South Dakota Innovation Partners, LLC, in partnership with South Dakota State University’s College of Engineering, Entrepreneurial Studies Program, and Technology Transfer Office, is conducting its inaugural "South Dakota Student Ventures Competition" where students from universities around the region will compete for up to $25,000 of investment capital and support from business and civic leaders to start-up a new science and technology-based company.  The objectives of the competition are to accelerate commercialization of entrepreneurial student-based concepts and to generate a return on investment. 

Any student from universities around the region is eligible to submit the application form below individually or as a team.  Team members may consist of university faculty members, industry professionals, graduate or undergraduate students, and others. 

"This is a unique opportunity for all students to advance science and technology-based concepts in a start-up company."

Critical Dates:

• Student Ventures Application Deadline - February 28, 2010
• Student Ventures Review and Feedback - March 15, 2010
• Student Ventures Investment Offers - April 6, 2010
• Entrepreneurial Studies Training Camp - May 10-14, 2010
• Start-Up Company Formation / Capitalization - May 14, 2010

The application review process will be equivalent to the pre-investment due diligence of a venture capital firm.  The selection process will be rigorous and highly competitive with a possibility that no application is selected for an investment offer.  Each offer for investment capital will consist of an amount up to $25,000 and terms consistent with early stage investment practices. 

Please submit the application form below or e-mail info@southdakotainnovation.com for additional details of the competition.

Student Ventures Competition - Application Form