Pioneer Pitch Competition
Sacred Heart University's Pioneer Pitch Competition gives undergraduate and graduate students from every major the chance to bring their ideas to life.
Whether you’ve got a fresh approach to a common problem, a way to spark change or a bold idea, this is your chance to pitch it and bring it to life!
Grounded in Sacred Heart University’s mission to educate the whole person—in mind, body and spirit—the Pioneer Pitch Competition is all about bold thinking, compassionate leadership and entrepreneurial action that meets the real needs in our world. Your pitch can be a creative idea for a product or service that addresses a clear market or social problem, whether for a nonprofit or for-profit venture. It can be at an early stage of development.
No business background? No problem. You do not need a fully developed plan, just a well-defined problem, a compelling solution and the drive to pitch it powerfully. This is your opportunity to apply your talents and passions to build a better future and live out SHU’s call to make a difference in the global community.
Why submit?
- Cash prizes
- Access expert mentorship and actionable guidance through workshops and mentoring sessions with faculty and industry professionals
- Sharpen your innovative thinking and communication skills
Who can apply?
- All currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students
- Individual or team submissions welcomed. Teams shall not exceed five members without pre-approval. Only one cash award will be presented to winning team submissions
Key dates
- Registration deadline: Early September
- Full submission deadline: Early September
- Top 10 finalists announced: Early November
- Pitch Day: Early December
Ready to jump into the competition?
Stay tuned for email announcements
A business pitch is a brief and persuasive presentation of a new idea, product or service. The goal is to convince judges that your idea is innovative, viable and worth supporting. It’s your chance to tell a compelling story about your business vision.
All undergraduate and graduate students can compete, regardless of major or business experience. Individual entries or team submissions (up to five members) are welcome.
No. While you should have a clear understanding of your idea and its potential impact, the focus is on presenting a compelling concept, not submitting a detailed written plan.
Every pitch is different, and you can be flexible depending on your idea. It may include: the problem you're solving, your innovative solution, target market and customer needs, business model (how you plan to make/raise money), competitive advantage (how your solution is better than existing ones), go-to-market strategy (how you intend to reach your customers), financial potential (if applicable) and a clear and engaging conclusion.
Each team will have five minutes to pitch their idea followed by three minutes of Q&A. Visual aids such as slides are encouraged but not required. Keep it clear, concise and compelling.
Judges will evaluate entries based on a detailed rubric that will be shared ahead of the event.
Faculty, alumni, industry professionals and/or business leaders from the local community.
A supportive and energizing atmosphere, networking opportunities, real-world feedback and prize announcements. Light refreshments will be provided.
Yes! Top three pitches will receive cash awards.
Not at all! The competition encourages creativity and innovation from students of all backgrounds.
Workshops and mentoring sessions will be held in the weeks leading to the event.
Reach out to any of the member of the management department.
More Information
Contact a member of the Department of Management.