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Have an idea?

Want to win up to $30,000 to launch your student start-up?

  1. Home
  2. Faculty & Research
  3. Centers & Institutes
  4. Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
  5. Events
  6. Clapp IDEA Competition
  • The Velocity Conference
  • Indiana University Entrepreneurial Connection Day
  • Clapp IDEA Competition
  • Haeberle Entrepreneurial Legacy Award

Vernon Clapp IDEA Competition

The Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation hosts the Clapp IDEA Competition annually. The competition provides you the opportunity to pitch your idea to investors who want to help you succeed.

Teams with innovative and well-thought-out business ideas compete in April each year to win up to $30,000. In addition, there are mentors to help you through the business planning process. All you need to start off with is an idea and the motivation to turn it into a business.

First and second place winners standing with Vernon Clapp at the Competition

Questions?

Contact icfellow@iu.edu with any questions

Frequently asked questions

The competition is open to all Indiana University students (including graduate and undergraduate) in any course of study.

Yes! Part of the innovation process is iterating and changing. You are not locked into the idea you submitted for registration.

Yes, but the summary section will be sent on to the competition judges in its submitted form. It is recommended that you stay as close to the summary as possible after you submit your business proposal.

Once you are registered, we will pair you with a Kelley MBA coach to help you along the way. Business coaching will be on the following schedule by walk-in or by appointment. Please email icfellow@iu.edu to schedule your coaching session.

Business Coaching Hours
March 24 to April 11
(No business coaching hours on Friday, April 4 due to Clapp IDEA Competition)

Monday
11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday
9 to 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Thursday
9 to 10 a.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m.
Friday
12 to 1:30 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m.

It’s okay! The business proposal is designed to be as user-friendly as possible and your Kelley MBA competition coach will help you along the way.

1st Prize: Up to $30,000 with additional prizes awarded at the discretion of the judges.

Sponsored by the Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Vern Clapp of Clapp Investment Ltd.

For additional questions, email icfellow@iu.edu.

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