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Hult Prize Competition & Application
Details
Only students can apply (Undergraduate and Graduate Students welcome).
Your idea must be a social enterprise, that is world-changing and aligned with at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
To Apply: https://cglink.me/2nB/s1437
This year, the Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, Greif LaunchPad and Brittingham Social Enterprise Lab are hosting a USC wide competition, and the winner will win $1,000 and automatically move forward into the US Nationals - the first stage on the road to the Global Finals! The winning team will also have all travel expenses paid to compete at the US Nationals. If the USC team has a student from another school, that student's travel expenses cannot be supported.
**The Grief Center will support at most two USC student's travel.
Key Rules & Dates:
ELIGIBILITY AND RULES
Competitors must be degree-seeking students with a minimum age of 18 years old by Feb 28, 2026.
Teams must consist of 2-4 members.
All teams must have at least one currently enrolled USC student.
If the team consists of students from other universities hosting a Hult Prize competition, they are only allowed to participate in one competition.
You may only be listed as a team member on one application.
Those graduating Spring 2026 are still eligible to compete.
INFORMATION SESSIONS
These sessions will provide an overview of the Hult Prize competition and guidance on team formation and participation. All info sessions are hybrid events.
Session #1 - Wednesday, September 3, 2025 (1-2PM @ Greif LaunchPad)
Session #2 - Thursday, September 18, 2025 (2-3 PM @ Greif LaunchPad)
Session #3 - Tuesday, October 7, 2025 (1-2 PM @ Greif LaunchPad)
Session #4 - Tuesday, October 21, 2025 (4-5 PM @ Greif LaunchPad)
Sign up for info sessions here.
APPLICATION REVIEW SESSIONS
Drop in at Greif LaunchPad for support and collaboration opportunities you need to feel empowered and develop a quality application. We will also be hosting workshops specific to team-building, pitch development, and ideation!
APPLICATIONS DUE
Friday, December 5, 2025 (11:59 PM PST)
TEAMS NOTIFIED
Thursday, December 18, 2025
(Five finalist teams will be selected to pitch in the USC Final Competition.)
MANDATORY COACHING SESSION
The coaching session is mandatory and will help teams refine their ideas and pitches w/ Jessica Jackley. At least one team member must participate in the session to qualify for the competition, but all members are strongly encouraged to attend.
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 (In-Person @ Greif LaunchPad, Time TBD)
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 (In-Person @ Greif LaunchPad, Time TBD)
FINAL COMPETITION
Teams will pitch live to judges (funders, investors, and social impact professionals) and compete for a $1,000 award and expenses paid to compete at nationals.
Thursday, February 19, 2026 (4:00 PM-6:00 PM)
FINAL APPLICATION PACKAGE SUBMITTED
Final teams will need to submit their full application materials for the Hult Prize application to us for judges to review and provide feedback on.
Friday, February 27, 2026
COMPETITION TIMELINE
Stage 1: Qualifiers (November - February)
To get started in the Hult Prize, students must qualify by competing in local competitions through the Hult OnCampus Program, or online via an open application. The USC Competition is considered an OnCampus Program.
Our USC winner automatically qualifies for Nationals.
Stage 2: Nationals (March - May)
Winners of local competitions and top startups from our open application will compete in national events or participate in an equivalent online selection process.
Stage 3: Digital Incubator (June - July)
In the Digital Incubator, leading startups refine their ideas, validate their product-market fit, create proof of concepts, develop MVP's, and set up actionable go-to-market strategies. Hult provides their entrepreneurs world-class resources, including online workshops and personalized mentorship from social entrepreneurs and industry experts.
Stage 4: Global Accelerator (August)
The best startups will travel to the Hult Prize Global Accelerator at the historic Ashridge House outside of London. This immersive program is designed to accelerate business growth by helping teams refine their business strategy, expand their networks, and scale their impact globally. Participants receive expert mentorship, attend interactive workshops, and participate in pitch opportunities and demo days with investors.
Stage 5: Global Finals (September)
At the Global Finals, six teams pitch their social ventures to a panel of distinguished judges with the hopes of being selected as the next winner of the US $1,000,000 Hult Prize.
