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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.

   

Draper Competition 2023 Applications Now Open!

2023 Competition Dates: April 13–15, 2023
Application Deadline: 11:59 p.m. on February 10, 2023

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Announcements

#DC2023: April 13-15 at Smith College

After three years of virtual competitions, we are pleased to announce that the Draper Competition is returning to its in-person glory in April 2023. Be a part of the ONLY national business plan competition for undergraduate women.
Competitors  |  Volunteer Judges  |  Sponsors

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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

 

 

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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

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