Explorer Track Requirements
Explorer Track Round Breakdown & Requirements
Round Breakdown
Participants in the Explorer Track will compete in two rounds.
- The top 10 teams from round 1 will advance to Round 2.
- Results are announced on February 11th, 2026.
- During round 2, the last and final round for Explorer Track, teams will pitch virtually via zoom on March 18th, 2026, with the top 3 teams winning prize money.
- Results are announced on March 20th, 2026.
Below are the requirements for each round.
Round 1 Requirements
Submit Round 1 Online Application:
What you'll need...
- Team Information.
- 50-word business thesis.
- Responses to 5 questions regarding your venture idea (250 words each).
Resources:
Round 1 application submissions due on Sunday, February 1st, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST.
Round 1 Application Opens Monday, December 8th
Round 2 Requirements
Submit Round 2 Online Application:
What you'll need...
- 5-slide PowerPoint deck.
- Must submit a .pptx file.
- Updated 50-word business thesis.
Pitch Virtually:
- 5-min virtual pitch on March 18th, 2026.
Additional Resources:
Worksheets:
Round 2 application submissions due on Sunday, March 15th, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST.
Round 2 Application Opens Wednesday, February 11th