Three categories of competitions for 2026:
NECO Student Submissions - Business or concept ideas based on regional agriculture production challenges or opportunities. Submitted via simple form with high level information required. The competing teams or individuals must be available to display and present at the Finals on April 2, 2026. Open High School Juniors/Seniors, and college students enrolled in the 6 Northeast Colorado counties of: Logan, Washington, Phillips, Sedgwick, Yuma, or Morgan. Winners will be selected to receive a scholarship to the school or program of their choice.
Local NECO Submissions - This category is reserved for individuals and entities based in the 6 Northeast Colorado counties of: Logan, Washington, Phillips, Sedgwick, Yuma, or Morgan. Submissions must include more in depth financial projections and product history. Entities will be competing for startup resources services ranging from legal, accounting, prototyping, and other professional services to advance the business or product development.
Open Division - Multi-state regional competition open to new companies and entities across Colorado, Southeast Wyoming, Southwest Nebraska, and Northwest Kansas. Submissions will require financial projections, company history, patent information and other validations, business plans, and specific information for impact to agriculture in the Central Great Plains region. Companies will be competing for a combination of cash prize funds, and potential equity investment opportunities from ag innovation experts across the country and locally.