The Torero Entrepreneurship Challenge (TECh) is an entrepreneurial competition designed to engage, educate, mentor and award technology innovators. With a generous gift from entrepreneur and technology leader Larry Kull, USD's Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering offers a technology track award through the Larry Kull Endowed Student Award in Engineering and Entrepreneurship to reward game-changing projects that embody technological innovation. From the TECh orientation session through the TECh competition, budding entrepreneurs will be guided down a proven entrepreneurial path to sharpen their venture-building skills — ultimately leading to an opportunity to compete for over $20,000 in seed money.
TECh Pathway
Follow Your Passion
It starts with your idea. Then, using proven pathways you will be guided by mentors, supported by professional networks and real-world experience. The entrepreneurship team helps you to bring that idea to life. Review the pathway steps and click through the tabs below to find out how you can present your technology-based business idea to industry professionals and real angel investors for a chance to compete for over $20,000 in seed money to get your business off the ground.
Create idea and form team
Evaluate market fit and validate tech idea
Develop technology and business solution
Pitch your idea for over $20K in seed money
Startup Resources
Students who are interested in starting a company will be eligible for student internships during the summer between their senior year and super-senior semester. To be eligible for a student internship, the project must have a customer who is willing to test and validate prototype(s) developed in an environment consistent with their field use. Students interested in starting a company will have access to services offered by the USD Small Business Development Center.
Here's How TECh Works
- Eligibility
- Submissions
- Judging
- Awardings
Who can participate
Project Eligibility
Teams that present business ventures where scientific or technological knowledge or processes lead to a product or service that creates customer value and differentiates the offering from alternatives, including competitive solutions are eligible to participate in the TECh competition.
Team Eligibility
The TECh competition is open to all USD students. You can submit your technology innovation idea individually or as a team.
Finalist Eligibility
Top teams will be selected to move to the finals and compete for over $20,000 in seed money at the 2027 TECh event.
Timeline of Events
TECh 2026 Timeline
Check out the 2026 TECh timeline to see how you can participate!
Congratulations to our 2026 Winners!
We extend our sincere appreciation to all participants in the 2026 TECh competition. Your creativity, commitment, and entrepreneurial spirit brought remarkable energy to this year’s competition. Each of you contributed to making the event a success, and we commend the innovation and dedication you demonstrated throughout the process.
Watch our Innovators Shine
Funded by the Larry Kull Endowed Student Award in Engineering and Entrepreneurship, TECh encourages students to think outside of the box, and to put technology principles into practice through a months-long journey of exploration, education and mentorship. Join us on April 21, 2027 for a chance to learn more about these exciting innovations at the 2027 TECh Competition!
Questions?
We're Here to Help
For questions or more information, contact engineering's TECh faculty lead.