Warrior Startup Challenge

Watch the Warrior Startup Challenge – Innovation in Action

East Stroudsburg University proudly hosted the 2nd annual Warrior Startup Challenge, an exciting student business competition that showcased the entrepreneurial spirit across campus. The challenge began in November 2025 with 29 students submitting two-minute video pitches in Round 1, and 23 students advancing to Round 2, where they prepared a Business Venture Profile to refine their business model. Round 3 culminated in the top three finalists pitching their refined business ideas live on April 7th, 2026

Win Cash & IN-Kind Awards!

• 1^st Place $10,000
• 2^nd Place $5,000
• 3^rd Place $2,500

Watch Final Round

Now you can experience the excitement for yourself! Watch the full Warrior Startup Challenge Final Round.

Meet the Award Winners

The judges were Victoria O’Rourke, Community Relationship Manager at the Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union; Jonathan Weber, an ESU Alum, serial entrepreneur and Founder and CEO of Marathon Studios, Marathon Commerce, and Abuse IPDB.; Jamie Schmeelk, CFO and Human Resources Officer, at the Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau; Michael Harris, Chief Information Officer, at Martz Bus and Michelle Bisbing, President of the Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corporation.

Thank you to our Sponsors

• Ben Franklin Technology Partners
• Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB)
• Marathon Studios, Inc.
• Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union (PSECU)
• MegaPhase

Do you have an exciting new or existing business idea? Put it to the test!

The ESU Warrior Startup Challenge continues to be an integral part of students' learning experiences.

Your participation offers a unique opportunity to apply the knowledge you’ve gained in the classroom to real-world scenarios, helping to sharpen your leadership, teamwork, and communication skills along the way.

By registering, you take the first step toward turning your vision into a viable business venture. Early registration ensures you stay informed about important deadlines, receive helpful tips from our faculty, staff, and mentors, and position yourself for success throughout the competition.

If you’re eager to further your education and entrepreneurial development, don’t wait!

Register today for the ESU Warrior Startup Challenge!

• Round 1 – Submit 2-minute Video Pitch.
  • Opens: August 24, 2026
  • Deadline to Submit: Midnight, November 15, 2026
• Round 2 – Submit Business Venture Profile.
  • Opens: January 19, 2027
  • Deadline to Submit: Midnight, March 1, 2027
• Round 3 – Finalists pitch live to a panel of Judges/Investors.
  • Event Date: April 2027

Eligibility Requirements

Open to matriculated undergraduate and graduate students enrolled full-time or part-time at East Stroudsburg University during the Fall 2026 semester.

All competitors are encouraged to use their imagination to create their best business ideas. ESU's faculty and staff are committed to offering personal guidance to help prepare your concept for launch in today’s competitive marketplace.

A team of judges will evaluate all submissions, and both finalists and participants will be recognized for their efforts.

If you have questions, contact Patrice Dume, Director of Entrepreneurship, at (570) 422-7953.