CMU Venture Challenge

CMU VC 2026 applications are now live!

CMU VC 2026

CMU Venture Challenge 2026 is an annual pitch competition hosted by the Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Association at Carnegie Mellon University. The program supports early-stage student founders from across the country and runs from February to March, culminating in a live final round at CMU’s Swartz Center. Finalist teams pitch to a panel of CEOs, founders, and investors for the opportunity to receive cash prizes, mentorship, and exposure to leading venture firms.

Final Round Judges

Catherine Mott

Co-founder & Managing Partner of BlueTree VC

Catherine is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of the BTVC Fund I and Founder of BlueTree Capital Group, BlueTree Allied Angels, and the BlueTree Venture Fund in Pittsburgh. A former Chairman of the Angel Capital Association and a current member of the US SEC Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee, she is a nationally recognized leader in early-stage investing. With 17 years of experience in corporate banking and senior leadership roles across wealth management and commercial lending, Catherine brings deep expertise in connecting capital with high-growth companies.

Dan Coppens

Co-Founder at Qfix | Member at Robin Hood Ventures

Dan is a seasoned investor and medical device executive with over 20 years of leadership experience. He co-founded Qfix and, as CEO and CTO, led two decades of uninterrupted growth, scaling the company into a global industry leader operating in nearly 100 countries before its 2022 merger to form CQ Medical. A mechanical engineer from the University of Pennsylvania and holder of approximately 90 patents, Dan now serves as an advisor and mentor to emerging companies and startups.

Nicole Ilicic

Investor at MissionOG

Nicole is responsible for tracking fund and portfolio company performance, leading investment due diligence, and sourcing new opportunities. She conducts detailed financial modeling, valuation, and risk analysis, and manages the firm’s weekly investment review process in collaboration with portfolio companies and partners. Prior to joining MissionOG, Nicole worked as an investment banking associate at Delancey Street Partners, advising middle-market companies in business services and technology. She holds a BS in Business Administration and Finance from Drexel University.

Len Caric

CEO at the George J. Howe Company | Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship

Len Caric is a serial entrepreneur and CEO with a strong track record of acquiring, scaling, and successfully exiting businesses. He currently leads George J. Howe Company, overseeing multiple acquisitions including Mister Snacks and O’Neill Coffee’s roasting plant, and previously led Uncle Charley’s Sausage Company through a successful sale to a strategic buyer. Len has founded and invested in several ventures across food, manufacturing, and media, and is an Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business. He holds a BA in Accounting from the University of Notre Dame and a Master in Industrial Administration from Carnegie Mellon University.

Al Shanmugam

Head of Product at Echostar Corp

Al Shanmugam is a product and data leader with 17+ years of experience driving AI-powered innovation at companies including Meta, Amazon, and Sling (EchoStar). He specializes in machine learning, personalization, and experimentation, using large-scale data systems to increase user engagement and monetization. Al is passionate about translating advanced data science into measurable business impact and helping teams move quickly from model to market.