Entrepreneur’s Cup celebrates 20 years of empowering Oklahoma’s innovators

Marking its 20th anniversary milestone, the Entrepreneur’s Cup has been around for two decades nurturing innovative business concepts and fostering the entrepreneurial spirit among Oklahoma’s next generation of leaders. Guiding young entrepreneurs through the intricate journey of market exploration, business blueprinting, and the art of compelling investor presentations, the Entrepreneur’s Cup proudly celebrates a legacy of empowerment and innovation. 

Over the years, the competition has acted as a catalyst for 2,700 college student participants across 30 campuses statewide. It has provided a dynamic platform to showcase over 820 groundbreaking business ideas, awarding a collective $2.45M in cash prizes, $300K in total scholarships, and $250K in total fellowships. Additionally, 30 plans cultivated through the competition have become i2E clients, further exemplifying its impact on fostering real-world entrepreneurship. 

Supported by Love’s Travel Stops and i2E, the Entrepreneur’s Cup has become synonymous with igniting entrepreneurial zeal and propelling economic growth across Oklahoma. 

i2E, Inc. is a nationally recognized private not-for-profit corporation focused on growing innovative small businesses in Oklahoma. They work directly with entrepreneurs, researchers and companies to help them commercialize their technologies, launch and grow new businesses and access needed capital. 

This year's competition broke records with an unprecedented 50 teams embracing the challenge. Maurice Haff, esteemed professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Central Oklahoma, has lent his expertise to students competing in the i2E competition for 12 years with many of his advised teams placing or winning the overall competition.  

Reflecting on the profound impact of the Entrepreneur’s Cup, he highlights its role in instilling an entrepreneurial mindset among students, remarking,

"Without i2E, students wouldn't grasp the realities of entrepreneurship in the real world. This competition offers them real experience. These students are the next generation of leaders confronting real-world challenges. Regardless of the competition's outcome, they gain invaluable insights, sometimes even forging deals with investors and companies." 

As the competition unfolds, teams navigate rigorous rounds of written business plan evaluations and live pitch presentations, honing their visions and sharpening their entrepreneurial acumen. The pinnacle of this year's event culminated in a gala 20th anniversary celebration dinner on Tuesday, April 30. Promising an evening of inspiration, the event featured a keynote address, networking opportunity, and the highly anticipated awards ceremony, honoring the ingenuity and dedication of the finalists and winners. 

Entrepreneurs, industry leaders and supporters from across the state convened to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the competition's participants, reaffirming the profound influence of the Entrepreneur’s Cup in shaping Oklahoma's entrepreneurial landscape.