Madden Challenge
The Madden Challenge has a new name!
For the past 12 years, the Madden Challenge has been an invaluable, unforgettable part of the Daniels College of Business experience. Like any good entrepreneur, we’ve been looking for ways to innovate and build upon our success.
That’s why we’re excited to move our quarterly pitch competition forward under a new name: 4impact Challenge.
All aspects of the BUS1440 course and end-of-quarter competition will remain the same, but 4impact represents change, a new approach and opportunity. The number also ties it to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and the course that bears its name) and the University of Denver’s 4D student experience.
We’re grateful to the Madden family for taking DU’s entrepreneurial mindset to new heights.
We’re excited to deliver the same transformational experience as we move forward with the 4impact Challenge.
Watch: Madden Challenge 2024
The Fourth Industrial Revolution
The 4impact Challenge is part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution course, an introductory class required for business majors that builds foundational knowledge in business and entrepreneurship.
The course introduces students to current technologies and requires them to use innovation and creativity to create a comprehensive business plan and a go-to-market strategy. Many students have the opportunity to convert their ideas into actual prototypes using artificial intelligence, 3D printing, blockchain, crypto currency and more.
For years this course (previously titled Gateway to Business) has been among the most popular classes at the University of Denver.
Course Topics
Students soak in traditional business content like how to connect with a customer, raise money and protect their ideas. They don’t just learn in abstract, though: all students have to use practical applications to develop their business strategy, all while learning about business ethics, financial and global business and the triple bottom line.
The curriculum jumps through the latest and most disruptive new technology out there: artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, 3D printing, extended reality, autonomous vehicles and the Internet of Things (IoT). Students walk away with hands-on experience using these emerging technologies and the knowledge to prepare them for a successful career.