The Wolff New Venture Competition
Join us at the 11th annual Wolff New Venture Competition!
The 11th annual Wolff New Venture Competition, hosted by UConn's Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, features live pitches by the top startups coming out of the university, and gives away over $150,000 in non-dilutive funding to the startups each year. This year's event will include:
Pitch Competition
Five startups will present a seven minute pitch to a panel of judges, who then decides which businesses are worthy of the $150,000+ in award funding.
Startup Showcase
30+ UConn startups will showcase their companies. Guests can learn about what they're building and purchase their products.
Event Schedule
5-6pm - Networking + Startup Showcase
6-7:30pm - Venture Pitch Competition
7:30-8pm - Awards
8-9pm - Networking + Startup Showcase
Pitch Competition Startups
TBA
Startup Showcase Participants
TBA
Judges
Ashley Kalinauskas, Torigen
Zachary Cohen, The Junkluggers
Rob Hughes, Republic Systems Inc.
*Additional judges TBA
Awards
Pitch Awards
The Wolff 1st Place Prize
- $40,000 and $5,000 in services at Wolff Financial
The CCEI 2nd Place Prize
- $15,000
The Prime Materials Recovery 3rd Place Place
- $7,500
Wiggin(x) Legal Services Award
- $15,000 in services
FML Audience Choice Award
- $5,000
Mark and Jamie Summers Innovation Award
- $5,000
Baystate Financial Disruption Award
- $5,000
Showcase Awards
Big Bang Technical Advisory Services Award
- $20,000 in services
Wiggin(x) Legal Services Award
- $5,000 in services
Wiggin(x) Legal Services Award
- $5,000 in services
FML Accounting Services Award
- $5,000 in services
Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors:
Sardilli Dairy and Produce Co.
Gold Sponsors:
Bob and Linda Delisle
Silver Sponsors:
Webster Bank
Eric Marziali
Dick and Carol Stewart
Putnam Plastics
Bronze Sponsors:
Event Resources
About the Wolff New Venture Competition:
The Wolff Prize is made possible through the generosity of the Wolff Family and their longstanding commitment to UConn, the School of Business, and the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. That commitment began with Thomas John Wolff (1928–2008) and Bette Wolff (1929–2026), whose belief in entrepreneurship and education established a lasting legacy at UConn. Today, their children, Greg Wolff, Gary Wolff, and Deb Davis, and grandchildren, Keith Wolff and Kristina Singh, remain actively involved in supporting the Prize and creating opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
About the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CCEI):
At CCEI, we aim to empower entrepreneurs and innovators, create a vibrant startup ecosystem, and contribute to economic development in Connecticut. We strive to provide the necessary resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses and make a positive impact on society. To learn more, visit ccei.uconn.edu.