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Venture Challenge Sprint
A three-week build experience connecting W&M students with real startup challenges.
Overview
The Venture Challenge Sprint is a short, applied-learning program designed to help students move from ideas to action by working on real problems sourced from regional ventures in our Launchpad program.
Over three weeks, small student teams partner with a founder to prototype, test, and refine potential solutions to a clearly defined venture challenge. The program emphasizes learning through experimentation, collaboration, and iteration while giving founders access to fresh perspectives and emerging talent.
This Sprint is intentionally designed as a program, not a public event. It prioritizes depth over scale, meaningful outcomes over exposure, and real-world application over hypothetical exercises.
Who It’s For
Students
- Work on real startup challenges
- Build portfolio-ready prototypes
- Learn entrepreneurial thinking by doing
- Connect directly with founders and mentors
- Explore paid follow-on opportunities
Launchpad Ventures
- Explore a real problem with multiple solution pathways
- Engage motivated W&M student talent
- Receive prototypes, insights, and validation
- Identify potential interns or collaborators
- Participate with minimal time commitment
How It Works
1. Venture Challenge Intake
Launchpad ventures submit short, scoped challenge briefs describing a real problem they want explored. From these submissions, one venture is selected for the Sprint.
2. Student Team Selection
Students apply individually or as teams. From the applicant pool:
- 3 teams (2–3 students per team) are selected
- Each team receives $100 in Seed Funding to support experimentation and prototyping
3. Three-Week Sprint
Teams work through a structured sprint that includes:
- Rapid prototyping and testing
- Weekly founder or mentor check-ins
- Iteration based on feedback and learning
4. Pitch & Selection
At the end of the Sprint:
- All three teams pitch their work to the venture
- The venture selects one winning team
- The winning team receives a $500 award
Ventures may choose to continue working with any team through paid internships, short-term projects, or future cohort opportunities.
Interested in Participating?
For Ventures
Launchpad members—active or returning—are invited to submit a challenge for consideration.
Ventures must be active Launchpad members at the start of the Sprint.
For Students
Student applications open once the venture challenge is selected.
Details will be shared through Hub communications and campus channels.
Student applications coming soon
Venture Challenge Sprint Funding Awards Process
If you or your team obtains Seed funds or wins the final award through the Hub, it will be processed based on your enrollment status. Most currently enrolled students receive funds through the university's Department Awards system, while recent graduates or students on break are paid as vendors.