Grainger Engineering Tech Startup Challenge
The Midwest’s elite student-led startup competition delivering engineering-powered tech innovations to Chicago
Join us for the Grainger Engineering Tech Startup Challenge Finals Event!
Join us for the second annual Grainger Engineering Tech Startup Challenge Finals, where seven student-led startups will take the stage to pitch their ideas and compete for a share of $200,000 in funding and prizes. This year’s finals are part of the Chicago Venture Summit: Future of Health 2026, one of the city’s signature gatherings for emerging technology and entrepreneurship.
Finals Event
Tuesday, October 20 at 2:30 p.m.
167 North Green St., Fulton Market District, Chicago
Register to attend with coupon code GraingerUIVIP for free tickets
Application Information
The Grainger Engineering Tech Startup Challenge will take place as part of the Chicago Venture Summit: Future of Health which runs October 19-20. Chicago Venture Summit 2026 brings together the region’s innovation ecosystem for networking, deal flow and strategic insights.
Why Participate?
- Direct Access to Capital | Pitch directly to top-tier Chicago-area VCs
- Substantial Rewards | Compete for funding and prizes from a pool of up to $200,000
- 1st Place receives $100,000, 2nd Place receives $50,000, and 3rd Place receives $25,000, with each award in the form of a SAFE agreement with a 10% discount and no valuation cap.
- Incubator Placement | Winner receives placement at a prestigious Chicago-area incubator
- Investor Connections | Network with the Midwest's most active investors
- Media Exposure | Gain visibility across the Chicagoland tech ecosystem
- Expert Feedback | Receive invaluable insights from industry leaders and successful founders
The registration window is now closed.
Thank you to those that applied!
Who Should Apply?
You should enter the Grainger Engineering Tech Startup Challenge if your startup:
- Is tech-driven and engineering-powered. Examples include but are not limited to:
- Hard Tech | Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace, AR/VR, Autonomous Vehicles, Drones, AI, Quantum Computing, Robotics, Smart Sensors
- Clean Tech | Agtech, Batteries, Climate Tech, Energy Infrastructure, Renewable Energy, Recycling, Electric Vehicles, Water
- Medical Tech | Biotech, Diagnostics, Digital Health, Medical Devices, Personalized Medicine, Pharma, Public Health
- Digital Tech | Big Data, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Enterprise Software, Fintech, Media, Sports Tech, Supply Chain
Has a minimum of two students (founders or management team members), with at least one being a graduate student. These students can be either current or recently graduated.
- Current is defined as enrolled between August 16, 2025 to August 15, 2026.
- Recently graduated is defined as graduated after August 16, 2026.
- Has not raised more than $250,000 in equity capital prior to December 31, 2024.
- Has not generated revenue of more than $100,000 in any 12-month period prior to December 31, 2024.
- Is seeking funding or capital (or will be in the next 12 months) and is a potentially viable investment opportunity.
Questions?
Please contact Riya Gupta, Student Innovation Programs Coordinator, Landuyt Center for Entrepreneurship
Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!
