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UP/Start Venture Competition

UP/Start focuses on incubating and building creative business ventures within the MICA community. Working with industry partners, UP/Start provides mentorship and capital to help nurture ideas into sustainable businesses.

The 2026 UP/Start Venture Competition is only open to MICA Class of 2025 and 2026. The competition started with Round 1 applications. A panel of judges will review Round 1 online applications and select 15 applicants to participate in a 'Pop Up and Pitch'. The top 10 ideas will then advance to the next round of competition and compete for a pool of $105,000 in funding!

To see previous UP/Start participants and winners, click here.

Important Dates

Monday, October 6, 2025, 6-7pm | Virtual UP/Start Info Session - Recording & Slides
Wednesday October 8-29, 2025, 6-7pm | Creative Entrepreneurship Bootcamp with Paula Landry
Friday, October 31, 2025 | UP/Start Round 1 applications due by 12PM
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 | Top 15 Ventures Participate in Pop Up & Pitch
Monday, November 17, 2025 | 10 UP/Start Finalists Announced
Friday & Saturday, November 21-22, 2025 | UP/Start Intensive
December 2025 - April 2026 | UP/Start Accelerator [Weekly Sessions]
Friday, March 13, 2026, 4-7pm | MICA/IMET Pitch & Mix
Friday April 10, 2026, 6-8pm | 2026 UP/Start Venture Competition Finale

Eligibility

The 2026 UP/Start competition is open to MICA Classes of 2025 (alumni) & 2026 (Undergraduate seniors, students in one year programs and second year MFA students).

The competition is only open to US permanent residents and citizens at this time. Participants must be able to attend in-person sessions in Baltimore.

Full Eligibility & Criteria Frequently Asked Questions