M West Challenge

West Michigan's Student Entrepreneurship Competition

Welcome to the 2023 MWest Challenge, a student venture competition designed to create cross collaboration between students that span across several universities from West Michigan. Through MWest, entrepreneurially minded students are able to develop and grow new ventures based on their own ideas. MWest involves eight West Michigan colleges and universities, representing 75,000 students from: Grand Valley State University, Kendall College of Art and Design, Davenport University, Aquinas College, Calvin College, Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids Community College, Kuyper College, and Hope College.

Welcome to the 2026 MWest Challenge!

Create your startup team, develop a business concept, and compete for $11,000+ in prize money!

Check out the website for key dates, guidelines, and past winners.

Competition Information Video

If you want to learn more about the MWest Challenge student entrepreneurship competition, please check out the informational video. We discuss the rules and guidelines for the competition. We will also share a few idea pitch examples to help demonstrate what students create for the competition.

Competition Informational Video

2026 MWest Challenge
Final Pitch Competition & Innovation Showcase

Wednesday, April 15, 2026
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

7 Finalist Pitch Teams
28 Innovation Showcase Teams
$11,000+ In Prize Money

Hosted at the Grand Rapids Community College ATC Building
(Parking Pass Provided for GRCC Ramp)

Innovation Showcase
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Student Team Tables and Pitches
Arrive by 4:30 for set up

Final Pitch Competition
6:45 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Team Pitches in Auditorium
Awards Ceremony at 8:30 p.m.

The event is open to the public, faculty, staff, and students from participating colleges and universities!

What is the MWest Challenge?

The MWest Challenge is a student entrepreneurship competition designed to create collaboration between faculty and students that spans several colleges and universities within West Michigan. Entrepreneurially-minded students learn to work as a team, develop new business concepts, and pitch their ideas to the community. The MWest Challenge involves seven West Michigan colleges and universities, representing 30,000+ students from Ferris State University, Davenport University, Aquinas College, Calvin University, Cornerstone University, Grace Christian University, and Grand Rapids Community College.

In addition to the $11,000+ in cash awards, students will have access to resources, mentors, and opportunities to network with startup business founders from the community.

Student Experience & TIMELINE

What do students create for the competition?

If you are curious about past ideas and what teams create for the competition, check out some of the winning teams from past MWest Challenge competitions.

MWest Challenge Community Sponsors