#UEC25

The USEK Entrepreneurship Challenge

Take the opportunity to create or grow an innovative startup aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). Open to USEK undergraduate and master's students, this program invites you to compete locally, with top teams advancing to the semi-finals of a prestigious international challenge. Showcase your entrepreneurial skills on a global stage and compete with top talent from around the world.

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Key Benefits

Global Exposure

Top teams advance to the Babson semi-finals to compete with students globally in the finals.

Pitch Training

Receive professional coaching to develop and perfect your startup pitch.

Mentoring

Benefit from one-on-one mentorship from established entrepreneurs.

Networking

Engage with entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and USEK faculty.

Cash Prizes

The winning teams and runner-up will receive $1500- $2500 & participate in the grand final.

Validate your idea

Take the leap! Get real-world feedback, refine your concept, and see your startup idea come to life.

Application Criteria

Team Size

2-6 students enrolled at USEK.

Eligibility

  • All members of the team must be enrolled at the same educational level (e.g., all bachelor students or all masters students).

Cross-disciplinary teams

Diversity is encouraged. Need team members from other disciplines to make your dream team?

Focus

Business ideas must address one or more UNSDGs with clear, scalable concepts.

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Validation Sprint Program

Participants will receive in-depth training to sharpen ideas and pitching skills.

1. Ideation & Validation: Brainstorming and refining your concept.
2. Business Model Development: Building a sustainable and scalable business model.
3. Pitching Skills: Structuring and delivering a persuasive pitch.
4. Mentoring: One-to-one clinics with an industry expert.

October 21, 2024
Babson Prototyping Challenge
November 21
Babson Business Model for Social Impact Webinar
Jan 5, 2025
Ideation Session

Generate innovative ideas and form dynamic teams to bring them to life!

December 31 2024
Registration Deadline
Validation Program

The validation program will run from January 13 to February 21, helping you validate your idea while offering mentorship from successful entrepreneurs.

March 5, 2025
Sub Label
UEC Pitching Event

Pitch your ideas in front of a jury of experts for a chance to win the USEK Entrepreneurship Challenge!

Global Challenge Recognition and Prizes

By participating in the UEC and Babson Global Student Challenge, you’ll receive valuable recognition and opportunities at every stage.

  1. 1. Training and connections with experts, mentors, and judges
  2. 2. Networking opportunities with the Lebanese ecosystem and mentors
  3. 3. Certificate of Participation
  4. 4. Validate your project
  • 1. Written feedback from judges at Babson College and partner institutions
  • 2. Certificate from Babson College as a Global Challenge Semi-finalist
  • 1. Written feedback from Babson College judges
  • 2. Webinar on presentation tips with Professor Heidi Neck
  • 3. Certificate as a finalist, runner-up, or winner
  • 4. Free Babson EdX course with a verified certificate
  • 1. $1,500–$2,000 in cash prizes
  • 2. Feature in a Babson College article
  • 3. Consultation with Babson faculty on your concept
  • 1. $2,500 cash prize
  • 2. Scholarship to Babson Build, a week-long entrepreneurship bootcamp (includes program fee, meals, housing, and local transportation)

How to Apply

Ready to make an impact? Apply now to be part of the USEK Entrepreneurship Competition and compete for a place in the semi-finals of the Babson Global Student Challenge. 

Do you already have an idea?

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Contact Us

Have questions? Contact us at [email protected] for more information.

Apply Now