Back of the Napkin Challenge

Waterville, ME- September 18, 2025 — 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 third annual Back of the Napkin Challenge, an ideation competition that invites students to pitch creative business concepts designed to make a positive impact in our communities. This year, the event is evolving into an even bigger celebration of entrepreneurship by combining with the Dirigo Launch Incubator Demo Day, showcasing early-stage startups from across the mid-Maine region.

Under the theme “Sketch ME the Future: From Napkins to Neighborhoods,” students will explore how small ideas can turn into meaningful solutions for our local communities, whether through new products, services, storefronts, or technologies. Participants will have the opportunity to access entrepreneurial training through Dirigo Labs, including sessions on customer discovery and business modeling, assisting them in refining their concepts and exploring the possibilities of entrepreneurship.

The culminating event, Dirigo Innovation Evening, will bring together Back of the Napkin finalists and Dirigo Launch participants for an inspiring showcase of innovation. Attendees can expect a dynamic evening featuring student pitches, startup demos, and a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and local impact. Monetary prizes will be awarded to standout student ideas, highlighting the entrepreneurial talent emerging from the region’s colleges.

The Back of the Napkin Challenge and Dirigo Launch Demo Day will be held together on Thursday, November 13, at the Plourde Conference Room, 70 Main Street in downtown Waterville, Maine. The evening is open to the public, offering a chance to experience Maine’s next generation of entrepreneurs in action.

For more information about the Back of the Napkin Challenge, student participation, or attending the Innovation Evening, visit https://www.dirigolabs.org/back-of-the-napkin-challenge/.