MiddChallenge 2026
Ends on
MiddChallenge is accepting proposals for projects or businesses in the following categories:
- Business
- Technology
- Social Impact and Sustainability
- Arts
This is an ideas competition. We accept proposals for projects that are just starting and exploring feasibility, working to prototype, or are already fully revenue-generating.
An expert panel of judges made up of alumni, local entrepreneurs, community members, staff and faculty will evaluate the top chosen applications and video pitches. Two projects in each category will be chosen to win. Winners will receive $5000 per team for the summer project. Students staying at/near Middlebury may be able to take advantage of office space in Old Stone Mill and Innovation Hub mentoring.
august MiddChallenge grant recipients will have frequent communication with the Innovation Hub over the summer, reporting their accomplishments, problems, and future plans monthly through the end of August. A final report will be due in August 2026.
ELIGIBILITY:
- Must be a currently enrolled student with at least one remaining semester at Middlebury after the summer; must not be planning to transfer and must not be on leave for Spring 2026 or Fall 2026, unless for a Middlebury-approved Study Abroad/Away semester or an exception approved by the Innovation Hub.
- Applying for more than one funding source at Middlebury this summer does not hurt your chances of receiving a MiddChallenge grant but if accepted for multiple opportunities you must contact the Hub to discuss eligibility.
- Students are rarely eligible for MiddChallenge more than once during their time at Midd. Occasionally a repeat individual or team with a new idea will be considered with advance approval from the Hub. If you have received MiddChallenge in the past and are wondering about your eligibility, please email Dana Anderson at danaa@middlebury.edu
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APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 21st 2026, 11:59pm
Application form:
Throughout the different sections of the application, be prepared to tell us more about the inspiration of the project, your skills, funding needs, challenges you have encountered or foresee and any mentors/advisors involved. Please note additional sections required for social impact/sustainability or business.
Budget template:
You will be asked to upload a detailed budget for a $5000 grant. Please use the template available at go/middchallenge/ (https://www.middlebury.edu/office/innovation-hub/middchallenge), and submit in PDF form.
Pitch recording:
In this form, you will also upload a recorded of your video pitch. This is your chance to convey a basic overview of your idea. Get creative, show visuals if you can, and convince us that you should receive this grant to spend the summer working on your project. Your pitch may include information you share in this form; it may also include supplementary details and/or representations. Your video should be no longer than 4 minutes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Note: If you are awarded a grant, you may need to apply for Global Operations approval as well. This process can take up to two weeks.
Please email Dana Anderson (danaa@middlebury.edu) if you have any questions about the application, the pitch, or the competition. We're always happy to meet with you to think through or refine your idea. Also, don't forget that you can also take advantage of Oratory Now's speech coaching services to refine your pitch.
Learn more about MiddChallenge at go/middchallenge/ or https://www.middlebury.edu/office/innovation-hub/middchallenge