The Challenge
Exploring the Future of Access and Wellness
This is your shot. The NHL, NHLPA, and SAP are looking for the next generation of innovators, and that could be you. The challenge is to find your angle and build something that matters. Review the Pillars for details, key considerations, and examples for reference.
The best ideas will push the boundaries of community, access, and technology. Think big about how data, connected experiences, and smart execution can change what hockey looks and feels like on and off the ice. A scholarship, industry recognition, and a real foothold in the NHL world are on the line. Don't leave them there.
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Prizes
Note on Prize Suite Experience:
- The VIP suite experience is courtesy of SAP and will be held at SAP Center.
- All winning team members will attend on one predetermined date with one ticket provided per team member.
Finalists
Top 6 Teams
All finalist teams invited to the Final Pitch Event will receive:
- VIP suite experience at a 2026–2027 NHL® regular season game
- Premium swag package from the NHL, NHLPA, San Jose Sharks, and SAP
Winning Teams
Innovator & Changemaker Awards
Each member of the top two teams will receive:
- $5,000 USD scholarship
- VIP suite experience at a 2026–2027 NHL® regular season game
- Exclusive networking opportunity with senior leaders from the NHL, Sharks Foundation, and SAP
The Pillars
Who can participate?
Who can enter
The Competition is open to full-time and part-time students currently enrolled in a participating university or college in California, USA (Bay Area). A participating university or college is one which has been invited to take part in the Competition by or on behalf of the Sponsors.
Team composition
Each team must consist of a minimum of one (1) and a maximum of four (4) students. All students on a team must be enrolled at the same participating university or college. A student may not be on more than one (1) team.
Age requirement
All participants must be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of entry.
2026 Timeline
Submissions Open
March 30th, 2026
Submissions open for teams to begin submitting their ideas.
Submissions Close
April 26th, 2026
at 11:59pm ET
Semi-Final Interviews
May 1st or May 4th, 2026
Top 10 teams will be selected as semi-finalists and participate in a 5 min virtual interview.
Finalists Selected
May 8th, 2026
Top six teams will be selected as finalists.
Pitch Coaching
May 11th – 29th, 2026
Finalists will be matched with NHL/SAP Mentors to prepare for final pitch day.
Final Pitch Event
June 1st, 2026
Top six teams or finalists will pitch to executives and industry leaders at SAP Center.
Pitch Day Moments
Relive the excitement from previous competitions featuring student pitches, mentor sessions, and unforgettable Pitch Day moments.
2025 Winners Celebration
Student Pitch Presentation
Judge Feedback Session
Meet the Finalists
Team Presentation
Participant Networking
Judges Panel
Innovation Showcase
2025 Finalists
Unlock the Rink
Celebration Moment
Hockey Hall of Fame Visit
Location
SAP Center
The final pitch day will take place at the iconic SAP Center in San Jose, California — home of the Sharks Foundation. Teams selected as finalists will present their ideas to a panel of NHL, NHLPA, and SAP judges at this world-class venue.
Address
525 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA
In-person final pitch day
June 1st, 2026
Industry Growth Fund
$200M
Invested
32
Clubs Supported
13M+
Participants Across North America
Established in 2013 by the National Hockey League and National Hockey League Players' Association, and supported by the NHL's 32 Clubs, the Industry Growth Fund (IGF) was created to support and accelerate the development of NHL and Club business initiatives and projects that promote long-term fan development and increase participation at all levels of hockey with an emphasis on youth.
The IGF focuses on building hockey awareness and avidity both in local Club markets and on a national level (in the United States and Canada) by subsidizing League-wide programs and local Club initiatives, reaching diverse audiences and offering unique hockey opportunities for players and fans.
Since its inception, the IGF has dedicated more than $200 million to develop programming, create initiatives, host events and provide education that drives awareness and brings hockey to communities across North America.
SAP University Alliances Program
2,700+
Educational Institutions
1M+
Students Annually
50+
Years of Innovation
The SAP University Alliances program empowers lecturers to elevate their teaching of business and technology skills by offering resources centered on SAP applications and computer science.
Today SAP partners with more than 2,700 educational institutions around the globe, providing more than one million students annually with hands-on learning experience.
As a global leader in enterprise applications and business AI, SAP (NYSE:SAP) stands at the nexus of business and technology. For over 50 years, organizations have trusted SAP to bring out their best. For more information, visit www.sap.com
Sharks Foundation
The Sharks Foundation, the nonprofit arm of Sharks Sports & Entertainment, was established in 1994 and is dedicated to empowering youth through education and wellness programs while advancing equitable access to hockey for all. Since inception, the Sharks Foundation has positively impacted the lives of individuals in the community through its programs, projects, and contributions to local nonprofits, including more than $21 million donated to Bay Area organizations.
To learn more about how the Sharks Foundation is helping youth, visit sharksfoundation.org, view the 2024-25 Community Annual Report, or connect via Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
$21M+
Invested
Millions
Lives Impacted
Ready to Innovate?
Don't miss your chance to be part of the Sharks Foundation Innovation Competition. Reserve your spot today and start shaping the future of hockey.
Reserve spot