Pitch competitions and hackathons provide students with the opportunity to test ideas, solve real-world problems, and share their ventures with experienced judges and mentors. These events encourage innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking while giving students a platform to develop their ideas and gain valuable feedback. Through these experiences, students can refine their ventures, build confidence as founders, and connect with the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.
University Opportunities
Startup Slam brings entrepreneurship and Razorback Basketball together for an unforgettable pitch competition at Bud Walton Arena. Five University of Arkansas undergraduate entrepreneurs will earn their spot in the "Starting 5" student businesses through a November qualifier, then pitch their businesses in 30 seconds during halftime of the Razorbacks’ February matchup against Ole Miss.
With thousands of fans watching, finalists will put their entrepreneurial skills to the test as the crowd votes for the winning pitch and the recipients of over 10 thousand dollars in prize money. Startup Slam gives student entrepreneurs the chance to take their business ideas from campus to center court.
Apply to the Startup Slam qualifier today for your chance to be a part of this exciting opportunity!
Qualifier round will be 60 second pitches, no props, no slides.
Minute to Pitch It!
Typically hosted in the fall, Minute to Pitch It! is an idea-stage pitch competition where University of Arkansas students share early concepts for products, ventures, or solutions in a fast paced and supportive environment.
Participants deliver quick pitches to a panel of judges and a live audience, gaining feedback while competing for prizes alongside other creative thinkers from across campus. Open to students from any major and is designed to be an accessible first step into entrepreneurship. No business plan or startup experience is required.
HEARTLAND CHALLENGE
The Heartland Challenge is the University of Arkansas’ premier graduate student startup competition, bringing together top student-led ventures from universities across North America.
Finalist teams travel to Northwest Arkansas to pitch their ventures to experienced investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.
Designed to simulate the venture capital process, the competition provides founders with the opportunity to showcase their progress, receive feedback from judges, and compete for significant non-dilutive funding.
READ MOREMADE @ U of A PITCH COMPETITION
Hosted in the Spring, the Made @ U of A Pitch Competition highlights the innovation and entrepreneurial drive of University of Arkansas students. Founders take the stage to pitch their ventures, share their progress, and receive feedback from experienced judges while competing for funding and recognition.
The competition features two tracks designed to support ventures at different stages:
- Small Business Track: This track is for students actively building and operating ventures such as small businesses or side hustles. Participants may have a product, prototype, early operations underway, or initial customer traction. Founders in this track are focused on refining their business model, growing their customer base, and continuing to build momentum.
- Tech-Enabled / High Growth Track: This track is designed for students developing technology-driven ventures with the potential for rapid scale. Teams may be generating revenue, onboarding users, forming partnerships, or demonstrating strong market traction as they work to grow and expand their venture.
Participants deliver a formal pitch presentation followed by questions from judges, creating an opportunity to gain valuable feedback while showcasing the ventures being built by University of Arkansas students.
Other Opportunities
IDEA FAME PITCH COMPETITION
Do you have an idea for a new product or service? Are you willing to pitch that idea for $1,000? Here’s your chance…
Startup Junkie launched IdeaFame in 2019. This 60-second pitch competition is offered several times a year in different locations. Stay tuned or email team@startupjunkie.org for more information
MORE OPPORTUNITIES
More opportunities outside of the U of A for student entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas (maintained by our friends at Iowa State University)
VIEW LIST