About the Startup Competition

The Biola Startup Competition, led by the Office of Innovation, is the university’s premier builder-to-launch program for redemptive entrepreneurs. Rooted in Biola’s mission to develop Christ-honoring, world-changing ventures, the competition equips student founders through a 14-week incubator that blends structured training, mentorship, prototyping support and leadership development. Students across all majors learn to transform ideas into viable, kingdom-impacting companies — supported by experienced executives, Entrepreneurs-in-Residence and industry mentors. Through workshops, investor preparation, design sprints, and hands-on product development, students gain the skills, accountability, and confidence needed to build ventures that serve real communities and real needs.

The competition culminates in a high-energy final pitch event where top teams present to judges, investors, and campus leaders for the opportunity to win capital, legal support, branding packages, mentorship, and entry into partner accelerators. Alumni often describe the competition as “life-changing,” propelling their startups into accelerators, real customer traction, and angel investment. More than an event, the Biola Startup Competition is a catalyst for calling — igniting innovators to flourish in their giftedness and build ventures that reflect creativity, generosity and kingdom purpose.

What the Startup Competition Offers