Blaze Venture Challenge

Blaze Venture Logo

The Blaze Venture Challenge is an annual pitch challenge event highlighting the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of UIC students.

Individuals and teams composed of full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students present unique business ideas to a group of experienced and successful professional judges from the Chicago ecosystem.

Participants have the chance to win cash prizes, get access to world-class mentors, and gain real-world experience in pitching to investors.

The 2025 Blaze Venture Challenge will be held on April 16th, 2025! Registration will go live in January.

2024 Blaze Venture Challenge Presented by Comcast Heading link

Thank you to Comcast, our 2024 Corporate Sponsor! Comcast is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms they provide, to the content and experiences they create, they reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. Learn more > 

Carl Jones Junior

Carl Jones, Jr. is the Vice President of External and Government Affairs for Comcast’s Greater Chicago Region. He leads the External and Government Affairs team in this role, including local government affairs, strategic partnerships with state, county, and local intergovernmental associations, community investment activities, and advancing digital equity in Illinois, Northwest Indiana, and Southwest Michigan.

Carl joined Comcast in 2018 and has managed the company’s DE&I policy, initiatives, and local government affairs in Philadelphia. His responsibilities have included leading strategic growth for employee resource groups, managing regulatory and legislative initiatives at the local level, managing relationships with county and local intergovernmental associations and community-based organizations, developing political strategy, and grassroots communications.

Prior to joining Comcast, he served as Director of Environmental Justice for the State of Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection, an Attorney specializing in corporate law at the Tucker Law Group, and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Law. Carl has been recognized as one of the nation’s media and technology leaders, being named to the Cable Fax Diversity List and the Lawyers of Color’s Top Lobbyists & Influencers List.

He received his Bachelor of Arts in History and Africana Studies from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY; Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia School of Law in Athens, GA; and LL.M. in Advocacy from Temple University Philadelphia.

Technology, innovation and commitment to community are core to what Comcast does. The Comcast Community Impact Award recognizes business ventures that have the potential to reshape the communities in which we live, work, and play. Winners will embody the spirit of community impact, regardless of industry. This special $2,000 award will be presented at the 2024 Blaze Venture Challenge.

2024 Blaze Venture Challenge Judge

Thank you to our 2024 Blaze Venture Challenge judges!

Thank you to our 2024 Blaze Venture Challenge mentors! Click below to view the full list of mentors.

Spark Series Workshops Heading link

Check back in the Summer for Fall programming registration! The Spark Series is workshop-style programming geared towards students interested in exploring entrepreneurship. In the Spring, these workshops also focus on preparing students for the Blaze Venture Challenge.