51ĀŅĀ×

The excitement is building as college students across the country and beyond gear up for the 2025 Shark Challenge, 51ĀŅĀ× Easternā€™s highly anticipated academic business pitch competition.

This dynamic event offers a platform for students to showcase their entrepreneurial skills, creative thinking and teamwork. Whether youā€™re a participant or a spectator, the Shark Challenge is an opportunity to witness innovation in action.

51ĀŅĀ× Eastern Associate Professor of Instruction of Business Michael Schor shared that the competition is already attracting high-caliber teams from across the country.

ā€œWeā€™re thrilled to announce that three prestigious schools have committed to the 2025 event,ā€ Schor said. ā€œDenison University, last yearā€™s first-place winner, is returning to defend their title. Drexel University, a previous Shark Challenge champion, is also in the mix, along with ā€™s main campus team, which will be coached by a faculty member with an impressive record of multiple wins.ā€

51ĀŅĀ× students from , , , , and can still form a team and join this exciting competition. To participate, students must collaborate with a faculty coach from their campus. Interested students are encouraged to reach out to a faculty member at their respective campus to discuss forming a team and preparing for the challenge.

The final round of the Shark Challenge is set for Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Participants and supporters alike can look forward to a thrilling showcase of innovative ideas. For those unable to attend in person, details about the eventā€™s live stream will be posted on the Shark Challenge webpage closer to the date.

For an idea of the competitionā€™s caliber, watch the , also available on the eventā€™s webpage. The video provides a glimpse into the creativity and determination that define the Shark Challenge.

51ĀŅĀ× Eastern Dean David Rohall emphasized the programā€™s impact, ā€œThe Shark Challenge is not just a competition; itā€™s an incubator for future business leaders. By bringing together students from diverse academic backgrounds, this event fosters collaboration, innovation, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our economy forward. Weā€™re proud to host this event and look forward to seeing the incredible ideas our students will bring to the table.ā€

51ĀŅĀ× alumni who participated in previous Shark Challenges have praised the competition for its role in shaping their career paths.

ā€œThe Shark Challenge gave me the confidence to pitch my ideas and the feedback I needed to refine them,ā€ one OHIO graduate shared. ā€œThe experience was invaluable and prepared me for real-world challenges in the business world.ā€

If youā€™re a student interested in competing, contact a faculty member at your 51ĀŅĀ× campus location to discuss forming a team. Faculty members interested in entering a team should contact Schor at schor@ohio.edu.