John Edwardson, ’72, Social New Venture Challenge
Our startups are helping k-12 students learn math, digitally connecting prison inmates with legal counsel, and more.
Together, SNVC companies have raised more than $260 million in philanthropic dollars, grant support, and venture-capital funding. Offered in partnership with the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago, the SNVC provides social entrepreneurship mentorship and funding for startups with a social mission at their core.
How the SNVC Works
The SNVC is open to currently enrolled graduate students at UChicago who want to launch a for-profit or nonprofit startup. Successful applicants must have a plausible plan for financial sustainability—either through equity investment, direct revenue, grants from philanthropy, government funding, or a combination thereof. Finalists compete every June for at least $150,000 in prize money to further their social ventures.
SNVC teams enroll in New Social Ventures, a Booth course that complements the SNVC program.
Learn More and Apply
The SNVC at Chicago Booth is not just a weekend competition; it’s a comprehensive launch program that includes three phases, from idea generation to critical feedback to final pitches. Applications are due January 22, and the final competition takes place on May 28.
“Each year, I’m more impressed with the commitment and enthusiasm UChicago students have for making a meaningful impact on social issues. As the SNVC has expanded its reach at Booth and across the university, the social entrepreneurs who participate have developed even stronger business models and pitches. I’m proud to support their work.”
— John Edwardson, ’72
Become a Sponsor
We invite you to join us by supporting the SNVC as a contributing sponsor. For information on becoming a sponsor, contact Will Colegrove.
By the Numbers
Since its founding in 2011, the SNVC has helped hundreds of student entrepreneurs pursue and develop effective and sustainable solutions to some of our most intractable problems. SNVC alumni have gone on to create meaningful change around the world.
$260M
Amount raised to date by startups that went through the SNVC
$260M
200+
Startups launched from SNVC
200+
19
Participating teams in 2023
19
SNVC Stories
Teams Move Forward in the 2025 John Edwardson, ’72, Social New Venture Challenge
Student teams advance to Phase II, devoting the Spring Quarter to launching a social venture.
Edwardson Social New Venture Challenge Startup LuminAID Gets Acquired
The social venture with strong ties to the University of Chicago Booth School of Business looks to grow its impact in 2022 after being acquired by Adventure Ready Brands
Edwardson Social New Venture Challenge Startup LuminAID Gets Acquired
AI-Driven Platform Tackles Lack of Diversity in Tech
Personalized tech interview prep helps underrepresented candidates.
AI-Driven Platform Tackles Lack of Diversity in Tech
