OC Next Startup Competition · 2026
BUILD
WHAT'S
NEXT.
A competition for founders with an idea, prototype, or live product. Compete for strategy, design, and development support from a world-class team.
Application requirements
CHOOSE THE LEVEL
THAT FITS YOUR STAGE
Choose the level that most closely matches where your startup is today.
Level 1
Idea
Requires
- Clear problem statement
- Defined target audience
- Value proposition
- Basic market research
- Founder commitment
50
of 50 spots left
Level 2
Prototype / MVP
Requires
- Working prototype or MVP
- Early user feedback
- Defined business model
- Go-to-market outline
- Product roadmap
50
of 50 spots left
Level 3
Live Product / Scale
Requires
- Live product with users
- Traction metrics
- Revenue model validated
- Growth strategy
- Scaling challenges identified
50
of 50 spots left
Competition prizes
WHAT CAN YOU WIN?
Three prize tracks designed to move your startup forward.
1st Place
2-Week Rapid MVP Sprint
Strategy, UX, prototyping, and development — a full sprint with our senior team to build your MVP.
2nd Place
Venture Strategy & Market Evaluation
Deep-dive venture strategy, positioning, and market evaluation with our senior team.
3rd Place
Visual Concept & UX Mapping
A full visual identity direction and UX mapping for your product concept.
EVERY VERIFIED ENTRANT GETS VALUE
20% Studio Discount Credit
Credit toward any OCNext studio engagement — valid for 12 months after the competition.
Engineering Growth Guide
Our internal playbook for scaling products from MVP to production.
Free AI Implementation Audit
A 1:1 session identifying where AI can accelerate your product roadmap.
Process
FROM APPLICATION
TO WINNER
- 01
Apply
Complete the structured application describing your idea, stage, and goals.
- 02
Get reviewed
Our team evaluates every application against a transparent scoring framework.
- 03
Winners announced
Top startups are selected for the three prize tracks.
- 04
Receive support
We work hands-on with winners to deliver strategy, design, and development support.
Judging criteria
HOW WE'LL
EVALUATE YOUR IDEA
100
Market Viability
Clear demand and a well-defined audience.
Technical Feasibility
A realistic path to build and scale the product.
Clarity of Vision
A sharp, compelling articulation of the idea.
Scalability Potential
Room to grow into something big.
Competition timeline
Applications close in
Ready to compete?
YOUR IDEA
COULD BE
WHAT'S NEXT.
Whether it's still on a napkin or already live with users — we want to see it.
