Empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.
We invite undergraduate students from around the world to pitch ideas for conscious capitalism ventures that make a profit while also solving a societal problem. Recycling plants that employ the homeless. Better access to autism treatment. Human-powered farm machines. Real-time organ donor communication. Winners take home thousands of dollars to help make their ideas come true.
Our competition rewards both innovators and investors. Undergraduate innovators (undergrads from around the world) can pitch their business plans and act as investors in the other teams in our Investor Challenge, choosing who they think will advance in the competition. We are also providing more chances to win. Each of the 40 semifinalists has a chance to win at least $1,000 in the challenge.
Applications are now live! Start your application today. Interested in learning more? RSVP for an upcoming info session about the application process.
Values and Ventures is presented by the TCU Neeley Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and made possible by generous support from the Richards Barrentine Donor Advised Fund of the Texas Women’s Foundation.
2025-2026 Competition Timeline
Below is a quick summary of the important dates for the competition:
- October 1, 2025: Application portal opens
- January 25, 2026, 11:59 p.m. CST: Application portal closes
- *TCU Only* January 26, 2026: Internal V&V | Hult Prize Pitch Competition
- February 11, 2026: Semifinalists announced
- February-April 2026: Semifinalist preparation
- April 9, 2026: Semifinalist Registration & Social at TCU
- April 10, 2026: Keynote, Semifinals & Welcome Dinner at TCU
- April 11, 2026: Lightning Round, Finals & Awards Banquet at TCU
Competition Overview
Below is a general overview of the competition.
Apply Online: October 1, 2025 – January 25, 2026
Once the application goes live on October 1, you can complete an online application. Judging is based on a completed online application with your video pitch, executive summary, pitch deck and short answers. Zoom info sessions will occur in October to answer any questions you may have on the application process. Sign up here to receive the Zoom link
A completed online application should include the following:
- 1-page executive summary
- 90-second video pitch
- Pitch deck
- Team photo
- Photo release forms
The application deadline is January 25, 2026, 11:59 p.m. CST
After that, the portal will close and applications can no longer be submitted. Unfortunately, no exceptions can be made.
| Application Deadline |
25/01/2026 |
| Time |
11:59pm CST |
| Application required? |
Apply Here |
