching, mentorship, investor feedback, and multiple rounds of pitching.
Beginning with applications in December, nearly 100 student ventures from across Duke enter a rigorous, multi-stage process designed to accelerate their growth. Along the way, founders receive guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders while building valuable connections within Duke's innovation community.
The program culminates in April, when finalist teams pitch before investors, alumni, mentors, and community leaders for more than $110,000 in non-dilutive funding. Throughout the program, participants gain hands-on experience, expert feedback, and valuable connections that help accelerate their ventures and position them for long-term growth.
Beginning with applications in December, nearly 100 student ventures from across Duke enter a rigorous, multi-stage process designed to accelerate their growth. Along the way, founders receive guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders while building valuable connections within Duke's innovation community.
The program culminates in April, when finalist teams pitch before investors, alumni, mentors, and community leaders for more than $110,000 in non-dilutive funding. Throughout the program, participants gain hands-on experience, expert feedback, and valuable connections that help accelerate their ventures and position them for long-term growth.
The Startup Showcase TIMELINE
- December 1 – Applications Open
- January 25 – Applications close. Applications are reviewed by Duke I&E board members. 100 teams narrowed to top 50 selected to move on.
- February 23 – In-person Pitch Round. The top 50 teams pitch live to investors, operators, and alumni judges. 50 teams narrowed to top 36 selected to table at the Showcase. Top 10 teams advance as finalists
- March 20-25 – Finalist Judging. Top undergraduate and graduate teams pitch virtually to VCs and operators. Top teams advance to pitching at the Showcase.
- April 8, 2027 – Duke Startup Showcase. 36 ventures showcase at Fuqua, finalists pitch live on stage, winners are announced and over $110k in prizes are awarded.