How to Enter the Sunstone Innovation Challenge | ºÚÁÏÍø
Ready to launch your big idea? Whether you have a fully formed concept or just the spark of one, the Sunstone Innovation Challenge provides the support, mentorship, and funding to help you grow. Follow the steps below to get started.
- Team Requirements: You must form a team of 2–5 people.
- The Student Rule: At least one person on your team must be a currently enrolled ºÚÁÏÍø student in a leadership role.
- Who is eligible: ºÚÁÏÍø students, faculty, staff, and even community members can join, as long as that one-student rule is met.
- The "Not" List: We are looking for new ideas! If you are already running a business that is making significant revenue, this challenge might not be the right fit. If you're unsure, just [Email Us]—we’re happy to chat.
Step 1: Choose your track. When you submit your Letter of Intent, select the path that best matches your goals:
- Track One (The Launch Track): Choose this if you are ready to take your idea into the real world. If your goal is to actively launch a live app, service, or physical product, this track provides up to $15,000 in startup funding to fast track your business operations.
- Track Two (The Concept Track): Choose this if you want to explore how a business works. If you have an innovative idea that you want to research, map out, and build a comprehensive plan for (focusing on the strategic planning phase rather than immediate execution), this track offers cash prizes to reward your development.
Step 2: Submit your Letter of Intent (LOI). This is a simple online form that tells us about your team and your idea. It is free to enter!
Step 3: Get your mentor. Once you submit your LOI, we will match you with an expert mentor to help guide your business plan development.
Step 4: Keep building. Use the Apostle Incubator meetings and the Spark Rockets platform to network and refine your pitch.
Pro Tip: Submit your LOI early to get priority mentor matching.
Get the Right Tools: You don't have to build your plan alone. We provide platforms and resources to help you refine your concept:
- Spark Rockets: Use this platform to access guided support and structured resources designed to help you build your startup's foundation.
- Apostle Incubator: Join these weekly meetings to network with fellow entrepreneurs and get real-time feedback on your progress.
Get Organized: We recommend using our Business Model Canvas Template to organize your business goals.
Submission Basics: Your final plan should be clear and concise (no more than 20 pages) and must include your financial projections.
Need a Boost? Visit our Resources Page for guides, examples, and tips on writing a winning plan.
The Goal: We judge based on three things:
- Desirability (does the market need it?)
- Viability (can you make money?)
- Feasibility (can you actually build it?)
The Finals: Finalists will present a 5-minute pitch to a panel of judges on April 27, 2027.
The Prize: We award over $15,000 in total seed funding. Prize amounts are awarded based on the track you compete in and your final ranking. Winners also receive in kind support such as professional accounting, marketing consultation, and office space to help you take your business to the next level.
Date | Milestone / Event | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
Oct 1, 2025 – Feb 1, 2026 | Letter of Intent (LOI) Window | Teams: Submit your initial interest form to officially enter the challenge. |
Oct 2025 – Jan 2026 | Mentor Matching | Teams: Get matched and start working with your designated industry mentor. |
Friday, Mar 20, 2026 at 11pm (PT) | Business Plan Due | Teams: Email your completed plan to innovate@csulb.edu. State your chosen track (Track One vs. Track Two). |
Tuesday, Apr 27, 2026 at 4pm | Final Presentations & Pitch | All: Join us at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid (The Pointe) to watch live pitches and award prizes! |
