AI Startup Challenge: Applied AI and the Future of Business
The AI Startup Challenge 2026: Applied AI and the Future of Business is calling innovative thinkers, problem-solvers, and aspiring student entrepreneurs to pitch forward-thinking startup ideas that leverage AI to revolutionize and unlock opportunities across industries. This competition challenges current graduate degree students at Columbia University, Cornell Tech, NYU, or Yale to harness the transformative power of AI to create innovative solutions to real-world business challenges across finance, healthcare, and consumer markets.
Confirmed Judges:
Isabelle Phelps (Keynote), Partner, Lerer Hippeau
Susannah Shipton, Partner, AlleyCorp
Selin Zalma '07 Managing Director and Senior Partner, Boston Consulting Group.
Brian Hecht Venture Partner, Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator
Ori Eldarov, CEO & founder of OffDeal
Moderators:
Jeremy Kagan Managing Partner, Textbook Ventures
Mattan Griffel, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice, Columbia Business School
Agenda
1:00pm – Registration Opens
2:00pm–2:45pm – Fireside Chat with Isabelle Phelps from Lerer Hippeau
3:00pm–5:00pm – Finalist Pitch Competition
5:00pm–6:00pm – Networking Reception and Refreshments
Please note you must be 21+ to attend this event.
This event will be photographed and video recorded. Attendee images may appear on Columbia Business School media channels.