Innovate UNT Pitch Competition

Overviewlogo

The Innovate UNT Pitch Competition (iUNT) is a campus-wide, student business competition open to all undergraduate and graduate students from the University of North Texas. The competition focuses on development of a compelling student business and offers $35,000 of cash and in-kind prizes.

This competition is made possible by generous support from sponsors, mentors, judges, and staff members from across campus.

The competition is split into three components: (1) a business-model submission, (2) a video submission, and (3) the final live presentation and interviews during the iUNT final event. The top 5 teams from the business-model submission will be selected by Murphy Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation staff and mentors.

iUNT provides resources to aid students in the creation and implementation of their business. Students gain valuable skills and experience to help them transition to the competitive world of entrepreneurship. Dozens of past teams from Murphy Center competitions have successfully moved forward and become successful businesses.

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Submitting an application requires a StartupTree account, which is free.

Timeline

Online Information Sessions
General Information
Company Pitch and Q&A
General Information
Product / Service and Q&A
General Information
Market and Q&A
General Information
Sales Strategy, Revenue Model and Q&A
General Information
Team & Capital and Q&A
Additional Details
  • Application Deadline: Mar. 10, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
  • Online Judging (UNT): Mar. 12- 15, 2025
  • Top 5 Announced: Mar. 17, 2025, 5 p.m.
  • Top 5 Video Submission Deadline: Mar. 31, 2025, 11:59 p.m.
  • Competition Final Event: Apr. 18, 2025, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
  • Center: Office Hours by appointment, email murphycenter@unt.edu

Other National Competitions

University of Arkansas
Heartland Challenge Startup Competition

The Heartland Challenge is a graduate student startup competition designed to mimic the real-world process of raising capital for a high-growth venture. After a virtual first round, twelve semifinalist teams will be invited to join us in beautiful Northwest Arkansas. Teams will compete for a prize pool of up to $100,000, connect with our entrepreneurial community, and gain valuable experience and networking opportunities. To get a sense of the experience, watch our 2024 competition highlights.

Applications due January 17! Apply and learn more at https://heartlandchallenge.uark.edu

University of Missouri, Kansas City 
Regnier Venture Creation Challenge & Summit

The RVCC is a pitch competition & resource summit at the University of Missouri-Kansas City for college students in Missouri and its surrounding states (IA, IL, KY, TN, AR, OK, KS, NE). Top prizes of $15,000!

RVCC offers participants the chance to present their business ideas to judges, industry experts, and potential investors. Each year, the competition attracts the brightest minds, providing resources, mentorship, and exposure to transform innovative concepts into successful ventures. 
Key dates: 
•    February 3, 2025: Applications open
•    March 9, 2025: Deadline to apply
•    April 25, 2025: Finals and Summit Activities at UMKC

More information: https://info.umkc.edu/regnier/regnier-venture-creation-challenge

Texas Christian University
The 2025 Values and Ventures Competition application is live!

TCU’s Richards and Barrentine Values and Ventures Competition invites undergraduate student entrepreneurs from all around the world to compete for over $100,000 in prizes. Semifinalists will be invited to TCU’s Neeley School of Business in Fort Worth, Texas from April 4-6, 2025, to connect with likeminded values-focused undergraduates from across the globe; network with judges, mentors, faculty, and potential investors; and compete for the $40,000 Grand Prize. Help us spread the word by sharing this with your network of undergraduate entrepreneurs.

Applications are due January 17, 2025, 11:59 PM CST! Students can apply at https://my.reviewr.com/s2/site/TCU_Values_and_Ventures_Competition_2025.

Learn more at  neeley.tcu.edu/VandV or email us at VandV@tcu.edu.

Rice University

Applications Now Open for RBPC on April 10-12!

The world’s largest and richest intercollegiate student startup competition, the Rice Business Plan Competition hosted by Rice Alliance in Houston, Texas, is searching for 42 of the best student startups in Energy, Cleantech & Sustainability; Life Science & Healthcare Solutions; Hard Tech; Digital Enterprise; Consumer Products & Services. This year will be a special one as we celebrate 25 years.

Applications due January 27! Apply and learn more at rbpc.rice.edu.

University of St. Thomas

Join the  Schulze School of Entrepreneurship for unmatched competitions, professional development and networking opportunities for both students and advisors in our highly acclaimed spring 2025 events.

e-Fest®
e-Fest® is a premier event for the Top 25 student entrepreneurial teams nationwide. Finalists, selected through an online submission round on March 3, compete in Minneapolis from April 24-26 for over $220,000 in prizes, participate in workshops, and gain national exposure. Schools submitting at least one team are eligible for $2,500 Development Grants. Learn more in the Submission Guide Video or contact Jennifer Gessner at jgessner@stthomas.edu.

Fowler Global Social Innovation Challenge (FGSIC)
FGSIC inspires global student entrepreneurs to solve social and environmental issues. The 2025 Finals, May 30-31 in Minneapolis, offers $25,000 in seed funding. Submissions close Feb. 1 (International) and March 1 (Domestic). Questions? Contact hello@fowlergsic.org or Billy Mzenga at billy.mzenga@stthomas.edu.

University of Minnesota (statewide)

MN Cup is the largest statewide startup competition in the country. Our completely free programming supports emerging entrepreneurs through networking events, education, mentoring, and a chance at $400,00 in non-dilutive funding. All Minnesotans and Minnesota-based companies earning less than $1M in annual revenue are eligible to apply.

MN Cup encourages undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in a Minnesota college or university to apply to the Student Division. The selected winner will take home a $25,000 non-dilutive cash prize!

2025 Applications will be open March 10 - April 11. Finalists pitch in August. Learn more at mncup.org.

Baylor University (fall 2025)

The Baylor New Venture Competition is a business plan and elevator pitch competition that showcases collegiate student created, managed and led ventures from across the globe.

The goal of this premier program is to provide an environment that aids in experiential learning, entrepreneurial education and professional networking. By providing multiple rounds of expert feedback, collegiate students are encouraged to embrace entrepreneurship. Teams have the opportunity to compete for more than $200,000 in cash prizes and vital resources.

Applications for the 2026 competition will be accepted in Fall 2025. Contact newventurecomp@baylor.edu for more details.

Competition website: https://hankamer.baylor.edu/baugh-center/new-venture.