McCloskey Competition

McCloskey New Venture Competition

The McCloskey New Venture Competition is a signature event in the innovation ecosystem at Notre Dame. Applications are now closed for the 2026 McCloskey New Venture Competiton.

The competition serves as an opportunity to test the validity of ideas and innovations and allows students to develop skills directly transferable to the commercial market. It is open to all current students from Notre Dame and Saint Mary's, as well as faculty and staff, alumni, and local community leaders. Participants are encouraged as entrepreneurs to create presentation and pitch decks, receive mentorship, serve as team leaders, and compete for prizes that include resources and funding. The competition is designed to strengthen startup skills by providing participants with insight from mentors and judges that includes a mix of angel investors, venture capitalists, successful entrepreneurs, and other startup experts. Teams are provided with proven strategies and a process to build a solid foundation to launch ventures. 

Have questions about the competition? View the presentation and the video recording from the McCloskey Info Session that was held on October 9, 2025.

Watch last year's competition below

Email Melissa Andrew or Emily Casanova to sponsor or serve as a judge, mentor, founder, or contributing student team member.

Join Student Connections if you’re building a team and need students, or if you’re a student hoping to join one.