John Ruffatto Business Startup Challenge

04/30/2026

The John Ruffatto Startup Challenge logged a record high number of participants in its 37th year of competition on April 17, where all Montana college students can pitch their ideas

04/20/2026

MISSOULA, Mont. — The University of Montana brought students together for the 37th annual John Ruffatto Startup Challenge, where one finalist was set to receive $50,000.

04/20/2026

Thanks to ABC FOX Montana and Isaiah Ruiz for stopping by and reporting on the 37th John Ruffatto Statup Challenge on Friday.

MISSOULA, Mont. — The University of Montana brought students together for the 37th annual John Ruffatto Startup Challenge, where one finalist was set to receive $50,000.

04/18/2026

Congratulations to Flathead Fragrance on winning this year's John Ruffatto Startup Challenge. It was an extremely strong field as we had amazing student businesses pitch for their share of the $50k in prize money. Special thanks to title sponsors Bill & Cheryl Papesh, Ontra Marketing Group and the Folley Family Foundation.

This years winners:
First Place - Flathead Fragrance Co.
Second Place - Novara
Third Place - Macro-light
Fourth Place - Balance Lab

Biotech Award - Macro-light
Traction Award - Flathead Fragrance Co.
Most Innovative - indelible.Blob
People's Choice - Hustle Fundraise
Elevator Pitch - Balance Lab
Athena Award - Netikos
Brandon Speth Award - Hustle Fundraise

Each of the 10 other finalists also received $1,000 for competing this year.

04/17/2026

$50k in prize money is up for grabs tonight! Live public finals for the 37th annual John Ruffatto Business Startup Challenge begins tonight at 5:30 p.m. on the University of Montana campus in Gallagher Business Building 106.

14 teams have been pitching all day and our day judges have selected our four finalists that will pitching tonight for the first-place prize!

04/15/2026

We are excited to host the John Ruffatto Business Startup Challenge (JRSC) on Friday, April 17. Now in its 37th year, the JRSC is a celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship, and Montana’s next generation of business leaders.

📍 Gallagher Business Building
🕟 Doors open at 4:30 p.m. (networking hour)
🕠 Live public finals begins at 5:30 p.m. (Room 106)
🎟️ Admission is free!

This year, 14 finalist teams, selected from more than 100 submissions, will pitch their ventures for a share of $50,000+ in prize funding. From local ideas to global solutions, these student-led businesses showcase the creativity and ambition that define Montana.

Attendees will have the chance to connect with student entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and community members before and after the live finals.

Come be part of the energy, innovation, and inspiration. We hope to see you there!

Read more about the event and this year's finalists: https://www.umt.edu/business/stories/041526ruffatto.php

02/25/2025

Turn your ideas into reality tonight!! Join us for workshop from 4:00-5:30PM in UC329 (3rd floor of the University Center)! 📍

💡Get guidance on submissions
📝Work on your application
🤝Learn more about entrepreneurship

The last workshop open to everyone is TONIGHT!
We hope to see you there! 🔥

02/21/2025

💡Got a brilliant idea? It’s time to take your startup to the next level!🚀 Submit your venture idea to the John Ruffato Startup Challenge for a chance to win funding, gain expert mentorship, and get hands-on experience that will set you apart in the business world. Don’t miss the opportunity to launch your dream - submit today!! https://umschoolofbusinesss.submittable.com/submit

02/19/2025

Ready to turn your big idea into reality?

The Ruffatto Startup Challenge is YOUR chance to launch your venture, gain expert guidance, and compete for funding!

Here's a detailed look into what the process of the competition looks like.

Think you’ve got what it takes? Enter now! 🔗 Submit your startup here: https://umschoolofbusinesss.submittable.com/submit

05/13/2024

Congratulations to all the teams that competed at the 35th John Ruffatto Startup Challenge on Friday night. It was great to see so many students passionate about entrepreneurship. We are very grateful to all our donors and sponsors that helped make this event possible, including our title sponsors Ontra Marketing Group and Missoula Economic Partnership. This year, we were able to award over $50k in prizes to the up-and-coming student entrepreneurs in Montana.

2024 Award Winners:

StarSync Studio, ProSoles, and SafeHaven Home Services.

People's Choice Award - Soda Summit
Best Elevator Pitch - I.B. Delicious
Brandon Speth Award for Passion, Poise and Charisma - Carson Crary of I.B. Delicious
Athena Award - Shienagreata Medrano of BrightSite
Intent to Launch - Soda Summit
Most Innovative - MineralFi
ESG Award - Skid Homes
MonTEC Startup Award - SafeHaven Home Services
HealthTech Award - GlutenGuard
Creativity Award - MindBodyMat