Big Idea Blitz
As of the 2022-2023 academic year, our classic 24-hour competition has been reworked to provide even more mentorship and idea development opportunities for your idea.
As part of 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 on your ideas, your team will return for final presentations in front of a group of guest judges!
This program is an opportunity for students to engage with innovation and entrepreneurship in an environment built for teams from all levels and disciplines. Push the limits of what you originally thought possible and prepare your idea prior to participating in one of our larger competition opportunities, such as the Randall Family Big Idea Competition!
The top team will be awarded a $1,000 prize along with a fast pass to the final round of the Randall Family Big Idea Competition. Runner-up teams will receive a fast pass to the final round of the Randall Family Big Idea Competition.
Important Dates
Days, times, and locations for Big Idea Blitz events are subject to change.
The Big Idea Center will follow the University of Pittsburgh’s COVID-19 requirements and thus reserves the right to make any necessary event changes in order to comply with Pitt’s COVID-19 policies.
January 20, 11:59 P.M. – Application Deadline (only the first 20 eligible teams will be admitted!)
January 27, 4:00-6:00 P.M. (in-person @ Big Idea Center) – Team introduction and elevator pitches (REQUIRED)
January 28, 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M. (virtual) – Workshop with Big Idea Center staff and entrepreneurs in residence
February 3, 3:00-5:00 P.M. (in-person @ Big Idea Center) – Final presentations and winners’ announcement
Eligibility:
- Teams must consist of at least 2 or more current Pitt students
- Students from other institutions are welcome to participate, but may not win any money or present on behalf of the team
- You must come with an existing idea to work on throughout the week
- Deadline to apply is January 20 @ 11:59 P.M.
Rules/Guidelines:
All students who wish to participate in Blitz must attend BOTH workshop days AND the final presentation round. If a student cannot attend any portion of the program, they are not eligible to present on the final day or win money.
All offerings and prizes are not transferable.
Looking to build your team for Big Idea Blitz? Use our TeamFinder tool to recruit team members!
Up to 20 teams will be selected to participate.