Following an impressive inaugural year, the Hult Prize is back at the University of Windsor and applications for the 2026–27 competition are now open.
The global student entrepreneurship competition challenges teams to develop for-profit ventures that advance at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with teams ultimately competing for $1 million USD in seed funding.
Hult Prize 2026 Competition at the University of Windsor.
The University of Windsor made quite an entrance in its first year.
Launched by inaugural Campus Director Godswisdom Ogbonna, the program attracted 14 registered teams, with six advancing to the campus finals and two moving on to the Canadian national competition. Campus winner 100% Fish, which developed a circular-economy solution that transforms Lake Erie fish-processing byproducts into nutritious dog treats, went on to place eighth nationally among 28 teams.
The success didn’t stop there. The Hult Prize Foundation subsequently named the University of Windsor its North America Program of the Year, recognizing the program and Ogbonna’s leadership during its inaugural season.
Campus Director Godswisdom Ogbonna on stage.
Now the torch has been passed to Mahnoz Akhtari, who will serve as Campus Director for the 2026–27 competition. Registration is officially open, with teams of two to four participants invited to bring forward an idea they can pitch in just four minutes. At least one team member must be affiliated with the University of Windsor.
No company? No prototype? No polished pitch deck? No problem.
Just an idea, four minutes and the potential to take it much further.
Registration closes November 20. Interested students can learn more and register through the Hult Prize at www.hultprize.org.
