SURGE Expo25
at the University of Pennsylvania
Thursday-Sunday, October 16-19, 2025
SURGE Expo25 at Penn
is coming this October 16-19 to Philadelphia!
Be seen, stand out, meet your people, and get the hands-on advice you need from TOP speakers, TOP programs - those that have been there. If you’re interested in starting a world-class student-run business organization at your institution, this is THE place to start.
Student leaders, student founders, support staff and administrators come together for 4 days of competition, showcasing, networking and professional development.
Build, learn, network and compete toe-to-toe. See how you measure up. Get better. Meet us there!
Quick Links
Planning Ahead
This year's SURGE Expo25 will be held in Philadelphia from Thursday-Sunday, October 16-19 on-campus at the University of Pennsylvania - hosted by Penn Student Agencies.
The typical attendance cost per person (excluding tickets) ranges from $450-$1000 including room and board, and it ranges depending on travel distance, hotel preference, etc.
Hotel Recommendations
The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel — 3600 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19104 — ≈4–6 min walk — Approx. $210–$260+/night (as of Sep 5, 2025). Book The Inn at Penn
The Study at University City — 20 S 33rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19104 — ≈10–13 min walk — Approx. $200–$320+/night (as of Sep 5, 2025). — Book The Study
Sheraton Philadelphia University City — 3549 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104 — ≈6–8 min walk — Approx. $180–$230+/night (as of Sep 5, 2025). (Under renovation; weekday construction 9am–5pm—lower prices and newer rooms help offset the inconvenience.) — Book the Sheraton Philadelphia
Homewood Suites by Hilton University City — 4109 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104 — ≈12–15 min walk — Approx. $180–$280+/night (as of Sep 5, 2025). — Book Homewood Suites
Keep in mind: SRBA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and SURGE Expo operations are made possible by ticket sales and sponsors; we reserve discounted tickets for anyone in need of support - just contact president@srbassociation.org to inquire.
Schedule Overview
This overview does not include details that will be released in early October; it is subject to significant improvements as we get closer to the event.
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Informal Philly Tours - Old City and Center City
Thursday and Friday are hosted at Penn’s Quadrangle, an “architectural masterpiece” at the heart of Penn’s campus.
PSA Campus Tour and Welcome
Registration and Ice Breakers
Zip Pitches for Teams
Group Assignments
Dinner and Networking
Day 1: Meet
Day 2: Share
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Thursday and Friday are hosted in Penn’s Quadrangle, an “architectural masterpiece” at the heart of campus.
Inspiring Keynotes
Peer-led Workshops to Launch and Improve Specific Student-Run Businesses (by category; e.g. food-service, retail, e-commerce, dorm services, consumer tech, etc.)
Research-based, Certification Workshops to Improve Organizational Leadership
Tour and Deep-Dive at the New, Student-Run Williams Café
Attendee-driven Roundtable Discussions
Foundation Series 101: Launching a New SRBO
Alumni Panel and Happy Hour
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Saturday includes both ongoing activities at the Quadrangle and a special site visit nearby.
Continued Workshops and Roundtables (see Friday Details)
Special Site Visit
Student Startup Invitational Cup Competition
Stand-out Storytelling
Group Challenges
Evening Networking Happy Hour
Day 3: Compete
Day 4: Award
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Back to the Quadrangle, Sunday holds special surprises this year and wraps by 11:15 AM EST.
Storytelling Breakfast, Planned Meetings
Ad Hoc Workshops | Foundations Series Continuation
Roundtable Reflection and Application Discussions
SRBA SURGIES Awards & Storytelling Ceremony
Hosted by student-leaders and industry experts, participants will leave the series with actionable strategies and long-term plans to ensure their business’ success at every stage of growth.
Workshops
Dedicated workshops to launch or grow your specific business model.
Retail
Food and Beverage
Online Tutoring
Digital Marketing
Click below and fill out the form to lead or co-lead your own workshop.
Student Startup Invitational Cup
A competition hosted at nearby Pennovation, a 23-acre urban technology park with a distinctive blend of offices, labs, and production space.
SURGE helps build, supports and showcases the world’s top student founders, launching their own businesses.
This competition is for both early-stage concepts (judging emphasizes concept validation and initial growth potential) and scaling startups ((emphasizing business development and market readiness). Judges will be experienced founders and VCs with the ability to invest in the right idea.
The purpose of the Student Startup Invitational Cup is to showcase student startups to conference attendees and community investors, and to provide opportunities for you to earn recognition, practice, improve, and build the team of operators, advisors and supporters that will enable you to succeed.
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Finalists
Exposure
Pitch live to an audience of top founders, investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators on SURGE's featured stage.
Opportunity to win one of two top prizes
Competitor badge on your SURGE Expo Name Badge.
Access and Support
Receive 2 complimentary Full Access tickets to the complete SURGE Expo25 (our highest package)
Gain access to the SRBA Founders Badge program.
Access coaching and mentorship sessions with hand-picked entrepreneurs and investors.
Participate in our Invitation-Only SURGE Champions Reception, a cocktail-style reception where teams connect one-on-one with attendees to demo products and receive valuable, in-depth, real-time feedback.
Attend an invite-only networking event for all startups and investors in attendance.
Exclusive time with the Keynote Speaker for Competition Day at SURGE Expo.
Semifinalists
Exposure
Pitch live to an audience of top founders, investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators on SURGE's featured stage.
Opportunity to win one of two top prizes
Access and Support
Receive 2 complimentary Full Access tickets to the complete SURGE Expo '24 (our highest package)
Gain access to the SRBA Founders Badge program (in beta).
Access coaching and mentorship sessions with hand-picked entrepreneurs and investors.
Attend an invite-only networking event for all startups and investors in attendance.
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The most compelling 4-minute pitch and 2-minute Q&A wins the Student-Run Startup Cup and a small cash prize.
Registration
Attend
Early Bird Tickets
EXPIRED AUG. 1
SRBA Member DISCOUNT 1 Tickets: $45 (up to 5 per member)
SRBA Member DISCOUNT 2 Tickets: $145
SRBA Member Affiliates (e.g. Board Member or Alum): $65
Regular Ticket: $485
Full Access Ticket: $845
Student Founders - Contact Us
for Discounted Rates
Advance Tickets
EXPIRED SEPT. 15
SRBA Member DISCOUNT 1 Tickets: $75 (up to 5 per member)
SRBA Member DISCOUNT 2 Tickets: $185
SRBA Member Affiliates (e.g. Board Member or Alum): $85
Regular Ticket: $950
Full Access Ticket: $1,500
Student Founders - Contact Us
for Discounted Rates
Regular Tickets
EXPIRES OCT. 10
SRBA Member DISCOUNT 1 Tickets: $110 (up to 5/member)
SRBA Member DISCOUNT 2 Tickets: $210
SRBA Member Affiliates (e.g. Board Member or Alum): $210
Regular Ticket: $1,455
Full Access Ticket: $2,000
Student Founders - Contact Us
for Discounted Rates
Discounted Tickets
SRBA wants you to attend, regardless of your ability to pay. If you would like to attend but are not able to pay the listed price, please email SURGE@srbassociation.org with subject line “Help Attending.” Explain your situation in one or two sentences, and we quickly work to help you attend.
Participate - Get Tickets, Then Register Here
NOTE: Pitch Competitors and Marketplace participants may qualify for free or reduced-rate tickets for SURGE Expo25. Just inquire by email: president@srbassociation.org
Competitions
Workshops
Marketplace
Last Year’s Competition & Expo
Mark Cuban
Seth Godin