TEAM & IDEA DEVELOPMENT


Big Idea Blitz | September 26-27 & October 3

Application Deadline – September 21 @ 11:59 P.M.

Got an idea? Want to take it further than before? Big Idea Blitz is your fast-track weekend to explore, shape, and pitch your concept in a low-pressure, high energy environment. Over the course of 24+ hours, you’ll workshop your idea with the Big Idea Center’s experts, get hands-on coaching, and practice pitching like a pro. Open to all Pitt students from all levels and disciplines.

LEARN MORE


Kuzneski Innovation Cup | October & November

Application Deadline – October 5 @ 11:59 P.M.

The Kuzneski Innovation Cup is a pitch competition built with early-stage ideas in mind (concepts that are still forming, evolving, or being figured out). Whether you’re just beginning to explore a solution to a problem or starting to shape a potential venture, this is your opportunity to get support, guidance, and potential funding to move your idea forward. Students who are invited to pitch will have a shot at a piece of the $25,000 prize pool.

LEARN MORE

EXPLORATION & SKILL-BUILDING


ChangeMaker Series | Various Dates

Registration Deadline – September 14 @ 11:59 P.M.

Do you want to make a difference in the work you do? What inspires you? What impact do you want to have on the world? The ChangeMaker Series is a free, five-session experience for Pitt students who are curious, creative, and ready to shake things up. Learn how to think like an innovator, work alongside a cross-campus cohort, and learn from real-world change-makers. No startup experience or idea required, just a desire to get involved and take action.

LEARN MORE


Start Smart Legal Series | Various Dates

Whether you’re launching a new project, exploring a social impact idea, or just curious about entrepreneurship, the Start Smart Legal Series is the perfect place to begin. This series of interactive workshops introduces you to the legal fundamentals of starting something new. Led by local experts, each session breaks down a key topic into clear, practical terms. Let your startup journey begin with a smart start!

LEARN MORE

ACCELERATOR OPPORTUNITIES


Blast Furnace | May through June

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