StartupUNO, the University of New Orleans’ first-ever student startup competition, will offer $10,000 in prizes. The contest is organized by The Beach at UNO, the University’s 30-acre research and technology park located adjacent to campus.

StartupUNO is a pitch competition open to all current UNO students with an idea for a new product, service or business and is designed to provide feedback and mentorship to accepted student teams to help move their idea to the market. As part of the competition, student teams will meet one-on-one with the innovation team at The Beach at UNO to gain valuable feedback on their ideas and receive mentorship on how to pitch to investors. Additionally, seminars on building a startup and presenting to investors will be provided for the selected participants.

StartupUNO will culminate with a live pitch competition in November when students will receive guidance from investors and industry professionals who will serve as judges and award teams $10,000 in prizes.

“We are excited to launch StartupUNO and create a new tradition of celebrating UNO student entrepreneurs,” said Shafin Khan, vice president of external affairs and innovation at The Beach at UNO. “Entrepreneurs can dream up new products and services from all backgrounds, so we’re looking forward to showcasing students from across UNO’s campus.”

Applications are currently open and due by 11:59 p.m. on August 31. Space is limited, so students are encouraged to apply early. To apply and learn more about StartupUNO, visit www.thebeachuno.org/startupuno or attend the StartupUNO kickoff event on August 24 at noon in the University Center lobby.