University of Montana startup challenge puts student ideas in focus

MISSOULA, Mont. — The University of Montana brought students together for the 37th annual John Ruffatto Startup Challenge, where one finalist was set to receive $50,000.

The event took place at the Gallagher Business Building and centered on student-led business ideas. The challenge offered students a chance to present their work in front of 24 evaluators.

Organizers reported that 14 finalists were chosen from more than 100 submissions. The competition began in 1989 and was created to help build new businesses in Montana.

“This competition started in 1989. Back then it was called the Business Plan competition. The point of that competition again, the second in the country to be launched, was to create new business here in Montana,” Erik said.

The event was designed to reflect support from businesses, organizations and individuals who back entrepreneurship across the state. In 2026, that mission remained in place.

I spoke with several finalists about what it meant to reach the final round. Their comments focused on opportunity, feedback and the value of making connections during the event.

“It's an incredible opportunity. And we've got to see at least everyone that's presented here today. And everyone has done such an amazing job. So we feel super fortunate that we're in the finals and we're just super excited to give it our best,” Ally Henrikson, an MBA student, said.

“Just networking is a huge part of this event and taking any advice you can get and, you know, actually putting that to use and just listening, they provide so many mentors for us here, so many people that have been here, done this one, this they're all here to provide feedback to us. So I mean,” Michael McHenry, a mechanical engineering student at Montana Tech, said.

“I'm so grateful to be here today. And thank you to the business school for having me, having a couple of law students out. It's been a pleasure. So very grateful to be here,” Luke Zager, a second-year law student at Alexander Blewett III School of Law, said.