Big Idea Challenge

Have a promising idea that is ready to take shape?  Are you ready to test it? 

The Big Idea Challenge is your entry point into innovation at the University of Pittsburgh.

This fast-paced, high-impact elevator pitch competition is designed for early-stage concepts and emerging founders ready to take the next step toward turning an idea into reality. Held each fall, the Challenge invites Pitt students at every level and from any school to develop, refine, and deliver a compelling elevator pitch that communicates the problem being solved, the solution, and the value behind their big idea.

This is your chance to sharpen and advance your vision and build your innovative and entrepreneurial skills.

Why Participate?

The Big Idea Challenge helps you move from idea to opportunity.

  • Turn ideas into action by shaping and testing your concept early
  • Build real-world skills in pitching, storytelling, and communication
  • Get feedback from experienced judges and entrepreneurs
  • Connect to bigger opportunities, including advanced competitions and programs
  • Join a community of innovators across Pitt

IDEA & TEAM LEAD APPLICATION

All idea leads and/or team leads must submit an IDEA/TEAM LEAD APPLICATION. This application serves as the main, written portion of your application. At the end of the form, you will be prompted to upload a file containing your recorded elevator pitch.

If you are a single-person team, you only need to complete the Idea/Team Lead Application. No further action is needed.

IDEA/TEAM LEAD APPLICATION

INDIVIDUAL TEAM MEMBER REGISTRATION

All participating team members on a multi-person team are required to register as part of the team. Team Leads only need to complete the Idea/Team Lead Application. Team Leads should ensure that all participating team members listed on the Idea/Team Lead Application have completed this requirement by the listed deadline.

INDIVIDUAL TEAM MEMBER REGISTRATION

How It Works 

Step 1: Submit a Competitive Application
Submit:

  • A written application
  • A recorded elevator pitch (max 2 minutes)

Step 2: Teams Selected to Move Forward
Applications are reviewed by a selection committee, and 10 finalist teams are chosen to advance:

  • 5 undergraduate teams
  • 5 graduate+ teams (including postdocs and UPMC residents)

Step 3: Virtual Presentation Round and Judges’ Q&A
Selected teams present live to judges in a virtual session. Sessions will consist of:

  • 2-minute elevator pitch (up to 6 slides)
  • 10-minute Q&A with judges

This round helps you refine your message and gain valuable feedback.

Step 4: Live Final Event
The Challenge culminates in a live final event and celebration at which:

  • Each team will present a live 2-minute pitch and answer one or two final clarifying questions from the panel of judges.
  • Judges will deliberate and make their final decisions.
  • Awards will be presented for:
    • Top Undergraduate Team
    • Top Graduate+ Team
    • Best in Show

The evening will also consist of a networking reception and celebration of all who participated in the Challenge.

Important Fall 2026 Challenge Dates

  • Sunday, September 27 @ 11:59 P.M. – Application Deadline
  • Monday, October 5 (email) – Notification of Acceptance to Virtual Presentation Round
  • Wednesday, October 7, 6:00-7:30 P.M. (Zoom) – Team Information Session
  • Friday, October 30, Pitch times to be scheduled with teams at a later date (Zoom) – Virtual Presentation Round and Q&A
  • Friday, November 13, Afternoon, Time TBD (Big Idea Center, 3601 Forbes Ave.) – Live Final Round and Award Presentation

Who Should Apply?

This program is for you if:

  • You have an idea, but aren’t sure what’s next
  • You want to test and refine a concept
  • You’re interested in entrepreneurship, innovation, and problem-solving
  • You’re ready to pitch and grow

No prior experience is required, just curiosity, creativity, and initiative. However, to be far better prepared for the Big Idea Challenge, interested students and teams are highly encouraged to participate in Big Idea Blitz!

Eligibility:

  • Teams must be Pitt-student-founded and Pitt-student-led with an idea they have developed or been involved in developing,
  • Pitt students must be actively enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh for the duration of the competition.
  • Students from other institutions are welcome to participate but may not present on behalf of the team and are not eligible for any potential prize money.
  • All ideas must be legal in the state of Pennsylvania at the time of application.
  • Ideas must be in their early stages (if you have questions about your idea’s eligibility, please reach out to a member of Big Idea Center staff). What does this mean?
    • This competition is not for ideas that are ready for spinout or have a completed prototype, but you have a clear sense of what you are working on and how you would like to move forward.
    • At this stage, you might have:
      • A rough outline of your idea.
      • Results of a class project or initial research
      • An early prototype
      • Done baseline research, like talking to friends, classmates, or professors
      • Started exploring what already exists and how your idea might be different.
    • Early-stage ideas are about exploration, not perfection. The goal is to start testing, asking questions, and figuring out what comes next.

What’s Next?

The Big Idea Challenge is not just a competition; it is a launchpad. Whether to deeper programs, more advanced competitions, and opportunities for impact, it is your launchpad to discover what’s possible!

Teams participating in the Big Idea Challenge have taken the first step in preparing for the Big Idea Competition – the Big Idea Center’s most advanced competition held every spring.