​​IMPORTANT

​DATES

The UP/Start Venture Competition, an initiative of The Ratcliffe Center for Creative Entrepreneurship, focuses on incubating and building creative business ventures within the MICA community. Working with industry partners, UP/Start provides mentorship and capital to help nurture ideas into sustainable businesses. This year's competition is only open to MICA Class of 2022 and 2023 students/alumni. 
 
MICA's UP/Start Venture Competition 2023 begins with Round 1! A panel of judges will review Round 1 online applications and select 15 applicants to participate in a person 'Pop Up and Pitch' on Friday, November 18, 2022. The top 8 ideas will then advance to the next round of competition and compete for $105,000 in funding! 
 
Please read full eligibility and criteria prior to applying.

*Awards payments are subject to U.S. and state income tax laws, and the payment of the award may be tax reportable. Grant recipients are responsible for reporting stipend payments to the proper taxing authorities, and are liable for any tax payments that may be due. ​

• Wednesday, September 21, 2022, 4-5 PM EST Virtual UP/Start Q/A session.
• Saturday, October 1, 2022: Round 1 online application opens
• Tuesday, November 1, 2022: Round 1 online application due by 11:59 PM EST [Extended to Thursday, November 3, 2022 11:59 PM EST]
• Monday, November 14, 2022: Round 1 People's Choice Voting begins
• Friday, November 18, 2022: Round 1 Virtual 'Pop Up and Pitch' // Top 15 teams based on the judges scores will meet the judges and participate in person Pop-up & Pitch
• 8 Finalists participate in weekly cohort meetings & accelerator process: November 2022-April 2023
• Tuesday, April 11, 2023: UP/Start finale & Cohort Celebration
  
  

view last year's winners