By LINCOLN MYERS
Tiger Media Network
Fort Hays State University will host the EPI²C Weekend Challenge from November 7-9 at the Robbins Center on campus. The three-day event gives students 48 hours to turn creative ideas into real business ventures.
The competition, short for Experiential, Purposeful, Imaginative, Innovative, and Creative, brings together students from all majors to work in teams, develop their ideas, and present to a panel of judges for prizes.
Organizer Henry Schwaller said the challenge is unique because of how much students learn in a short time.
“The EPI²C Weekend Challenge stands out because it compresses the entrepreneurial journey into 48 adrenaline-charged hours, where students move from idea to launch-ready venture,” Schwaller said. “Rather than focusing only on a business plan or pitch, participants create, collaborate, and compete in real time with help from expert coaches.”
Schwaller added that hosting the event at FHSU showcases the university’s commitment to innovation.
“Hosting the EPI²C Weekend Challenge highlights the university’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship among students,” Schwaller said. “It connects FHSU’s academic strengths with the growing entrepreneurial ecosystem in rural Kansas.”
Ed Vengrouskie, professor of management and co-organizer, said the weekend shows how FHSU supports students who want to think creatively and start businesses.
“By hosting this event, Fort Hays State University clearly demonstrates its commitment to developing and reinforcing the entrepreneurial spirit, not only among Hansen Hall students but across campus and throughout the community,” Vengrouskie said. “We have seen a significant increase in FHSU alumni who are now local entrepreneurs returning to campus to mentor our students.”
Schwaller said the structure of the weekend allows students to work closely with mentors and professionals.
“Faculty and experienced entrepreneurs serve as coaches and judges, giving students access to real-time feedback and mentorship,” Schwaller said. “Business leaders also gain insight into emerging student talent and ideas, which helps strengthen the connection between campus and community.”
Vengrouskie said organizers hope to reach even more students this year through expanded promotion.
“Building on last year’s successful EPI²C Challenge, we have advertised throughout the campus and at events such as Tiger Day,” he said. “Our goal is to grow participation across campus and among local high school students.”
For Will Tice, an FHSU student who competed last year, the event was a chance to test ideas and meet others with a passion for innovation.
“Coming into college, I had a lot of crazy ideas and was eager to explore them,” Tice said. “Just a few days before the competition, I found out about the EPI²C Challenge and immediately saw it as a perfect opportunity to bring my ideas to life while building my network.”
Tice says the process starts with everyone pitching their ideas before teams are formed.
“Once our team was set, we used the Lean Model Canvas to map out our business, defining what we offer, analyzing the competition, identifying gaps in the market, and determining if there’s demand for our solution,” he said. “Like any entrepreneurial journey, we faced roadblocks that forced us to adapt and refine our approach.”
He said the challenge helped him understand what it takes to start a business and why he wants to do it.
“This experience has taught me what it truly takes to make a business succeed,” Tice said. “Most importantly, it has helped me connect with my ‘why’; the reason I’m driven to pursue entrepreneurship. For me, that’s my faith in Jesus, which gives me purpose and direction in everything I do.”
Tice encouraged other students to take part in the event.
“If you’re even slightly interested in business, I’d highly encourage you to join the EPI²C Challenge,” he said. “While the prize money is exciting, the real value is in the experience. You learn how to develop a business, connect with mentors and peers, and build relationships that can last a lifetime.”
The EPI²C Weekend Challenge will run from 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 7, through 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Robbins Center, FHSU. All students are invited to participate.
For more information, visit the FHSU EPI²C Weekend Challenge website.