Breakthrough Ventures 2026

Eligibility

Breakthrough Ventures is a student-led business competition open to currently enrolled UNT students from all colleges, schools, programs, and majors. Students may compete individually or as part of a team. Eligible students must take the lead in developing the venture, submitting the application, and participating throughout the competition.

To be eligible:

• The team must be organized and directed by a University of North Texas student.
• The founding student must be an active UNT student during the semester of the competition.
• The founding student must be enrolled in a minimum of nine credit hours during the semester of participation as a matriculated, admitted, degree-seeking student.
• Student team members must be actively involved in all aspects of the competition.
• Teams may include non-student members, but the venture must remain student-led and directed by the eligible UNT student founder.
• Student team members must remain actively involved throughout the competition. Interdisciplinary teams with complementary skills are encouraged.
• Existing companies are eligible to compete. If a company has been registered in any state for more than 24 months as of October 10, 2026, a brief history of the company must be included in the application.
• Cumulative revenue, debt, grants, or third-party financing for an existing company may not exceed $100,000 prior to October 10, 2026.
• Franchise businesses are not eligible.
• A team may submit more than one venture. Each business model must be registered and submitted separately.
• Participants must meet all competition deadlines and complete the required stages of the competition, including judging, mentoring, video submissions, finalist preparation, and live presentation requirements, when applicable.

Important Note

Competition rules and exceptions are subject to the discretion of the Murphy Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Breakthrough Ventures competition representatives. Submission content must be appropriate for the competition audience. Inappropriate content may result in disqualification.

For complete eligibility requirements and competition rules, review the official Breakthrough Ventures listing on StartupTree.

Questions regarding eligibility should be directed to murphycenter@unt.edu.