About this programme
The Big Idea Competition is the University of Pittsburgh's annual pitch competition for student innovators. Teams develop and pitch business ideas across sectors, including products, services, social challenges, or digital experiences.
The Big Idea Center runs the competition and pairs participants with entrepreneurship coaches who specialize in business innovation, healthcare entrepreneurship, and technology, along with mentorship and access to Pitt's innovation community throughout the process.
The Spring 2026 round has already concluded; applications closed and the program has moved into its judging phases.
How it works
The competition runs in three phases. Phase 1 is open to all applicants: it starts with a written application and a recorded 60-90 second elevator pitch (no slides), reviewed by Big Idea Center staff, who notify applicants of acceptance to the next round.
Phase 2 is for semi-finalists only: after a virtual informational session, semi-finalists compete in a virtual pitch round, and finalists are notified afterward.
Phase 3 is for finalists only: after another informational session, finalists pitch in person, followed by an awards ceremony where prizes are announced.
Prizes are tiered: a $25,000 grand prize, $15,000 for second place, $5,000 for third place, $2,000 for fourth place, and a separate $2,000 award tied to the video round.
Who can apply
Open to Pitt undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, and UPMC residents. Ideas must be Pitt student-founded and student-led, and Pitt team members must stay actively enrolled throughout the competition.
Students from other institutions can join a team but cannot present at the pitch rounds or receive prize money.
Applicants should show a baseline understanding of innovation and entrepreneurship concepts and provide evidence behind their idea's problem, audience, solution, and impact potential.
The idea itself must be legal to operate in Pennsylvania.
How to apply
- Submit a written application by the Phase 1 deadline (February 15, 11:59 PM for the 2026 cycle).
- Record and submit a 60 to 90 second elevator pitch with no slides, using the elevator pitch one-sheet guide provided by the Big Idea Center.
- Wait for staff review; the Big Idea Center notifies applicants of acceptance to Phase 2.
- If selected as a semi-finalist, attend the virtual informational session, then compete in the virtual pitch round.
- If selected as a finalist, attend the finalist informational session, then pitch in person at the final round, followed by the awards ceremony.
Documents you’ll typically need
- Written application
- Recorded elevator pitch (60-90 seconds, no slides)
Frequently asked
Is the Big Idea Competition open for applications right now?
No. The program page states applications for the Big Idea Competition have concluded for the current cycle; interested students should follow the Big Idea Center's social media for future announcements.
Who can win prize money?
Only currently enrolled Pitt students, postdocs, and UPMC residents qualify for monetary awards; teammates from other institutions can participate but cannot present or receive prize money.
What does the application involve?
A written application plus a recorded 60 to 90 second elevator pitch with no slides.
How many rounds are there?
Three phases: an initial application and video pitch reviewed by staff, a virtual pitch round for semi-finalists, and an in-person pitch round for finalists followed by an awards ceremony.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.