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Collegiate Pitch

Compete for Funds to Pursue Your Dreams

Kentucky wants your business to succeed in the Bluegrass. We’re here to help get you started with the commonwealth’s largest intercollegiate pitch competition. Make your case for the money and experience a real-world entrepreneurial event.

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Funding

Your dreams require dollars to become reality. This opportunity provides access to capital for your enterprise.

Feedback

Receive critically important input on your idea from experienced business and community leaders to help improve your plan.

Connections

Network with other collegiate entrepreneurs, instructors, and established professionals. Grow your personal entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Collegiate Pitch 2026

Here's what aspiring entrepreneurs say about their Collegiate Pitch experience.

Important Dates

December 5, 2025

Intent to Compete Due

February 2, 2026

Business Models Due

February 10, 2026

Selected Teams Announced

February 23, 2026

Pitch Deck Due

February 28, 2026

Pitch Event

How It Works

Collegiate Pitch has two categories: The Exploratory Track and the Developed Track. 

The Exploratory Track is for early-stage business ideas. The Developed Track is for businesses closer to being launched or already operating. Monetary prizes are awarded in both tracks. To be eligible for the prize money, businesses must be based in Kentucky as they grow over the next few years. 

Take the next steps in your entrepreneurial journey:

1

Connect with Your Faculty Advisor

Participating colleges must have a designated faculty advisor. To enter the competition, student applications must be approved by their faculty advisor.

2

Apply

The application process includes notifying us of your intent to compete and submitting a business model.

3

Make Your Pitch

Teams selected to compete are required to make their pitch in person during the event.

4

Submit Expenses for Funding

Winning teams are reimbursed for their approved expenses.

This allowed me to view my business from someone else’s perspective, and I was able to take the constructive criticism and apply it to make my business better.

LaShay Calvin, Sullivan University Aunties Soulfood and Sweets

The competition solidified that our business idea had value, and gave valuable guidance for the next steps. A great experience!

Jacob Kocis, Midway University Helix Headgear

2026 Winners

Developed Track

1st Place

$15,000

Claustrum Design
University of Louisville

Claustrum Design

Modernizing medicine with medical devices that challenge outdated practices, improve patient outcomes, and empower physicians with greater precision and care.

2nd Place

$7,000

EdgeTrack
University of Kentucky

EdgeTrack Solutions

An A.I.-powered shipment visibility and predictive logistics platform delivering real-time, actionable information to small and mid-sized freight fleets.

3rd Place (Tie)

$5,000

Wav-Aid
Kentucky State University

Wav-Aid

An A.I.-based audio engineering platform for independent musicians and creators to capture pro-quality vocals/music without formal training or costly studios.

3rd Place (Tie)

$5,000

Sunny Sign Up
Northern Kentucky University

Sunny Sign Up

Designs and manufactures solar-powered, illuminated street signs using custom retrofit sleeves that slide over existing signs for high-visibility illumination.

Exploratory Track

1st Place

$5,000

CochleoFit
Midway University

CochleoFit

Providing custom-fit helmet inserts that accommodate cochlear implant hearing devices without compromising safety, comfort, or performance for sports and work.

2nd Place

$4,000

Dapper Kernel
Campbellsville University

The Dapper Kernal

Creating fresh, gourmet kettle corn in a distinctive style that elevates traditional kettle corn into classy, fun community engagement.

3rd Place

$3,000

Commencement Closet
University of Kentucky

Commencement Closet

Solving the problem of overpriced, single-use graduation regalia with affordable cap and gown rentals, including a simple ordering and return process.  
View Past Winners

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Apply Now for Collegiate Pitch

There is no charge to submit your business idea. Take a chance to win funding, and gain vital real-world business experience along the way. Kentucky is rooting for you!

Apply Now