Schedule & Key Dates
VentureCat 2026
Students interested in receiving email communication regarding upcoming info sessions, deadlines and more can join the student e-mail list here. Specific dates will be added below in the coming weeks.
- November 6, 2025: Fall Quarter Info Session
- February 12, 2026: Winter Quarter Info Session
- February 18, 2026: Business Entity Formation Legal Office Hours (Virtual)
- February 25, 2026: Business Entity Formation & University IP Workshop (Virtual)
- March 4, 2026: International Student Founders Office Hours (Virtual)
- Monday, March 30 - Thursday, April 9, 2026: Application Period
- April 23, 2026: Semifinalists Announced
- April 23, 2026: Semifinalists Kickoff Meeting
- April 24, 2026 - May 22, 2026: Pitch Prep Program
- May 27, 2026: VentureCat Competition and Public Showcase
Upcoming Events
VentureCat 2026 Winter Quarter Info Session (In-Person)
Thursday, February 12 | 5:15-6:15 PM | TG Workspace
Register to attend this in-person info session to learn more about the program and competition, and how to best prepare to apply and compete!
Register to Attend
International Student Founder Office Hour Appointments (Virtual)
Wednesday, February 18
Attorneys William Schiller and Ian Wagreich, Partners of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, will host virtual one-on-one appointments to meet with students. These appointments are ideal for international student founders interested in learning about options for starting a business in the United States. You will be sent a Zoom link for your time slot.
Schedule via Calendly
Business Formation & University IP Policy Overview Session (Virtual)
Wednesday, February 25 | 12:15-1:15 PM
On Wednesday, February 25 from 12:15-1:15 PM, The Garage will host a virtual session with Professors Esther Barron and Darren Green, of the Donald Pritzker Entrepreneurship Law Center, to provide information about business entity formation options and founders' agreements.
Sarah Kamper, Invention Manager at INVO, Northwestern’s Innovation and New Ventures Office, will also share an overview of university policies related to creating IP as a student, students using University IP, and students using 3rd party IP, as well as steps required to ensure students are working in compliance with all University guidelines.
Register to Attend | Zoom Meeting Link
Business Entity Formation Legal Office Hours (Virtual)
Wednesday, March 4
Professors Esther Barron and Darren Green of the Donald Pritzker Entrepreneurship Law Center, will host virtual one-on-one appointments to meet with students to discuss questions on forming a U.S. based business entity. These appointments are ideal for student founders interested in learning more about business entity formation options and founders' agreements. You will be sent a Zoom link for your time slot.
Schedule via Calendly
VentureCat Program Manager Office Hours
Students interested in learning more about VentureCat, or who have questions about the rules, requirements, or application process can schedule a 1:1 appointment with VentureCat's program manager, Sarah Stein.
Office Hour Appointment Sign-Up