Students are encouraged to develop innovative ideas in the process, product or business model stages, with a focus on economic development in Southeast Ohio and the Ohio Valley Region. They will be judged on how well their products, equipment, staffing, tools, business location, target market, advertising, social responsibility, competitor analysis, profitability and financing, and exit strategy are described and articulated in the business proposal.
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Preliminary Round: Monday, February 24, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
- Preliminary Round video presentation submission due: Monday February 17, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
- Preliminary Round written presentation submission due: Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
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Final Round: Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
For more information email - Michael Schor
Major support for Shark Challenge comes from TechGrowth Ohio
*Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three teams. Prize money is split three ways.
If team drops to two members, each member still receives one third of the prize amount (not half).
Shark Challenge Competition
Shark Challenge 2024 Competition Finals
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"As an Ohio alumna who was involved in the planning of this event, I have witnessed the transformative power that Shark Challenge has presented to local students throughout the years. In the tank of innovation, this challenge grants students the rare opportunity to dive into the depths of entrepreneurship, facing currents of creativity and market insight. I am proud of the growth and popularity that this event has gained in our community, as it helps students turn aspirations into tangible realities."
Jennifer Fox, Ohio University, Class of 2014
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“I think this event makes the Ohio Valley a better place to live by giving opportunities to students to share ideas on how to improve their surroundings through economic innovation.”
Nicolas Nolan, Ohio University, Class of 2024
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“Shark Challenge provides networking opportunities with local business people, who can offer insight on life after school. Offering answers to the tough questions about how a business can actually run or how a startup can be successful which will only help the participants later in their careers.”
Kyle Sutphin, Associate Producer, Ohio University, Class of 2017