Organizers say the first South Dakota Student Ventures Competition will let students from across the region compete for a chance to receive up to $25,000 of investment capital to start a science and technology-based company.

The competition is sponsored by South Dakota Innovation Partners in partnership with South Dakota State University's College of Engineering, Entrepreneurial Studies Program and Technology Transfer Office.

Individuals or teams are to find a concept that addresses a market issue and would lead to a science and technology-based startup company, propose a solution, illustrate how it will be sold in the marketplace and outline how the investment capital will be used.

The application deadline is January 15.