The Sunstone CSU Startup Launch Competition is a groundbreaking partnership designed to level the playing field for aspiring collegiate entrepreneurs. In 2021, the Sunstone CSU Startup Launch Competition brought together six mission aligned Cal State Universities to plan a regional pitch competition with the largest prize pool specifically for collegiate founded ventures.

Teams shall be led by a current or recent graduate (<12 months) of a participating CSU.  While it is permissible to have non-CSU members, the majority (>55%) of the equity and decision-making authority shall be held by current students or recent graduates.  Diverse teams are strongly encouraged.

Venture teams from any of the participating CSU's will submit an application, pitch deck, and 90 second video on the Spark XYZ platform by April 15th. Each of the participating CSU's will select 6 teams to present in one of 3 tracks at CSULB on May 6th.  Each team will have 8 minutes to present and 2 minutes of judges questions.  Cash prizes will be awarded for first ($20,000), second ($10,000), and third place ($5,000) in each track and additional prizes ($1,000) will be awarded for: Best presentation, Best video, Best all undergraduate team, Most innovative, Most diverse team, Best traction, Best prototype, and Best research-based venture.

Over $130,000 of cash prizes will be awarded, and all participants will gain experience in presentation skills and effective communication, as well as opportunities to interact with investors, officials, and other entrepreneurs.