Skip Navigation

Knowledge. Generosity. Community.

Read Smith’s COVID-19 guidelines.

Draper Competition

Participants in the 2019 Draper Competition

Supporting Women Founders

The Draper Competition for Collegiate Women Entrepreneurs is an on-ramp for undergraduate women seeking access to entrepreneurship opportunities, capital and networks.

Announcements

CONGRATULATIONS TO 2023 GRAND PRIZE WINNER: DELIVHER FEMCARE!

DelivHer FemCare - Georgia State University
Maker of patented Anu Cleancup, the first and only absorbent menstrual cup. The team was awarded $25,000 and full scholarships to attend Draper University Heroes Training. Check out all the winners here.

Livestream of Draper Competition Finals (4 PM EST)

On This Page
Back
to Top

Explore the Draper Competition

Draper 2019 Semi-Finalist Olivia Goff

About the Competition

A groundbreaking partnership aims to level the playing field for aspiring undergraduate female founders.
Two students on computers

Application Information

Key dates, eligibility, schedules, application tracks, frequently asked questions and more. 
Top prize-winning team posing with Tim Draper

Prizes & Judges

This year’s competition provides more than $100,000 in cash and Draper University scholarships.
Wide shot of the competition venue

Sponsors

One-of-a-kind opportunities to recognize and support emerging generations of women entrepreneurs. 

Our Impact

Every year since its inception in 2013, the Draper Competition has attracted ever greater numbers of strong undergraduate women entrepreneurs.

518 Team Leaders
146 Team Leader Schools
948 Team Members
78 Ventures Started
$1.5 Million in Cash & Prizes Awarded

 

Crush the Glass Ceiling

“We imagine that Smith will become the entrepreneurial school for women.”

In 2012, Smith College, Tim Draper and Melissa Parker Draper ’77 forged a groundbreaking partnership to level the playing field for aspiring undergraduate female founders.

Melissa and Tim Draper at the judging table

 

 

""

The Draper Competition is the #7 collegiate entrepreneurship competition in the country, according to George Washington University and the Times of Entrepreneurship. For the second year in a row, Smith College stands out as the only liberal arts institution that hosts a competition highlighting women entrepreneurs.

FULL TOP 20 LIST   TIMES OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP ARTICLE

Explore Previous Competitions

2020 Draper Competition Highlights
An overview of the the 2020 Draper Competition held at Smith College. (1:52)

2019 Draper Competition Highlights
An overview of the the 2019 Draper Competition held at Smith College. (1:41)

2019 Draper Competition
Three of the ten finalists pitch their ideas in the 7th Annual Draper Competition at Smith College. (17:51)

Contact

Draper Competition for Collegiate Women Entrepreneurs

Neilson Library, Room 103
Smith College
Northampton, MA 01063
Add me to your distribution list
Phone: 413-585-3653
Fax: 413-585-3655
Email: draper@smith.edu

Keep Exploring

Business Model Canvas

Learn how the Business Model Canvas (BMC) works from the entrepreneur who developed this useful tool.

The BMC Made Easy

Access downloads, slides and videos that thoroughly explain each panel of the Business Model Canvas.

Conway Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center

The Conway Center is a hub where students receive the tools to think expansively and develop innovative solutions to pressing problems.