The Next BIG Thing Pitch Competition

About the competition

Entrepreneurship is for everyone! Prepare to ignite your entrepreneurial flame at The Next BIG Thing Pitch Competition!  

Global Entrepreneurship Week is a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives across the globe. Presented by Novaparke and hosted by IU Southeast, The Next BIG Thing Pitch Competition welcomes everyone with innovative ideas and a passion for entrepreneurship.

Seize the chance to present your ideas before a panel of seasoned experts, industry veterans, trailblazing entrepreneurs, and dedicated mentors. Dive into an energetic contest alongside the most creative minds from southern Indiana, all competing for cash rewards totaling $25,000, mentorship sessions, and invaluable exposure.  

Join us in this exciting journey to turn your innovative ideas into reality. Submit your application by November 10, 2024, 11:59 p.m. (EST) and prepare to pitch your way to success. The Next BIG Thing Pitch Competition is not just a contest; it's a launchpad to your entrepreneurial future. 

Eligibility & Prizes

Two categories are available for the 2024 Next BIG Thing Pitch Competition.

Fast Pitch

This category is for individuals/teams who have identified a problem to solve, have addressed a customer need, have executed market research, and have a rough business plan; however, they have not yet identified or finalized a minimum viable product or service to offer. Business must have operated for six months or fewer.

Participants in the Fast Pitch cohort must be an Indiana resident or have an existing business organized within the state of Indiana. If the business is not yet organized, winning submissions must agree to start the submitted business idea within the state of Indiana to receive financial prizes.

Fast Pitch First Place Award: $5,000 in non-dilutive grant funding, and a 1-year membership to Maker13 in Jeffersonville, IN.

Pitch Tank

This category is for individuals/teams who have a completed business plan and have identified a specific minimum viable product or service to offer.

Participants in the Pitch Tank cohort must be an Indiana resident or have an existing business organized within the state of Indiana. If the business is not yet organized, winning submissions must agree to organize the business within the state of Indiana in order to receive the First Place Award. To accept the Pitch Tank First Place Award, the winning individual/team must also agree to work from Novaparke Innovation and Technology Campus in Floyd County for the full duration of the 2025 calendar year.

Pitch Tank First Place Award: $20,000 in non-dilutive grant funding, and office space for the 2025 calendar year at Novaparke Innovation and Technology Campus in Georgetown, IN.

All determinations as to participant eligibility shall be made at the sole discretion of the Next BIG Thing Pitch Committee reviewing the initial pool of applicants.

Application Process & Timeline

  1. Applications must be submitted by Sunday, November 10, 2024, 11:59 p.m. (EST). No late applications will be accepted.  The application must include the following items:

    1. Completed application form

    2. Three-minute elevator pitch (provide a video link)

    3. Executive Summary (applicants must use the Executive Summary template, including a 3-year pro-forma financial projection provided on The Next BIG Thing submission site)

  2. All documents submitted in digital format must be submitted via the online form.

  3. Failure to submit any of the required documents will result in the disqualification of your application.

  4. Finalists will be selected, and all applicants will be sent a notification email by Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 5:00 p.m. (EST).

  5. Finalists must reply to the notification email to participate in the Live Event by Friday, November 15, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. (EST).  Failure to confirm participation will result in disqualification.

  6. Live Event will take place on Wednesday November 20, 2024, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. (EST) at IU Southeast Hoosier Room (inside of University Center North).

  7. An optional pitch preparation workshop will be conducted on October 16, 2024, 6:00 p.m. (EST) at Novaparke Innovation and Technology Campus.

  8. Competition organizers reserve the right to delay or extend the registration period, selection timeline, and adjust the number of finalists selected to make the presentation pitch at any time.

  9. By applying, you agree to the competition terms and conditions.