Howard J. Leonhardt Venture Competition
The Howard J. Leonhardt Venture Competition is a year-long event open to graduate students of the University of Florida. The competition recognizes and encourages the entrepreneurial spirit of the talented students of this institution and also provides an opportunity to translate ideas into concrete plans that could develop into commercial possibilities. Individuals gain the opportunity to compete with their peers and obtain valuable exposure to investors interested in supporting the University of Florida. In order to compete, students must be enrolled in one of the following courses:
- Entrepreneurship and Venture Finance (I1MBA, I2MBA, P2MBA)
- Social Entrepreneurship (MSE/Grad Elective)
- Business Plan Formation (MSE/Grad Elective)
- New Venture Creation (PMSE)
- Entrepreneurship for Engineers (Grad Elective)
Teams competing in each course are evaluated and judged by successful entrepreneurs and venture investors. Winners are selected and awarded small prizes. In addition, winning teams may be selected to represent the University of Florida in the Sunshine State Venture Challenge (in addition to course winners, teams will be considered from the Integrated Technology Venture (ITV) program).
Finally, student teams from Buchholz's Academy of Entrepreneurship are also evaluated in a separate competition in the spring semester.
Changes or additions to any contest rules can be made at any time at the discretion of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
