Challenging students to think big, innovate boldly, and create meaningful change in their communities.
Waterville, Maine – Nov. 5, 2026 — Dirigo Labs, a program of the Central Maine Growth Council, in collaboration with Thomas College, Kennebec Valley Community College, and Colby College, is excited to announce the 4th Annual Back of the Napkin Challenge, a student entrepreneurship competition that encourages creative thinkers to transform innovative ideas into solutions for real-world challenges.
The challenge invites students from participating institutions to record and pitch an idea, encouraging them to develop it into a solution that can make a meaningful difference in their communities. Whether inspired by a local challenge, a new opportunity, or a passion project, participants will explore entrepreneurship and innovation while developing concepts that have the potential to create lasting impact in their own backyard.
The competition will culminate during Dirigo Labs’ Incubator Demo Day on November 17, 2026, where Back of the Napkin finalists will pitch their ideas before a panel of judges and a live audience. The event will also feature startup demonstrations, networking opportunities, and a celebration of innovation taking place throughout Maine.
Monetary awards will be presented to standout pitches based on their viability, community impact, and entrepreneurial potential. “Every company starts as an idea someone was willing to say out loud,” said Jeff Frank, Program Manager at Dirigo Labs. “The Back of the Napkin Challenge gives students a real stage to test their ideas and see that the problems they notice in their own communities are worth solving.”
Representatives from each participating institution emphasized the importance of providing experiential learning opportunities that allow students to apply their creativity outside the classroom.
Entrepreneurship is about recognizing opportunities and taking action,” said Kim Kennedy, Business Administration Faculty at Kennebec Valley Community College. “This challenge encourages students to think beyond what exists today and develop solutions that can make a difference for our local communities, region, and beyond.”
At the Halloran Lab, we view entrepreneurship as a way of thinking that empowers students to identify meaningful challenges and develop solutions that create real impact,” said Jonathan Godbout, Deputy Director of the Halloran Lab for Entrepreneurship at Colby College. “The Back of the Napkin Challenge gives students the opportunity to explore ideas, test assumptions, and build the confidence to turn a simple concept into something that can positively influence their communities.” “At Thomas College, we believe in preparing students to become innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders,” said Nate Pelsma, Executive Director of Business Innovation and Corporate Campus at Thomas College. “The Back of the Napkin Challenge gives students a unique opportunity to test ideas, gain confidence, and experience what it takes to bring a concept to life.”
The event is open to the public and welcomes students, entrepreneurs, educators, business leaders, community members, and anyone curious about innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of Maine. Join us on November 17 at 5:00 p.m. at Kennebec Valley Community College to celebrate bold ideas, connect with emerging innovators, and support the next generation of entrepreneurs.
For more information about the Back of the Napkin Challenge, student participation opportunities, or attending Dirigo Labs Incubator Demo Day, visit https://www.dirigolabs.org/back-of-the-napkin-challenge/.
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program. Additional support is provided by the Maine Technology Institute (MTI) and the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC). Together, these partners help drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity across Maine.
About Kennebec Valley Community CollegeKennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) is a 2-year comprehensive community college in mid-Maine serving students from Somerset, Kennebec, and Knox counties and well beyond. KVCC has two campuses in the heart of Central Maine – our 70-acre Fairfield Campus, which is readily accessible by I-95, and our 600-acre Harold Alfond Campus just seven miles north. KVCC’s Workforce Training and Professional Development office provides a wealth of short-term training that is targeted toward business and industry and professional development. KVCC is a collegial environment emphasizing student success and respect for a diverse population of employees, students, and community members. For more information, visit https://www.kvcc.me.edu
About The Halloran Lab for Entrepreneurship at Colby College The Halloran Lab for Entrepreneurship at Colby College offers entrepreneurship education and practical opportunities aimed at preparing Colby students to be effective innovators and entrepreneurs—whether they are creating dynamic new business or social ventures or improving existing organizations or programs. The lab provides funding for students to start commercial and social enterprises, mentorship, as well as innovation and maker spaces. The Halloran Lab drives an ever-growing entrepreneurship ecosystem that engages students, alumni, faculty, staff, and Colby community members as well as companies, organizations, and institutions. For more information, visit https://www.colby.edu/halloran-lab-for-entrepreneurship/
About Thomas College Thomas College, located in beautiful Waterville, Maine, is defining what it means to be the College of the Future. With a strong commitment to innovation, career readiness, and community partnerships, Thomas College is consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of Maine’s top colleges for social mobility. Our distinctive Guaranteed Job Program™, accelerated undergraduate degrees, and flexible graduate programs empower students to advance faster in business, entrepreneurship, education, technology, applied STEM, and arts & science fields. At Thomas, belonging isn’t a buzzword; it’s a promise. We create a supportive, welcoming environment where every student is seen, valued, and prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world. For more information visit thomas.edu or contact MacKenzie Riley Young at mediarel@thomas.edu or 207-859-1313. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
About the Central Maine Growth Council The Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC), located in Waterville, Maine, is a public-private collaborative regional economic development partnership funded by municipalities and businesses who share a common vision of economic prosperity for our region. CMGC is committed to fostering a robust and sustainable economy, supporting startup ecosystems through Dirigo Labs, and advancing community development initiatives.
About Dirigo Labs Dirigo Labs, the innovation and entrepreneurship hub of the Central Maine Growth Council, is a Waterville-based startup accelerator and incubator serving founders across Maine. Through its 16-week Accelerator, the Dirigo Launch Incubator, and the Dirigo Model financial-readiness course, Dirigo Labs connects entrepreneurs with mentors, investors, and partners to help turn innovative ideas into scalable companies and high-value jobs. Its alumni have achieved more than 115 product and service launches and surpassed $35 million in combined sales and capital raised.
Media Contact: Amanda Wrigley Innovation & Development Specialist Central Maine Growth Council awrigley@centralmaine.org www.centralmaine.org