Fall Startup Pitch Competition

The Fall Startup Pitch Competition is hosted each fall by the Iowa State Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship. Students from every college are invited to deliver a 90-second pitch about an idea or business they are working on to a panel of judges to potentially win cash prizes! In addition to a cash prize, the top three winners in each category, new idea and existing business, will advance to the Fall Startup Pitch Finale on October 15, 2024.

There are 25 spots available for signup on October 7, 8, 9, and 10.  A waitlist will be started if the spots are full.  Students may only pitch once.

First Round Pitches: October 7, 8, 9, and 10, 3-5 pm

Finale Round Pitches: October 15, 2-5 pm

All first-round pitches will take place at the Student Innovation Center, Room 3231. Fall Startup Pitch Competition Finale will take place in the Student Innovation Center Launch Pad.

Never pitched before? No worries, attend our Pitch Workshop on Monday, September 23!

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Students will compete in one of two categories, new idea or existing business, and are allowed 90 seconds to pitch their concept. A timer will show how much time remains as students present. A bell will ring at 90 seconds, and students will be asked to stop presenting – even if they have not finished their pitch. PowerPoints are NOT allowed. However, prototypes or drawings are permissible. Handouts or business cards for judges are acceptable (bring four).

First Round Prizes:

New Idea (Concepts are in the idea stage with no revenue or products. Does NOT have to be a brand-new, never-before-made product/service. The business idea is new to YOU.)

• 1st Place Winner – $500 cash award, in addition to advancing to the Fall Startup Pitch Finale
• 2nd Place Winner – $250, in addition to advancing to the Fall Startup Pitch Finale
• 3rd Place Winner – $150, in addition to advancing to the Fall Startup Pitch Finale

Existing Business Idea (Concepts are beyond the idea stage with revenue, demonstrable traction, working prototypes, customers, leads, or products. A business you are already running.)

• 1st Place Winner – $500 cash award, in addition to advancing to the Fall Startup Pitch Finale
• 2nd Place Winner – $250, in addition to advancing to the Fall Startup Pitch Finale
• 3rd Place Winner – $150, in addition to advancing to the Fall Startup Pitch Finale

Fall Startup Pitch Finale Prizes:

New Idea

• 1st Place Winner – $3,000 cash award
• 2nd Place Winner – $2,000

Existing Idea

• 1st Place Winner – $3,000 cash award
• 2nd Place Winner – $2,000

If you would like more information regarding the Fall Startup Pitch Competition, please email Megan Graettinger at mgraett@iastate.edu.