The 2024 Big Idea Competition Finale is HERE, and it’s going to be EPIC! 💡🔥 Watch your fellow students pitch their business ideas Shark Tank-style 🦈 for a chance to win nearly $15,000 in prize money! 💰

The UTRGV Big Idea Competition 

The UTRGV Center for Innovation & Commercialization, a division of the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship, is excited to hold its fifth annual Big Idea Competition this fall. 

Welcome to the Big Idea Competition, an annual fall event where aspiring student entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas for a chance to win seed funding, gain essential tools, and build confidence as founders, all while being mentored to refine their pitches and embrace their entrepreneurial aspirations. 

What is the UTRGV Big Idea Competition?

The Big Idea Competition is an annual event that invites aspiring student entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas for a chance to win seed funding. More than just an opportunity for financial support, the competition inspires students to take their first steps into entrepreneurship and build their confidence as founders. Participants undergo a transformative journey from being students to becoming founders, gaining essential tools and developing the belief in their potential to take meaningful action. To ensure they are well-prepared, we pair participants with a network of mentors who help them refine their pitches. Held every Fall, this event empowers students to embrace their entrepreneurial aspirations and lay the groundwork for future success and potentially owning their own business. This year, the top three winners will receive nearly $15,000 in prize money.

Be part of our live audience and watch as the top competition finalists pitch their business ideas in a shark tank-style event, competing for prize money to kickstart their ventures. 🏆💸🚀

Join us at our Headshot Event for a complimentary professional headshot, the chance to win cool swag, enjoy live music, discover upcoming programs, and connect with others who share your interests!🎵🎤📸

The first 50 to RSVP will be entered into a giveaway to win a CIC Swag Box. *Must be present to win 🙂

Meet the UTRGV Big Idea Competition Finalists at the Competition Finale! 

Who Should Attend?
The UTRGV Big Idea Competition welcomes anyone interested in supporting UTRGV student startups or prospective competitors.

• UTRGV Students: If you're a student with dreams of launching your own business or are simply intrigued by the world of entrepreneurship
• Community: If you're passionate about boosting the RGV's economic growth and creating more job opportunities

What to Expect:

• Networking: Connect with individuals who share your interests and engage with emerging RGV entrepreneurs, cultivating relationships that can be pivotal in your entrepreneurial journey.
• UTRGV Swag Giveaway: Participate in our exclusive giveaways and seize the opportunity to score some fantastic UTRGV swag
• Snacks and Beverages: Enjoy delicious snacks and beverages provided throughout the event.

Professional Headshot: Join us for our Headshot Event and get a complimentary professional headshot!

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, November 22, 2024 
• Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Location: UTRGV Center for Innovation and Commercialization (CIC) 307 E Railroad Weslaco, Texas 78596

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