Fueling Innovative Ventures
The Gustie Entrepreneur Cup brings together student entrepreneurs in an innovative and collaborative pitch competition that showcases the creative spirit that Gustavus students bring to their startup endeavors. Here at Gustavus, we find that great ideas are usually created by trial and error, collaboration, and working in an innovative space that supports ongoing learning and development in a community of entrepreneurial peers and mentors. Students identify real problems and opportunities, find realistic solutions, use insightful data, and integrate important research to develop a strong business model.
2026 Gustie Cup
This year, the Gustie Cup will be held April 11 at 2:00 p.m. in Beck Hall. A reception and banquet will follow, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Gustie Cup.
How it Works
The Gustie Entrepreneur Cup is sponsored by the Center for Innovative and Entrepreneurial Leadership (CIEL), and supported by Gustie alumni, special grants, and community partners. Throughout the Gustie Cup process, students are strongly encouraged to participate in various sessions and workshops where they can contribute their ideas, talents, and innovative thinking to address complex challenges. Participants engage with faculty, coaches, and alumni mentors to support students in developing their ideas into feasible, scalable, and sustainable business models.
Applications are due Monday, March 23 at midnight.
Competition Categories and Seed Money Prizes
There are two categories for the competition:
- Scalable Category: Innovative ideas that are scalable to larger and broader markets such as online sales, subscriptions, or potential multiple locations
- Sustainable Category: Start-up ideas that satisfy strategic community-based needs and/or provide a student with a livelihood after graduation
Within these two categories, entries can be pitched as a business/for-profit venture or a non-profit organization. The winning idea in the Scalable Category automatically advances to the semi-finals of the Minnesota Cup. However, all students are encouraged to apply to the Minnesota Cup. For more details, check out the Gustie Cup Resources and Toolkit.
Program Details and Participation Requirements
Leading up to the Gustie Cup, students have the opportunity to participate in guided sessions to leverage tools and resources that will help develop their innovative ideas. Participation in sessions and labs is strongly encouraged, but not required, to apply to the Gustie Cup Competition.
Sponsors and supporters
- George Torrey Endowment Fund | Mansergh-Stuessy Fund
- Gustavus alumni and community coaches, mentors, and donors
- Gustie Cup Alumni Advisors: Brent Harms and Ari Silkey