The Founders Challenge Application

Run by students for students THE FOUNDERS CHALLENGE is designed to help young entrepreneurs make the transition from ideas to formalized action plans, with the opportunity to win funding! Current* Students from Western University are invited to pitch their entrepreneurial ideas to a panel of esteemed judges and your peers for a chance to win up to $5,000.

You need to be available to pitch in person at the finals on Thurs Mar 26 to apply.

Please do not hesitate to seek out assistance when submitting your application by contacting entrepreneurship@uwo.ca

Good Luck!

*Current: Active Western University student at the time of application. Students from any discipline or year of study (undergraduate, graduate, affiliates) can apply.

Any entrepreneurs who have participated in the Western Accelerator or ESI program are not eligible.

All applications must be submitted by Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 5 PM.

1. First Name
Note: For teams with multiple members, this is the info of the main contact person *This question is required.

2. Last Name *This question is required.

3. UWO Email *This question is required.

4. Student Number *This question is required.

6. University or Affiliated University College *This question is required.

7. Faculty *This question is required.

8. Program *This question is required.

9. Planned Year of Graduation *This question is required.

Team member info. Please list their name, email and program.

11. Name of your business or business idea. *This question is required.

Please provide a link to a 5-minute pitch video.

Note: Ensure the link is public. Also, the production quality is not important. *This question is required.

12. How did you hear about us? *This question is required.

You have reached the end of The Founders Challenge application. Please click 'submit' to complete your application.