Do you have a business idea worth the startup capital? Are you looking to grow your existing business? All it takes is a 90-second pitch for a chance at $1000 in cash prizes!
The BigIdea! Pitch Contest, hosted by the Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Franchising (CIEF), is a contest where any UNO & UNMC Student with an innovative and original idea can showcase their business idea and receive funding.
2026 BigIdea! Pitch Contest
Important Notes:
- All entries are individual submissions (no team pitches).
- The use of a presentation slide deck is not allowed for this competition.
- If you have a prototype, MVP, or offering that is allowed.
Information and Schedule
September through October - Preliminary Rounds - Virtual (Required)
Students will submit their pitch virtually to compete.
November 11, 2026 4 - 8 P.M. - Final Round (Required)
Selected students will compete for cash prizes. In the final round, students are given 90 seconds to pitch their idea to a panel of judges followed with question and answer.