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Draper Competition

Two students at their booth at the Draper Competition

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

On Friday, April 5, 2019, more than $200,000 in cash and scholarships were awarded at the 2019 Draper Competition at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. Click here to see the photo gallery.

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Explore the Draper Competition

Draper judges at a table

About the Competition

A groundbreaking partnership aims to level the playing field for aspiring undergraduate female founders.
Top prize-winning team posing with Tim Draper

Prizes

This year’s competition provides more than $100,000 in cash and Draper University scholarships.
Two students on computers

Application Information

Key dates, eligibility, schedules, application tracks, frequently asked questions and more. 
Wide shot of the competition venue

Sponsors

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

2019 Draper Schools

Map of the United States indicating schools participating in the Draper Competition

  • Amherst College
  • Babson College
  • Borough Of Manhattan Community College
  • Brooklyn College 
  • Brown University
  • CalState Polytechnic University, Pomona    
  • Clarkson University
  • Cornell University
  • Cottey College
  • CSU Fresno
  • Florida Atlantic University
  • Grand Valley State University
  • Hampshire College
  • Hofstra University
  • Illinois Institute of Technology
  • Iowa State University
  • Landmark College
  • Medgar Evers College
  • Michigan State University
  • Mount Holyoke College
  • Oklahoma State University
  • Olin College of Engineering
  • Oregon State University
  • Point Loma Nazarene University
  • Quinnipiac University
  • Rochester Institute of Technology
  • Rutgers University
  • San Diego State University
  • Smith College
  • SUNY Buffalo
  • Syracuse University
  • Temple University
  • The George Washington University
  • The University of Chicago Booth
  • UMass Amherst
  • University of Idaho
  • University of New Hampshire
  • University of Oregon
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • University of Texas at Austin
  • University of Wisconsin - Green Bay
  • Vassar College
  • Wesleyan University
  • Western Kentucky University
  • Western Michigan University
  • Western New England University
  • Wheaton College
  • Williams College

Our Impact

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

321 team leaders, 600+ team members, 57 ventures started, $550,000 cash and in-kind prizes

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

 

Explore Previous Competitions

Participants meet with judges on the show floor

2018 Draper Competition
The 2018 competition offered all students opportunities to explore entrepreneurial business opportunities. (1:54)
Judges at the Draper Competition

2017 Draper Competition
A brief snapshot of the 2017 Draper Competition, including the Trade Show Expo and Pitch rounds. (1:35)
Example of a product at the 2016 competition

2016 Draper Competition
Excerpts of the 2016 Draper Competition finalist pitches, including a Q&A with the judging panel. (11:28)

Contact

Draper Competition for Collegiate Women Entrepreneurs

146 Elm Street
Smith College
Northampton, MA 01063
Phone: 413-585-3653
Fax: 413-585-3655
Email: draper@smith.edu

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