The BIG IDEA Pitch Contest gives you an opportunity to pitch your business idea to a panel of expert judges. It all starts with a BIG IDEA. We are looking for innovative products and services that solve real problems to satisfy the needs of growing markets. Successful applicants introduce scalable concepts that can be accelerated by connecting to key mentorship and business resources. Whether your idea is conceptual, in development or a launched startup, this competition is right for you. Apply online with a written application and a short video submission. If chosen as a finalist, you will pitch live at College of DuPage to a panel of judges and to a livestreamed audience on May 7th. The contest is open for general public viewing and we encourage your family, friends, teachers and colleagues to attend!

Prizes

1st Prize  | $5,000
2nd Prize | $4,000
3rd Prize  | $3,000

All finalists will also receive a six-month membership to Innovation DuPage.

Who Should Apply?

Apply on Your Own or With Your Business Team! Participants Must Be:
‍
- College of DuPage Students or Recent Alumni (1-2 years)
- Local Area Students Attending a High School Located in DuPage County
- Students Enrolled in One of The Academic Partner of Innovation DuPage

Application Process

Complete the online BIG IDEA application by March 21st. The application includes a written portion where we ask you to tell us about yourself (and your business team, if applicable) and provide information on your business. You will also submit a 2-3 minute video where you briefly showcase your business idea.

For help in completing the application, we are offering two information sessions with COD business faculty. Attend a information session that works best for you.

All finalists will be judged and selected by Innovation DuPage and College of DuPage, at their sole discretion. They will be notified on or before April 7th, if chosen to pitch in the final round.

Support for the Big Idea Pitch Contest is made possible in part by DuPage Foundation, and the Perma-Seal Fund of the DuPage Foundation.

Confidentiality/Privacy Waivers

The final round of the contest will be in-person and streamed online. This event will be open to students, staff and the wider community, therefore confidentiality is not guaranteed. If you wish to keep elements of your business or idea confidential, you should not include this information in your pitch. A video version of the Pitch Contest will also be shared on the College of DuPage and Innovation DuPage websites and on local cable channel. There is no way for College of DuPage and Innovation DuPage to prohibit the sharing of pitch contest content with others. Pitch applicants and all participating business team members under the age of 18 are required to have a parent/guardian sign a waiver for participation.

Sponsors

The Big IDea Pitch Contest is proudly sponsored by College of DuPage, Innovation DuPage, DuPage Foundation, and the Perma-Seal Fund of the DuPage Foundation.