Clapp IDEA Competition

Have an idea? Want to win up to $25,000 to launch your student start-up?

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 $25,000. 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.

For detailed information, please refer to the important dates and links below. Register early so we can begin providing you with competition details.

2023 Vernon Clapp IDEA Competition timeline

  • Register by February 8
  • Submit business plan by February 28
  • Clapp IDEA presentations: April 7

Competition entry is free. If you have any questions, please contact icfellow@indiana.edu.

Register

View submission requirements and instructions

Frequently asked questions

  • Registration Due: February 8, 11:59 p.m.
  • Idea Plans Due: February 28, 11:59 p.m.
  • Semi Finalists Notified: March 6 11:59 p.m.
  • Final Round Presentations Due: April 3, 11:59 p.m.
  • Clapp IDEA Competition: April 7, 11 a.m.

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 e-mail icfellow@indiana.edu to schedule your coaching session.

Business coaching hours

January 23 to February 24
Location: Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Kelley School of Business, Godfrey Center, CG 2050
No appointment needed. 

Mondays

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Aviral Jain and Edgar Penedo
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Ross Powers

Tuesdays 

9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Arun Thomas
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Hima Juttu

Wednesdays

3 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Bharat Pulikonda

Thursdays

9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Arun Thomas
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Hima Juttu

Fridays

2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Bhaskar Mishra
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Bharat Pulikonda

      

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: $25,000 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@indiana.edu.