Do you believe artificial intelligence has the power to tackle some of the toughest business challenges?
Here’s your chance to pursue your idea and bring it to fruition. The AI Startup Challenge 2026: Applied AI and the Future of Business is calling innovative thinkers, problem-solvers, and aspiring student entrepreneurs to pitch forward-thinking startup ideas that leverage AI to revolutionize and unlock opportunities across industries.
This competition challenges current graduate degree students at Columbia University, Cornell Tech, NYU, or Yale to harness the transformative power of AI to create innovative solutions to real-world business challenges across finance, healthcare, and consumer markets.
You’ll have the opportunity to network with experts and fellow entrepreneurs, refine your idea, and pitch to a panel of experienced investors, operators, and industry leaders with deep expertise in AI and building scalable businesses for $40,000+ in prizes!
The application deadline is EXTENDED from March 5 to March 10, and the Final Pitch Day will be on April 24th. Please note the Final Pitch Day will take place off campus at 250 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019.
For additional information and to apply, please visit https://business.columbia.edu/ai-startup-challenge
This competition is sponsored by AI in Business Initiative at Columbia Business School and co-organized with the AI Club at Columbia Business School.