QUALIFYING CONCEPTS AND SOLUTIONS
The pitch must represent the original work of each contestant. Each submission indicates that the pitch is the original work of the author(s). Any team submitting a plagiarized submission will be disqualified. The author(s) will retain all rights to the submission regarding its use at all times prior to and following the competition, except as stated elsewhere in these rules.
The pitch may not contain fabricated information about (but not limited to) the following: backgrounds, experience and educational levels of members of the management team, stage of product development, product performance claims, or market survey results.
Your idea must be a social enterprise, that is world-changing and aligned with at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
USC DISCLOSURES AND AGREEMENTS
Due to the nature of the Competition, no one involved (judges, reviewers, sponsors, staff or the audience) will be subject to confidentiality. By participating in the Competition, competitors agree that USC, nor members of the judging panels; sponsors, nor their designate organizations; assume any liability for any disclosures of business plan information which may be made (whether inadvertently or otherwise) by any judge, reviewer, staff member, audience member, or other individual connected with, participating in, viewing, hearing, or receiving information from the competition.
By participating in the Competition, competitors acknowledge and agree to filming, recording, and public posting of the Competition agree to allow USC, and organizations designated by them, the unlimited right to videotape, photograph, audiotape, transcribe, or otherwise record all public sessions of the competition; including, but not limited to, oral presentations and question-and-answer sessions. Competitors also agree that USC and/or their designate organizations may use any such transcriptions and/or recording(s) (in whole or part) for such publicity and marketing purposes as their organizations may see fit, including those which may result in remuneration.
The final round of the Competition is open to the public. Any data or information discussed or divulged in public sessions by competitors should be considered information that will likely enter the public realm (including print or broadcast through media, including the Internet), and competitors should not assume any right of confidentiality in any data or information discussed, divulged or presented in these sessions. Neither USC, judges, sponsors, nor their designate organizations, assume any duty to screen or otherwise control the identity of those attending, viewing or hearing all or part of these public sessions. Competitors agree that, by entering the Competition, they have been made aware that such attendees, viewers and recipients may include members of the media and potential competitors in addition to members of the business, education, and financial communities, students, and faculty.
Not every circumstance can be anticipated. USC and participating institutions reserve the right to disqualify any team that violates the rules, regulations, or the spirit of the Competition.
The Competition is presented by USC. USC is not liable for the contest, rules, prizes, events, or any decisions made by the judges or as part of the competition.
PRIZE MONEY DISTRIBUTION
Federal law requires that award payments are processed as scholarships. If you are currently receiving financial aid, the award payment will impact your financial aid; we will reach out to you to clarify the impact and then determine how to best pay out an award.
We cannot initiate any payment processes until we receive the completed materials required. Note: even after receipt of all information, USC processes are such that payment can take up to seven (7) weeks to deliver. By law, all financial awards are considered taxable income. The individual whose name is entered in this application will be viewed as the responsible party for the team (if submitting information for a group) -- and must be the agreed team representative for 100% of receipts and payments.
QUESTIONS
Contact Michelle Duong-Rosas duongm@marshall.usc.edu or Amiah Sheppard amiahshe@marshall.usc.edu
Agenda
Upcoming Events
Thu, Sep 18, 2025
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Private Location (sign in to display)
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Hult Prize x USC Information Session #2
Learn more about the world's largest entrepreneurship competition for students!
The Hult Prize is a global startup program that challenges young people to build for-profit businesses that create measurable social and environmental impact. Since 2010, it has grown into one of the world’s largest student movements for social entrepreneurship, engaging millions of participants in more than 130 countries.
At this info session, we will discuss everything you need to get started and compete for $1 million dollars on the global stage. Throughout the fall, our team will help you develop an idea, find teammates, and hone your pitch! All you need is inspiration!
The USC level competition winner will automatically advance to Hult Nationals and win $1K.
Zoom Link:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://usc.zoom.us/j/97246017773?pwd=0EjitLv6b0ZDoMZmERmBsA9Fqo8cv9.1
Meeting ID: 972 4601 7773
Passcode: 423363
This program is open to all eligible individuals. The Greif Center operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility - https://ocrc.usc.edu/policies-and-processes/notice-of-non-discrimination/ - is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.
Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to attend this event may contact Amiah Sheppard at amiahshe@marshall.usc.edu. We request that individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify us at least 7 days prior to the event. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.
Wed, Sep 24, 2025
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Private Location (sign in to display)
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Greif Launchpad Ideation + Teammate Mixer #1 - Hult Prize Edition
Are you looking for inspiration, to connect with like-minded people, or to identify teammates to work on an exciting new innovation with?
Greif Launchpad is hosting an ideation/ teammate mixer to foster creativity + collaboration for our community, particularly those interested in applying to the Hult Prize, a global competition where the winning team wins $1 million to build their business.
Thu, Sep 25, 2025
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Private Location (sign in to display)
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Greif Launchpad Ideation + Teammate Mixer #2 - Hult Prize Edition
Are you looking for inspiration, to connect with like-minded people, or to identify teammates to work on an exciting new innovation with?
Greif Launchpad is hosting an ideation/ teammate mixer to foster creativity + collaboration for our community, particularly those interested in applying to the Hult Prize, a global competition where the winning team wins $1 million to build their business.
This program is open to all eligible individuals. The Greif Center operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.
Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to attend this event may contact Amiah Sheppard amiahshe@marshall.usc.edu. We request that individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify us at least 7 days prior to the event. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.
Hult Prize x USC Information Session #3
Learn more about the world's largest entrepreneurship competition for students!
The Hult Prize is a global startup program that challenges young people to build for-profit businesses that create measurable social and environmental impact. Since 2010, it has grown into one of the world’s largest student movements for social entrepreneurship, engaging millions of participants in more than 130 countries.
At this info session, we will discuss everything you need to get started and compete for $1 million dollars on the global stage. Throughout the fall, our team will help you develop an idea, find teammates, and hone your pitch! All you need is inspiration!
The USC level competition winner will automatically advance to Hult Nationals and win $1K.
Zoom Link:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://usc.zoom.us/j/97246017773?pwd=0EjitLv6b0ZDoMZmERmBsA9Fqo8cv9.1
Meeting ID: 972 4601 7773
Passcode: 423363
This program is open to all eligible individuals. The Greif Center operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility - https://ocrc.usc.edu/policies-and-processes/notice-of-non-discrimination/ - is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.
Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to attend this event may contact Amiah Sheppard at amiahshe@marshall.usc.edu. We request that individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify us at least 7 days prior to the event. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.
Thu, Oct 16, 2025
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Private Location (sign in to display)
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Hult Prize Pitch Mixer
Get ready to pitch! 🎤 Join our Pitch Mixer to practice your Hult Prize competition pitch with fellow USC students. Gain feedback, network, and build confidence for the competition! 🌍🔥
🎤 Ready to pitch your idea and find the perfect teammates to help you make it a reality? Join our Hult Prize Pitch & Networking Mixer, where you’ll get the chance to present your solution and connect with other students who share your passion for global impact! 🌍
This event is a unique opportunity to practice your pitch, receive feedback from peers and mentors 🗣️, and strengthen your presentation skills 📈. Not only that, but it's also the perfect setting to network and potentially find team members to join your project! Whether you're looking to join a team or recruit others for yours, this mixer will help you build the connections you need to succeed. 🤝
Come prepared to pitch, share ideas, and meet fellow changemakers looking to make a difference through the Hult Prize competition! 🔥
Who Should Attend:
USC student teams competing in the Hult Prize who want to practice their pitch, get feedback, and connect with potential team members. 🎯👩🎓👨🎓
ALL MAJORS ARE WELCOME!
This program is open to all eligible individuals. The Greif Center operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility - https://ocrc.usc.edu/policies-and-processes/notice-of-non-discrimination/ - is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.
Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to attend this event may contact Amiah Sheppard at amiahshe@marshall.usc.edu. We request that individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify us at least 7 days prior to the event. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.
Hult Prize x USC Information Session #4
Learn more about the world's largest entrepreneurship competition for students!
The Hult Prize is a global startup program that challenges young people to build for-profit businesses that create measurable social and environmental impact. Since 2010, it has grown into one of the world’s largest student movements for social entrepreneurship, engaging millions of participants in more than 130 countries.
