Fall Startup Pitch Competition

The Fall Startup Pitch Competition is hosted each fall by the Iowa State Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship. Students from every college are invited to deliver a 90-second pitch about an idea or business they are working on to a panel of judges to potentially win cash prizes! In addition to a cash prize, the top three winners in each category, new idea and existing business, will advance to the Fall Startup Pitch Finale on October 14, 2025.

There are 25 spots available for signup on October 6, 7, 8, and 9.  A waitlist will be started if the spots are full.  Students may only pitch once.

First Round Pitches: October 6, 7, 8, and 9, 3-5 pm

Finale Round Pitches: October 14, 2-5 pm

All first-round pitches will take place at the Student Innovation Center, Room 3231. Fall Startup Pitch Competition Finale will take place in the Student Innovation Center Launch Pad.

Never pitched before? No worries, attend our Pitch Workshops on September 17 and 23!

WHAT TO EXPECT?

1) You are allowed 90 seconds to pitch your concept. A timer will show how much time remains as you present. A bell will ring at 90 seconds, and you will be asked to stop presenting – even if you have not finished your pitch. (HINT: Practice your timing!).

2) No PowerPoint or Digital presentations will be allowed. However, prototypes or drawings are permissible. Handouts or business cards for judges are acceptable (bring four).  Showing an app on your phone is considered “digital” and will not be allowed.

3)  Students will compete in one of two categories, new idea or existing business.  New Idea is that concepts are in the idea stage – no revenues, prototypes, or products.  Existing Business Idea is concepts are beyond the idea stage – with revenue, demonstrable traction, working prototypes, customers, leads, or products.

4) Only one person may present the pitch. Other team members may be present and answer judges’ questions.

First Round Prizes:

New Idea (Concepts are in the idea stage with no revenue or products. Does NOT have to be a brand-new, never-before-made product/service. The business idea is new to YOU.)

• 1st Place Winner – $500 cash award, in addition to advancing to the Fall Startup Pitch Finale
• 2nd Place Winner – $250, in addition to advancing to the Fall Startup Pitch Finale
• 3rd Place Winner – $150, in addition to advancing to the Fall Startup Pitch Finale

Existing Business Idea (Concepts are beyond the idea stage with revenue, demonstrable traction, working prototypes, customers, leads, or products. A business you are already running.)

• 1st Place Winner – $500 cash award, in addition to advancing to the Fall Startup Pitch Finale
• 2nd Place Winner – $250, in addition to advancing to the Fall Startup Pitch Finale
• 3rd Place Winner – $150, in addition to advancing to the Fall Startup Pitch Finale

Fall Startup Pitch Finale Prizes:

New Idea

• 1st Place Winner – $3,000 cash award
• 2nd Place Winner – $2,000
• 3rd Place Winner – $1,000

Existing Idea

• 1st Place Winner – $3,000 cash award
• 2nd Place Winner – $2,000
• 3rd Place Winner – $1,000

If you would like more information regarding the Fall Startup Pitch Competition, please email Jean Walsh at JeanW@iastate.edu.