About the Challenge
The MOVE Business Conference Venture Challenge is a premier competition that ignites creativity and entrepreneurship. Participants are invited to develop and present innovative solutions with the potential for significant impact. The competition provides a dynamic platform for entrepreneurs to demonstrate their unique ideas, assessed for originality, feasibility, and their potential to solve pressing challenges. Notably, past participants like PAM successfully secured investors’ funding during this event.
Competition Chair
Shahed Amanullah
Co-Founder & CEO at Zabihah
Panelists To Be Announced Soon
Competition Format
Application & Initial Screening
We are currently soliciting applications from potential participants. Proposals are carefully reviewed to select the most promising entries.
For the 2025 Venture Challenge, applicants must be based within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Additionally, we are seeking technology-focused startups to compete in the challenge. Examples include ventures developing innovative solutions in artificial intelligence, clean energy, cybersecurity, healthtech, fintech, advanced manufacturing, and enterprise software. Startups leveraging emerging technologies to solve real-world problems and drive scalable impact are especially encouraged to apply.
The deadline for the first-round submission is July 15th, 2025, at 11:59 PM EDT.
Live Final Presentation
Six finalists will present their ideas at the Conference in front of an audience exceeding 1,000 attendees, to a panel of investors and entrepreneurs. Notable features of the panel include:
Renowned Panel
Past panelists have included successful founders like Haroon Mokhtarzada and officials from the Virginia Invesment Partnership Corporation.
Substantial cash prizes of $10K, $5K, and $2.5K, with additional opportunities to secure funding.
Enhances participants’ practical skills, expands their professional networks.
Why Partner with 
?
Strategic Alignment
This partnership aligns with goals of supporting innovation and
entrepreneurial education.
Resource Optimization
Utilize the MOVE Conference as a platform to showcase
capabilities and individual achievements.
Community & Industry Engagement
Strengthen ties with the business community
and enhance the institution’s role in regional economic development.
Sponsorship Benefits
Branding
Extensive opportunities for visibility throughout the event.
Faculty Involvement
A distinguished member from your institution will be invited to join our panel of judges.
Representation
Ensure that 1/3rd of the competition candidates and finalists are selected from your region or institution.
What is the MOVE Business Conference?
The 2025 MOVE Business Conference brings together private and public sector professionals, business owners, and entrepreneurs. This premier event focuses on connecting minority-owned businesses with potential clients and organizations that can drive their growth. This year, we anticipate 1,000 attendees and 30 high-level exhibitors and sponsors.and enhance the institution’s role in regional economic development.
About MOVE
MOVE is a business chamber based in Northern Virginia (NOVA). We connect, inform, promote, and advocate for Muslim businesses by providing access to opportunities and removing structural barriers. We’re guided by core values like inclusion, advocacy, transparency, and networking, and united by a common goal of building a rising tide for the business community