This annual competition connects innovative students with coaching and entrepreneurial resources that can help launch a future business.
The Henry A Panasci Technology Entrepreneurship Competition is more than a one-time competition. It's a four-month-long structured opportunity to help entrepreneurial students with a technology invention take their business idea to the next level through training sessions, venture coaching, team formation, feedback and cash prizes for winning teams.
The competition is structured in three stages. These offer students increasing levels of support and feedback in a competitive environment. All applicants participate in the first round of pitches. Sound-round pitches are limited to semifinalists. Five teams are invited to compete in the final round which is open to the UB community and the public. Students can enter the competition either individually or as a part of a larger team.
Cash prizes total $60,000. A $1 million endowment from Henry Panasci Jr., a UB alumni and founder of Fay's Drugs, makes this annual competition possible.
The competition is open to graduate and undergraduate students with an idea for a new technology or development in life sciences or engineering. Interested students are encouraged to attend an information session and sign up for a training session where they can learn about business plan development and best practices for pitching ideas. There is an application process to enter the competition, which is held in the spring.
Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership
School of Management
(716) 885-5715
mgt-cel@buffalo.edu