Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship
Brown Venture Prize
Supporting the next generation of Brown’s most promising ventures.
Our Peer Entrepreneurs in Residence (PEIRs) are available to chat about your venture, your goals, and how BVP—or other Nelson Center programs—might fit. Don’t hesitate to reach out!
Brown Venture Prize
Supporting the next generation of Brown’s most promising ventures.
Applying to B-Lab or the Brown Venture Prize?
Need an application mentor for B-Lab or the Brown Venture Prize? Fill out this form to be matched with an application mentor who can guide you through your submission and help you stand out.
Priority Deadline: December 10, 2025 — submit early to secure your mentor!
Pitch. Compete. Win a Share of $50K.
The Brown Venture Prize (BVP) Pitch Competition is designed to empower the most advanced entrepreneurial ventures by Brown students. It supports teams who have identified a significant opportunity, and whose ventures have the potential to create “impact at scale.”
Each spring, finalists pitch live on stage for a chance to win funding, mentorship, and visibility that helps launch them to the next stage—whether that’s funding, customers, or national accelerators.
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Celebrating BVP winners and their entrepreneurial achievements.
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Pitching with passion: Brown students present their ventures to judges.
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Student entrepreneurs presenting their ventures to a live audience.
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Engaged judges driving meaningful dialogue during the BVP competition.
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Energy and excitement fill the room as pitches take the stage.
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A vibrant crowd gathered to witness the future of entrepreneurship.
Meet Past BVP Finalists
Eligibility
- Ventures must include at least one current Brown University student (undergraduate or graduate) as a founder. Students graduating within the current academic year (fall or spring) are also eligible.
- Teams are encouraged (2–3 members), though solo founders may apply. Students from other institutions may participate, but there must be a Brown student founder.
- Students from all departments, disciplines, and schools are welcome to apply.
- We are sector-agnostic—ventures may be for-profit or non-profit.
- Finalists must be available to participate in pre-pitch workshops, typically held in the weeks leading up to Pitch Night in March.
Beyond financial support, the Brown Venture Prize gave Eliza and me the confidence to fully commit to MediCircle. Today, MediCircle provides life-saving prescriptions entirely for free to hundreds of patients who would have otherwise struggled to access or afford their medication. And this is just the beginning—MediCircle is on track to provide millions of patients with access to affordable, life-saving medication. None of this would have been possible without the invaluable teachings and support of the Nelson Center and the Brown Venture Prize.
2021 BVP First Place Winner
What We’re Looking For
We’re sector-agnostic and open to commercial, social, or blended models. What matters most is that you’re tackling a real problem—and thinking big about how to solve it.
Successful applicants typically:
- Have a clear understanding of the unmet need they’re addressing
- Can articulate a compelling value proposition
- Propose a financially sustainable model to support growth and impact
Your venture should be actively progressing toward launch or early traction—whether that means customer discovery, prototyping, revenue generation, or early partnerships.
How BVP Fits Into Your Venture Journey
Many BVP finalists have joined programs like B-Lab or received venture funding—but it’s not required. Wherever you are in your journey, BVP helps you scale your impact.
Being a BVP winner gave Liberare the ability to make the first prototypes for the easiest bra. Liberare wouldn't be where it is today without the help of BVP and the Nelson Center. BVP gave Liberare the financial ability to make the first prototypes and line. It also gave me the push I needed as a young student to believe in myself and make this venture a reality.
2020 BVP Second Place Winner
Awards & Opportunities
Prize Money:
Finalists compete for a share of $50,000 in equity-free funding to help launch their ventures.
- $25,000 — First Place
- $15,000 — Second Place
- $10,000 — Third Place
A Network of Support:
Prize winners receive mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, industry experts, and Brown’s broader entrepreneurial network.
VIP NYC Experience:
An all-expenses-paid trip to New York City where winners meet with venture capitalists, industry contacts, and influential leaders in the startup world.
Application Timeline and Process
Early December
Application Opens + Application Mentor Support
- We recommend that all prospective applicants request an application mentor by Early December.
- If you apply later than early December, we will do our best to match you with a mentor but cannot guarantee it.
- Fill out this form to get matched and receive guidance on your application.
Late January
Application Due
Don’t wait until the last minute! After the deadline, staff immediately assign your application to committee readers.
We strongly recommend submitting early to avoid technical issues—late applications will not be accepted.
Mid February
Top 8 finalist ventures notified
The Brown Venture Prize Selection Committee will review all applications and then select a small group of finalists.
Exact dates and deadlines will be listed on the application form. If you have any questions about timing or eligibility, feel free to reach out to us at entrepreneurship@brown.edu.
From Finalist to Stage: What to Expect
Being named a BVP finalist is just the beginning! In the weeks leading up to Pitch Night, finalists will receive hands-on support, personalized feedback, and access to a powerful network—all designed to help them refine their venture and pitch with confidence.
Pitch Prep & Mentorship
(Late February - Mid March)
Finalists participate in a focused series of workshops and mentorship sessions covering storytelling, pitch mechanics, slide design, and more.
Brown Venture Prize Pitch Night
(Mid March)
The big night! Finalists pitch in front of a live audience and a panel of judges for a chance to win up to $50K. All finalists are required to attend the Brown Venture Prize rehearsal.
NYC Immersion Day
(April or May)
Top three prize winners travel to New York City for an all-expenses-paid trip to meet with VCs, founders, and Brown alumni leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Peer Entrepreneurs in Residence (PEIRs) are available to chat about your venture, your goals, and how BVP—or other Nelson Center programs—might fit. Don’t hesitate to reach out!