The Big Idea Center hosts various programs and competitions for all Pitt students throughout the year

I+E Explore Opportunities

No startup idea? No problem!

Our I+E Explore programs are geared towards Pitt students of all levels and disciplines who are interested in innovation and entrepreneurship but may not necessarily have a startup idea. Our I+E Explore events will provide Pitt students with opportunities to learn about innovation and entrepreneurship topics by participating in fun, hands-on, no-pressure activities throughout the year outside of our signature events such as Big Idea Blitz or the Big Idea Competition.

No startup idea required to participate — the only thing you need to bring is your curiosity!

View Upcoming I+E Explore Events

Spring 2024

 

Start Smart Legal Series – Various Dates, Zoom

The Start Smart series hosts various seminars and workshops throughout the semester that cover a wide range of legal topics for startup businesses. During each event, you will be able to learn from K&L Gates’s startup lawyers and gain valuable insight on how to legally start/run your startup.

Various registration deadlines throughout Spring 2024

LEARN MORE & REGISTER for upcoming sessions


Big Idea Blitz | Feb. 2 & 3 (Opening Weekend/Bootcamp), Feb. 9 (Practice Pitch Day)

As part of this spring’s Blitz, your team will participate in a 24-hour+ workshop with Big Idea Center staff and entrepreneurs in residence. The workshop will include 1-on-1 coaching, practice pitch rounds, and feedback. After one week of concentrated work, your team will return for practice pitches in front of a group of guest judges!

Application deadline: January 28, 11:59 P.M.

Learn More & Apply to Big Idea Blitz


*NEW!* ChangeMaker Series | Various Dates

The Big Idea Center’s new ChangeMaker Series is an opportunity for any Pitt student at any level to step in and learn about the concepts, disciplines and frameworks underpinning innovative and entrepreneurial action. During the series, you will meet and hear from individuals who have created their own opportunities to be the change they want to see in the world.

Start your journey to becoming a changemaker with the Big Idea Center ChangeMaker Series, an inspiring 5-session masterclass program being offered for the first time during the Spring 2024 semester – featuring a number of changemakers who began their journey as students here at Pitt.

Registration deadline: February 1, 11:59 P.M.

Learn More & Register for the ChangeMaker Series


Big Idea Competition | Feb. – Apr. 2024

This competition is an experience-based learning opportunity for Pitt students and postdocs with big ideas who enjoy working in diverse teams to bring those ideas to life. It is open to all Pitt undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdocs across all schools and departments. This competition spans February through April of each year and awards monetary prizes to students with the most startup potential, including a grand prize of $25,000! Since its inception in 2009 (formerly known as the Randall Family Big Idea Competition), the competition has attracted hundreds of interdisciplinary teams seeking to bring their Big Ideas to market.

Application deadline: February 11, 11:59 P.M.

Learn More & Apply to the Big Idea Competition

 

Accelerator Opportunities

Blast Furnace – May through June 2024

The Blast Furnace is Pitt’s student accelerator providing access to a deep mentor network, inspirational co-working space, and a rich curriculum preparing student startups for creating and growing their businesses. In our accelerator program, students will dive deeper into customer discovery and gain a better understanding of their market and whether their idea is feasible.

Learn More

Incubator Opportunities

The Forge — August/September 2023 through April/May 2024

Pitt students and alumni who have developed advanced ideas and startup projects are eligible to apply for the Forge, Pitt’s program for ongoing startup incubation.

Learn more

 

Additional Funding Opportunities

Big Idea Advantage Fund — Ongoing

Our goal at the Big Idea Center is to provide students with the opportunity to take their ideas from concept to reality. We are thrilled to be able to take this mission one step further with the Big Idea Advantage Fund! This investment opportunity is geared towards students who have an advanced idea and are looking to take that idea to the next step towards startup creation and business growth.

LEARN MORE

Looking for info on past events?

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