What is the Big Idea Pitch Competition?
The Big Idea Pitch is a competition that showcases students' amazing ideas for new ventures. This competition gives Appalachian State University students the chance to take ideas out of their heads and pitch them for real money, and since the ideas come from students across any major and every student is driven by their own unique passions, the variety of ideas never disappoints.
How does the Big Idea Pitch Work?
Students submit their ideas. Next, an external panel of judges picks the most innovative 10 ideas based upon creativity, viability and scalability, and then we host a Big Idea Pitch Competition where each finalist makes a three-minute pitch to a panel of entrepreneur judges who provide feedback and vote on the most promising ideas. The judges determine a first, second and third place winner, and those students walk away with cash prizes! It's that simple.
And because we don't want the audience members to be left out, there is one additional chance for the Big Idea Pitch finalists to win some cash – an audience choice award! Even if you aren't throwing your hat into the ring to pitch an idea, come enjoy the party, listen to some great ideas, and cast your vote to help choose which fellow Mountaineer will walk the Audience Choice Award (and the prize money that comes along with it)!
When is the Big Idea Pitch?
This year's Big Idea Pitch was held on Friday, November 3, from 3:30 to 6 p.m. The Big Idea Pitch competition was the finale of the Center for Entrepreneurship's annual day-long Summit! READ MORE ABOUT THE SUMMIT.
Where is the Big Idea Pitch Competition held?
The competition was held in the Parkway Ballroom in Plemmons Student Union, located on the campus of Appalachian State.
Want to pitch your Big Idea?
The deadline to submit an idea for the 2023-24 academic year was Monday, October 9. If you are interested in pitching in next year's competition, drop us a line, and we will reach out when we open next year's application. And while your here, take a minute and MEET OUR 2023-24 FINALISTs and WINNERS!