At this info session, we will discuss everything you need to get started and compete for $1 million dollars on the global stage. Throughout the fall, our team will help you develop an idea, find teammates, and hone your pitch! All you need is inspiration!
The USC level competition winner will automatically advance to Hult Nationals and win $1K.
Zoom Link:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://usc.zoom.us/j/97246017773?pwd=0EjitLv6b0ZDoMZmERmBsA9Fqo8cv9.1
Meeting ID: 972 4601 7773
Passcode: 423363
This program is open to all eligible individuals. The Greif Center operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility - https://ocrc.usc.edu/policies-and-processes/notice-of-non-discrimination/ - is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.
Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to attend this event may contact Amiah Sheppard at amiahshe@marshall.usc.edu. We request that individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify us at least 7 days prior to the event. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.
Tue, Oct 28, 2025
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Private Location (sign in to display)
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Hult Prize x USC UN Sustainable Development Goals Workshop
Join the UN SDGs Discussion Session to explore global challenges, brainstorm ideas, and prepare for the Hult Prize competition at USC. Connect with peers and start shaping your social impact project!
🌍 Are you passionate about creating social impact and interested in solving global challenges? Join us for a UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Breakout Discussion Session, designed for students gearing up to participate in the Hult Prize competition at USC! 🎓💡
In this interactive session, we will explore the 17 SDGs 🌱, dive into key global issues 🌐, and discuss how you can incorporate these goals into your Hult Prize project. Whether you're in the brainstorming phase 🤔 or already have an idea 💭, this event will provide insights and resources to help shape your vision into a transformative solution. 🚀
Come ready to engage with fellow changemakers 🤝, gain a deeper understanding of the UN SDGs 🌍, and take a step toward making a global impact through the Hult Prize! 🌟
Who Should Attend:
USC students interested in competing in the Hult Prize, whether you're just starting or already have an idea! 🎯👩🎓👨🎓
ALL MAJORS ARE WELCOME!
This program is open to all eligible individuals. The Greif Center operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility - https://ocrc.usc.edu/policies-and-processes/notice-of-non-discrimination/ - is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.
Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to attend this event may contact Amiah Sheppard at amiahshe@marshall.usc.edu. We request that individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify us at least 7 days prior to the event. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.
Thu, Nov 20, 2025
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Private Location (sign in to display)
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Greif Launchpad Ideation + Teammate Mixer #3 - Hult Prize Edition
Are you looking for inspiration? To connect with like-minded people? Some teammates to work on an exciting new innovation with?
Greif LaunchPad is hosting an ideation/ teammate mixer to foster creativity + collaboration for our community, particularly those interested in applying to the Hult Prize, a global competition where the winning team wins $1 million to build their business.
This program is open to all eligible individuals. The Greif Center operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.
Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to attend this event may contact Amiah Sheppard amiahshe@marshall.usc.edu. We request that individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify us at least 7 days prior to the event. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.
Past Events
Hult Prize x USC Information Session #1
Learn more about the world's largest entrepreneurship competition for students!
The Hult Prize is a global startup program that challenges young people to build for-profit businesses that create measurable social and environmental impact. Since 2010, it has grown into one of the world’s largest student movements for social entrepreneurship, engaging millions of participants in more than 130 countries.
At this info session, we will discuss everything you need to get started and compete for $1 million dollars on the global stage. Throughout the fall, our team will help you develop an idea, find teammates, and hone your pitch! All you need is inspiration!
The USC level competition winner will automatically advance to Hult Nationals and win $1K.
Zoom Link:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://usc.zoom.us/j/97246017773?pwd=0EjitLv6b0ZDoMZmERmBsA9Fqo8cv9.1
Meeting ID: 972 4601 7773
Passcode: 423363
This program is open to all eligible individuals. The Greif Center operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility - https://ocrc.usc.edu/policies-and-processes/notice-of-non-discrimination/ - is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.
Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to attend this event may contact Amiah Sheppard at amiahshe@marshall.usc.edu. We request that individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify us at least 7 days prior to the event. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.
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