Welcome to the Randall Family Big Idea Competition with $100,000 in cash prizes for Pitt students!

Learn More

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This competition is an experience-based learning opportunity for Pitt students with big ideas who enjoy working in diverse teams to bring those ideas to life. Discover how to take your idea to the next level towards startup creation. The competition spans February and March of each year and awards a grand prize of $25,000 to the idea with the most startup promise. Additionally, cash prizes are awarded for first, second, and third places, and best video.  Since its inception in 2009, the competition has attracted hundreds of interdisciplinary teams seeking to bring their big ideas to market.

Who is eligible?

The competition is offered to all Pitt undergraduate and graduate students across all schools and departments. Post-doctoral fellows are included.

Background

Since its inception in 2009, the competition has attracted hundreds of interdisciplinary teams seeking to bring their big ideas to market.  The Randall Family Big Idea Competition is made possible through the generous support of the Randall family. Robert P. Randall, a Pitt alumnus and trustee, was president and chief executive officer of the Three Rivers Aluminum Company (TRACO), a prominent regional door and window company, which was acquired by Alcoa and is now a division of Kawneer. Mr. Randall continues to give back to the community through his position on the Board of Trustees at the University of Pittsburgh, his work with the United States Chamber of Commerce, and as a board member of both the Allegheny Conference on Community Development and the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance.

Important 2021 Randall Family Big Idea Competition Upcoming Dates

• Info Session Dates
• Application deadline: Friday, February 19, by 11:59 P.M. (Applications are now closed)
• Notification of acceptance:  Wednesday February 24 by end of business day
• Bootcamp: Friday, February 26, 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. (Noon)
• Practice Pitches: Friday, March 5, 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
• Semifinals: Friday, March 12, 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
• Finalist Bootcamp/Mentor Matching: Thursday, March 18, 5:00 – 7:00 P.M.
• Elevator Pitch Workshop: TBA
• Final Round: Friday, April 9, 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
• Awards Ceremony: Thursday, April 15, 8:00 P.M. (YouTube Premiere)

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Visit the Big Idea Center on Facebook to see all images from this year’s competition awards ceremony.