MVP Challenge 2026

$100-$3,000 to develop a prototype or pilot that demonstrates the impact of your innovation.

Open to projects emerging from University of Minnesota research labs, clubs, courses or other programs.

Applications for 2026 due October 17!

Apply

About the MVP Challenge

An MVP or “Minimum Viable Product” is a tool to show customers and key stakeholders how your innovative idea could work, capture feedback, and bring your concept one step closer to reality.

Each year, the MVP Challenge awards up to 25 grants from $100 to $3,000 in three divisions:

Digital

Move your software or data solution closer to launch from sketching out your app to testing your early stage alpha.

Physical

Bring your idea to life by building a physical prototype - from a simple "look-and-feel" model to a functional prototype.

Social

Realize your vision for campus, community, or societal change through early testing of your impact solution.

Supported by
Bill and Susan Sands

Award grantees are expected to participate in workshops during the Fall and Spring of 2025/2026 and present the MVP at the final showcase (May 2026).

What is an MVP?

An MVP or “Minimum Viable Product” is a tool to show customers and other stakeholders how your innovation could work and to get their feedback.
An MVP might be an illustration, or a look-and-feel prototype, or one with limited functionality, or it might be an actual working beta app or it might be a social engagement pilot.
We are looking for “Most Visionary Prototypes or Pilots” that illustrate the potential of innovations to make a positive difference for people, businesses, society, or the environment.