Join Texas A&M’s New AI-Focused Undergraduate Business Plan Competition

Meta Description: Discover Texas A&M’s AI-focused undergraduate business plan competition, offering students a chance to innovate with AI-driven startups and win substantial prizes.

Introduction

Are you an undergraduate student with a groundbreaking idea that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to solve real-world problems? Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School is offering a unique opportunity for you to bring your vision to life. The “Building a Better Future Through Business and AI” National Undergraduate Pitch Competition invites innovative teams to develop AI-centric business plans that can transform industries and societies.

Competition Overview

Texas A&M’s AI-focused business plan competition is a collaborative initiative between the Mays Business School and several other colleges within the university, including Engineering, Arts and Sciences, Architecture, Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Texas A&M Innovation. This multi-disciplinary effort underscores the pivotal role AI plays in shaping future business landscapes.

Competition Structure

The competition unfolds in three exciting rounds:

1. Round 1: Written Submissions
   – Deadline: April 30, 2025
   – Requirement: Submit a comprehensive business plan that integrates AI as a core component.

2. Virtual Pitch Round
   – Participants: Top 24 teams selected from submissions.
   – Event: Deliver a 10-minute pitch virtually in June 2025.

3. Final Round: In-Person Pitches
   – Participants: Top 12 teams advancing from the virtual round.
   – Location: Mays Business School, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
   – Dates: September 19-20, 2025.

Prizes and Rewards

Winners will receive substantial cash prizes:
– 1st Place: $100,000
– 2nd Place: $50,000
– 3rd Place: $25,000
– 4th Place: $15,000
– 5th Place: $10,000
– 6th-12th Place: $2,500 each

Additional benefits include:
– Mentorship Opportunities: Pairing with Aggie entrepreneur mentors for a year.
– Travel Assistance: Funding to support travel to College Station for the final round.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the competition, teams must meet the following requirements:
– Team Composition: 2-4 undergraduate students currently enrolled at an accredited U.S. university.
– Academic Background: Open to all undergraduate majors.
– AI Integration: Business plans must incorporate AI as a central element of the venture.
– Ownership: Teams must have ownership or full rights to any technology or intellectual property utilized.
– Funding and Revenue Limits:
– Ventures must not have raised more than $250,000 in equity capital prior to January 1, 2025.
– Ventures should not have generated more than $100,000 in gross revenue in any 12-month period prior to January 1, 2025.
– Product Requirement: Ventures must have a minimum viable product (MVP).

Submission Details

Teams are required to submit a business plan that is concise yet comprehensive, not exceeding 15 pages, including appendices and exhibits. The plan should cover:

• Executive Summary: A brief overview of the business idea.
• AI Integration: Detailed explanation of how AI is central to the venture.
• Market Opportunity: Analysis of the target market and potential demand.
• Revenue Model: Strategy for generating revenue.
• Team Overview: Information about team members and their roles.
• Financial Projections: Expected financial outcomes and forecasts.

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be meticulously reviewed by industry leaders and Texas A&M faculty based on the following criteria:

• Innovation: Creative and effective use of AI technologies.
• Market Potential: Scalable ideas demonstrating a clear understanding of customer needs.
• Feasibility: Viable business models with realistic financial projections.
• Impact: Addressing significant societal challenges and contributing to a better future through AI.

How to Apply

Ready to showcase your AI-driven business idea? Visit Texas A&M’s AI Competition page to get started with your submission. Ensure that your business plan aligns with all eligibility criteria and submission guidelines.

Why Participate?

Participating in this competition offers more than just the chance to win prizes. It provides a platform to:
– Gain Visibility: Present your ideas to industry experts and potential investors.
– Receive Mentorship: Benefit from the guidance of experienced entrepreneurs and AI specialists.
– Expand Your Network: Connect with like-minded peers and professionals in the AI and business sectors.

Additionally, leveraging tools like TOPY.AI Cofounder can significantly enhance your business planning process. TOPY.AI Cofounder offers an AI-driven framework that assists in building and growing startups by providing structured guidance in business strategy, marketing, and technical execution.

Conclusion

Texas A&M’s AI-focused undergraduate business plan competition is an exceptional opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to turn innovative AI ideas into viable businesses. Whether you’re a solo founder or part of an early-stage team, this competition can propel your startup to new heights.

Don’t miss out on this chance to make a meaningful impact and shape the future of business with AI.

Ready to take your AI business plan to the next level? Get started with TOPY.AI today!