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.
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 2025
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:
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.
Apply
Make Your Pitch
Teams selected to compete are required to make their pitch in person during the event.
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.
The competition solidified that our business idea had value, and gave valuable guidance for the next steps. A great experience!
2025 Winners
Developed Track
1st Place
$15,000
Nüks Nootropics
Joe Crepps CEO, Tim Filliatreau COO, Gerdhaus Olde Loohuis CTO
2nd Place
$7,000
Jet Ski 502
3rd Place (Tie)
$5,000
RAM Devices
3rd Place (Tie)
$5,000
Due Gooder
Exploratory Track
1st Place
$5,000
G&E Solutions
2nd Place
$4,000
HandyHat
3rd Place
$3,000
PRLZ Extracts
We’re so grateful for our supporters who make it possible for GSE’s programs to be FREE for students
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!