eGames

NC State's largest entrepreneurship competition of the year!

Our Annual Shark Tank-Style Competition!

Originating in 2009, the eGames is NC State’s annual startup competition, awarding over $100k to NC State entrepreneurs. There are two tracks for the competition – the student track and the Daugherty Endowment Track for officially registered startup companies that have licensed NC State intellectual property in the past three years.

The student segment of eGames is split into two categories, the “Think” category, and the “Do” category. This means teams can compete with an idea or business in the early stages – the ”Think” category – or with an established startup that has a product, revenue, or customers – the ”Do” category. Teams must forgo two rounds of judging across different categories, measuring everything from market feasibility to design and prototype. The student track is open to all undergraduate and graduate student teams comprised of at least 50% degree-seeking NC State students.

Cash Prizes Available

“Think” Awards

Open to undergrad and graduate students with an idea or business in the early stage.

1st Prize – $9,000
2nd Prize – $7,000
3rd Prize – $4,000

“Do” Awards

Open to undergrad and graduate students with a more established startup.

1st Prize – $10,000
2nd Prize – $8,500
3rd Prize – $6,500

“Impact” Awards

Open to ALL applicants no matter if competing in the “Think” or “Do” category – and no matter on whether you make it to the finals or not.

Arts Impact Awards – brought to you by NC State Department of Music’s Arts Entrepreneurship program

1st award – $2,000
2nd award – $2,000

Social and Environmental Impact Award – brought to you by Larry Spera

1st award – $2,000
2nd award – $2,000

Design and Prototype

1st award – $2,000
2nd award – $2,000

Built on Cloud – brought to you by IBM

1st award – $2,000
2nd award – $2,000

Audience and Judge’s Choice Award

$1,000 Audience Choice – Join us at Talley Student Union on April 18 for the eGames Award Ceremony and help your favorite team win the $1,000 audience choice.

$1,000 Judge’s Choice – Our panel of industry judges will be awarding an additional $1,000 to their favorite team during the eGames Award Ceremony on April 18.

Daugherty Endowment Track Awards

Open to officially registered startup companies who have licensed NC State intellectual property.

1st Prize – $25,000
2nd Prize – $15,000
3rd Prize – $10,000

eGames Ranks in the Top 20 University Entrepreneurship Competitions

We’re not only NC State’s largest entrepreneurship competition – we’re Top 20 in the country!

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Daugherty Endowment Track

The Daugherty Endowment Track has been a contributing partner of the eGames since 2016, with the primary goal of increasing the success of startup companies based on NC State IP. The Daugherty Endowment Track is open to officially registered startup companies who have licensed NC State intellectual property in the past three years — meaning their licenses must be currently active. The funds allocated to winning companies can be used for critical early-stage business expenses. For the past five years, the Daugherty Track has awarded prizes totaling $50,000 each year – with first place receiving $25,000, second receiving $15,000 and third receiving $10,000. In 2021, the Daugherty Track had two teams tie for first place.

The Daugherty Endowment Track is made possible by The Richard L. and Marlene V. Daugherty Centennial Campus Entrepreneurialism Endowment (Daugherty Endowment) with funding partnership from the Kenan Institute for Engineering, Technology & Science and collaboration with the NC State Office of Partnerships and Office of Research Commercialization.

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The Daugherty Track at the eGames is made possible thanks to the following: