Brown Forman Cardinal Challenge

The 2025 Cardinal Challenge

The Cardinal Challenge is the University of Louisville’s premier startup showcase—celebrating the most promising ventures from across the university, including students, faculty and researchers.

The annual two-day competition, hosted by the University of Louisville Forcht Center for Entrepreneurship, brings together founders, funders, mentors and the broader innovation community for a day focused on impact, momentum and collaboration.

Twelve ventures will be selected to pitch on stage, exhibit their work and apply for funding to support critical next steps in launching or growing their companies.

Submit Your Application

To participate, each team must submit: Pitch Deck, 2-3 Page Executive Summary and Evidence of Traction (This could include MVPs, customer interviews, pilots, early sales or letters of support). Applications open in March and close in May each year.

2025 Application Form

2025 Schedule of Events

Wednesday, July 16	6:00-8:00 p.m.	Participant Welcome Reception, University of Louisville Cardinal Club

Thursday, July 17	4:30-8:30 p.m.	Showcase & Pitch Event, Speed Art Museum
		Interactive Showcase – Booth-style displays with demos, prototypes, and conversations – Attendees explore and meet each team up close Main Stage Pitches – 5–6 minute pitch with a slide deck – Focus on venture overview, traction and next steps Award Announcements – In-kind, funding, and people’s choice Mentor Feedback – Each team receives direct, tailored guidance from assigned mentors

Funding & Support

Interested teams will complete a Funding Request Application for a specific purchase or service—whether that’s prototyping tools, incorporation, software, testing, or legal fees.

This year, we are proud to offer the largest pool of prize funding in the event’s history, including generous in-kind sponsorships from community partners.