Welcome to the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Startup Studio website!
The goal of the UM Startup Studio is to better support researchers, faculty, and Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ who are interested in launching a new venture. As part of this new support system at UM, we are thrilled to announce the launch of the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ online Tech Assist Hub. The College of Business is partnering with BIOTECH, RMT REACH, and other key groups on campus to better support the movement of ideas into actionable ventures.
Submissions Now Live for Ruffatto 2025! Submit your idea for a new startup today. Workshops begin January 21 in UC329!
The kickoff workshop for Ruffatto 2025 is on January 21st in UC329. Workshops run from 4pm-6pm every Tuesday. Learn more about your chance to win $50,000 this spring!
Propel Your Idea Forward!
The John Ruffatto Startup Challenge is a statewide, experiential learning event hosted annually by the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ College of Business since 1989. The Startup Challenge is Montana's premiere opportunity for Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ attending select colleges or universities across Montana to present exciting new businesses and/or social entrepreneurship venture ideas for adjudication. The Startup Challenge is run by the UM College of Business.
THE 36TH JOHN RUFFATTO STARTUP CHALLENGE IS SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE IN PERSON ON FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2025.
Admission is free and the live finals are open to the public. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and light appetizers and drinks will be provided. The program will run from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. in University Campus Theater on the campus of the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥. More information on purchasing tickets to the event will be made available during the lead up to the event.
THOSE INTERESTED IN COMPETING SHOULD CONTACT ERIK GUZIK (erik.guzik@umontana.edu).
This competition is designed for Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to:
- Take an idea to the next level.
- Connect to mentors and investors.
- Win initial funding money (in the thousands) without investment.