Newswise — Clarkson University has launched a unique business plan competition that is now accepting applications.

On February 24, up to ten finalists will visit campus to present their business or patentable idea to a panel of experts.

Up to five of these participants will be offered an opportunity to attend Clarkson University without payment of tuition for the remainder of their four-year undergraduate careers, through a combination of merit-based financial aid (after accounting for other aid for which the student may be eligible) and a purchase by Clarkson of ten percent equity in their firm at fair market value.

This unique program, featured in Money magazine’s September issue, also provides weekly guidance from Clarkson faculty, office space in a business incubator, and Clarkson alumni mentors.

Clayton, N.Y., native Matthew S. Turcotte ’14 has been in the Young Entrepreneurs since September 2010. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I feel fortunate that I attend a university that is as passionate about my business as I am and is so supportive,” says Turcotte. “With Clarkson’s support the sky is the limit,”

Applications for the Young Entrepreneurs and Innovators competition must be completed online at http://www.clarkson.edu/equity by January 30 and include a business plan and a 90-second video.

Clarkson University launches leaders into the global economy. One in five alumni already leads as a CEO, VP or equivalent senior executive of a company. Located just outside the Adirondack Park in Potsdam, N.Y., Clarkson is a nationally recognized research university for undergraduates with select graduate programs in signature areas of academic excellence directed toward the world’s pressing issues. Through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and health sciences, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.