New Venture Competition
Business Track
Ventures with economic returns that drive substantial market value.
Social Enterprise Track
Ventures that drive social change using nonprofit, for-profit, or hybrid models.
Which Track is Right for You?
Unsure of whether your idea is right for business or social track? The decision is not cut-and-dry. Here are some helpful questions to ask as you are considering the right track for you.
Eligibility
Do I meet eligibility requirements for the track?
See details for Business Track and Social Enterprise Track.
Focus
What is the primary focus of your idea – economic or social returns?
The Business Track focuses on ventures whose economic returns drive substantial market value. Ideas may also have social impact, but social impact is not the focus of your decision making, market entry, or funding.
The Social Enterprise Track focuses on ventures that create social change, and can include nonprofit, for-profit and hybrid models. In recent years, approximately half of SE entries have been for-profit or hybrid. In all cases, ideas are evaluated for financial sustainability; and in for-profit plans, the focus is on social return while having economic returns.
Judging
How do you want to be evaluated, where do you want feedback, and which judges do you want to make connections with?
See more on Business Track judging and Social Enterprise Track judging.
Winners & Success Stories
- Video duration:1:302025 New Venture Competition Winner, Business Track: Argus Systems
- Video duration:1:342025 New Venture Competition Winner, Social Enterprise Track: Lexi
- Video duration:1:322025 New Venture Competition Winner, Alumni Track: Noolie
The Entrepreneurial Journey
Students, alumni, faculty, and investors share insights from Harvard Business School’s annual New Venture Competition, our flagship business plan competition, spotlighting early-stage startups and social ventures from the HBS community.