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2025-2026 Competition Timeline

Below is a quick summary of the important dates for the competition:

  • October 1, 2025: Application portal opens
  • January 25, 2026, 11:59 p.m. CST: Application portal closes
  • *TCU Only* January 26, 2026: Internal V&V | Hult Prize Pitch Competition
  • February 11, 2026: Semifinalists announced
  • February-April 2026: Semifinalist preparation
  • April 9, 2026: Semifinalist Registration & Social at TCU
  • April 10, 2026: Keynote, Semifinals & Welcome Dinner at TCU
  • April 11, 2026: Lightning Round, Finals & Awards Banquet at TCU

Competition Overview

Below is a general overview of the competition.

Apply Online: October 1, 2025 – January 25, 2026

Once the application goes live on October 1, you can complete an online application. Judging is based on a completed online application with your video pitch, executive summary, pitch deck and short answers. Zoom info sessions will occur in October to answer any questions you may have on the application process. Sign up here to receive the Zoom link

  • A completed online application should include the following:
    • 1-page executive summary
    • 90-second video pitch
    • Pitch deck
    • Team photo
    • Photo release forms

The application deadline is January 25, 2026, 11:59 p.m. CST

After that, the portal will close and applications can no longer be submitted. Unfortunately, no exceptions can be made.

*TCU ONLY: January 26, 2026: Internal V&V | Hult Prize Pitch Competition

All TCU teams will present their companies in a 7 min pitch to a panel of internal judges for a chance to represent TCU at both V&V and the Hult Prize Competition. For TCU students wanting to learn more about our partnership with Hult Prize, please contact Lianne Yang at lianne.yang@tcu.edu.

February 11, 2026: Semifinalists Announced

Semifinalists Preparation: February - April 2026

Over the next 2 months, semifinalists will continue growing their companies. In preparation for the competition, they should expect the following:

  • Semifinalist Zoom Calls: bi-weekly Zoom calls for logistics updates and questions.
  • Mentor Match: each team will be matched with a mentor.
  • Investor Challenge Begins: each semi-finalist team is given a bracket with all competing semi-finalist ventures. Individual competitors can watch the 90-second pitches and review each company's application answers to select the venture you think will move on in each round, including the Grand Prize winner.
  • Additional Materials: more information will be provided about the additional materials including a founder profile.

In-person Competition: April 9-11, 2026

April 9: Pre-competition Registration & Social. Semifinalist Teams are strongly encouraged to arrive on Thursday night (4/9) as Friday’s events will begin at 9 AM. Registration will occur at the hotel – TCU’s Hyatt Place. There will be an informal Semifinalist Social with heavy snacks/light dinner provided that night to meet the other competitors.

April 10: Semifinals. The day will start promptly at 9:00 a.m. with introductions and any final updates on logistics. Students will attend a Keynote before going to prepare for their pitch.

In the semifinals, the 40 teams are divided into 5 flights. Teams get 7 minutes to pitch and 7 minutes of Q&A with judges. Judging is based on live pitches, Q&A, pitch deck, application, executive summary and short answers. The top team from each of the 5 flights moves on to the final round on April 11.

Afterwards, teams will speak to their judges in a Feedback Roundtable before relaxing at the Welcome Dinner which will showcase some of TCU and Fort Worth’s culture.

April 11: Finals. The day starts again at 9:00 a.m. with the Lightning Round. For the Lightning Round, second place teams from each flight will have the opportunity to pitch again to a new set of judges. Teams get 7 minutes to pitch and 5 minutes of Q&A with judges. Judging is based on live pitches, Q&A, pitch deck, application, executive summary and short answers. The top 2 teams from the Lightning Round will move on to the Finals.

For the Finals, the top 7 finalist teams pitch to Finals judges. Teams get 7 minutes to pitch and 10 minutes of Q&A with judges. Judging is based on live pitches, Q&A, pitch deck, application, executive summary and short answers.

Afterwards, teams will enjoy an Awards Banquet that will showcase a different aspect of TCU and Fort Worth's culture.