Deadline:
May 05, 2026
Program Starts: November 06, 2026
Program Ends: November 08, 2026
Location(s)
Online United States of America
Hilton Midtown, New York City
Overview
Passionate about social entrepreneurship? Have a vision for a startup that would jumpstart positive social change? Whether your company is alpha testing or simply a concept, we want to hear it!
Details
The Impact Challenge is a premier pitch competition for undergraduate social entrepreneurs. Once selected, the top five finalists will receive pre-conference mentorship from top VCs and operating executives. Afterwards, up to three team members will have the opportunity to attend Business Today's 52nd International Conference in full, culminating in the chance to pitch their startup to a panel of prestigious judges from all areas of the innovation economy. Past competitors have gone on to join Y-Combinator cohorts, become major VC portfolio companies, and even be recognized as Forbes 30 Under 30 founders!
Business Today - 2026 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
For the past half century, Business Today has exposed attendees to diverse viewpoints, not only from many industries and companies, but also from students of different countries, universities, and backgrounds. The Impact Challenge is Business Today's annual pitch competition for undergraduate social entrepreneurs. This challenge takes place the International Conference, and has previously boasted thousands in funding from Moody's and a fast track to Pear VC's dorm fund. With an emphasis on social impact, this challenge attracts top applicants from around the world, typically accepting only the top ~2% of applicants. The top teams participate in a heated competition during the International Conference, where an expert panel of judges composed of top entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and executives divide on the winner of the grand prize. Past participants have gone on to become Forbes 30 under 30!
ABOUT BUSINESS TODAY
Business Today is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded by Steve Forbes in 1968. For the past 50 years, our goal has been to bridge the gap between influential business leaders, from all industries, and top undergraduate students from across the world. BT creates a dynamic forum in which students from all backgrounds can be educated and inspired.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Application Requirements:
- Teams may consist of up arbitrarily many members; however, only two are permitted to attend the competition. Only one member must apply for the team.
- The Impact Challenge will take place in person in New York, NY, on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Finalists will be invited to attend the events of the International Conference from November 6 to 8, 2026 with all travel expenses and stay covered by Business Today.
Dates
Deadline: May 05, 2026
Program starts:
November 06, 2026
Program ends:
November 08, 2026
Program Starts: November 06, 2026
Program Ends: November 08, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
The five chosen teams receive a month of mentorship from top business executives, as well as the chance to compete at the International Conference for $15,000 in seed funding.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
