2026 Proving Ground
The Proving Ground is an entrepreneurial competition to identify and accelerate innovative business concepts. We're looking for ideas that will create sustainable businesses in South Carolina, leading to more prosperity through innovation in our state.
Teams of USC undergraduate students, graduate students and recent alumni (within three years) are eligible to compete for up to $25,000 in seed money, and for the chance to turn their ideas into reality.
What is the timeline for The Proving Ground?
| Feb. 13 | Application opens |
| March 6 | Deadline for submissions |
| March 18 | Semi-finalists notified |
| April 1 | Semi-finalists attend Pitch Workshop |
| April 8 | Finalists notified |
| April 17 | Proving Ground pitch competition (as part of Day 2 of Carolina Entrepreneurship Summit) |
What are the competition categories for The Proving Ground?
As part of the application process, founders should self-identify the stage of their venture. These will serve as competition and prize categories, assuming we receive enough applications in each category.
Some resources allocated, some assets exist, pre-revenue
Business is operating with some modest success including proof of concept and early adopters
Special Awards
Focused on international customers, founder is of international origin
Focused on scalable digital or technology solutions
Founder is active, retired, or honorably discharged from military service
Voted on by the audience in the room on April 17
Applicants will have to specify what they plan to use the winnings for and Proving Ground winners will be revisited to see if the investment worked the way they expected it to. This is part of the sustainability effort of the program.