UM-Dearborn Business Idea Pitch
Students develop essential soft skills, such as problem solving, communication, and empathy, by exploring some of the region’s most pressing challenges and pitching creative solutions. Participants have the opportunity to win thousands of dollars in cash prizes by presenting innovative business ideas.
Pitch Day 2027
Date: TBD
Location: TBD
Participate for the chance to:
- Win cash prizes
- Network with successful UM-Dearborn alumni
- Gain real-world experience in problem-solving and pitching
Teams must first submit their ideas online. Ideas with the most public votes, along with those selected by judges, will advance to Pitch Day.
Ideas must be submitted by the deadline to be eligible. More information about the 2027 competition will be available later this year.
Business Idea Pitch Details
What challenges do you encounter in your daily life related to healthy living, mobility, or sustainability? These issues affect how we experience campus life, our homes, and the workplace. If they impact you, they likely impact others as well.
This competition invites individuals or teams of up to six current UM-Dearborn students to submit innovative ideas through a two-step process.
Step 1: Online Idea Submission
Participants begin by submitting their ideas online by answering the following five key questions:
- What is your idea? (maximum 400 characters)
- Who is your target customer? (maximum 300 characters)
- Who are your biggest competitors? (maximum 300 characters)
- What makes your idea different? (maximum 300 characters)
- Why will this idea be successful? (maximum 300 characters)
Submitted ideas are reviewed by subject-matter experts and opened to public voting.
Step 2: Pitch Day Competition
The top ten teams, selected based on expert review and public voting, advance to Pitch Day, where they compete in a live presentation for cash prizes.
On Pitch Day, finalist teams deliver a five-minute live presentation to a panel of judges, outlining:
- Their product or service
- Target customer or user
- Market opportunity
- Competitive landscape
- Key differentiators
Prizes are awarded based on the judges’ evaluations.
The competition is open to all current UM-Dearborn students, regardless of major or background. While students are encouraged to submit ideas related to healthy living, mobility, or sustainability, ideas outside these focus areas are also welcome.
Eligibility & Rules
- Participants must be current UM-Dearborn students (individuals or teams of up to six members).
- Pitch applications must be submitted by the deadline to be eligible.
- Pitch Day presentations may not exceed five minutes.
- Slide presentations (for example, PowerPoint) are allowed.
- Presentations must be live. Recorded presentations or videos are not permitted.
- At least one team member must attend Pitch Day to receive any prizes.
Questions?
Get answers to frequently asked questions about the UM-Dearborn Business Idea Pitch Competition.
When is Pitch Day?
The 2027 UM-Dearborn Business Idea Pitch Competition will take place during the Winter 2027 semester. The date of the event has not yet been finalized.
Who can compete?
Any current UM-Dearborn student or team of current UM-Dearborn students.
How many people can be on a team?
A maximum of 6 students are allowed on a team. You can pitch as a one-person team, but teams of more than one are encouraged.
What constitutes an “idea”?
Any new idea you have for a product, service, or experience related to healthy living, mobility, or sustainability challenges. You don’t need to have a business plan, just an idea that you have given some thought to.
Can I submit an idea not related to healthy living, mobility, or sustainability issues?
Yes, you can submit any business idea.
Can I submit more than one idea?
Yes, but only one idea per student or team will be allowed on Pitch Day. Having multiple ideas means you are competing with yourself for votes. You are encouraged to submit only your best idea.
Where can I submit my ideas?
The process takes just a few minutes. You need to answer a few questions about your team (or yourself) and your idea. Visit the application webpage to submit your idea.
Who is voting on ideas I submit?
Anyone can vote on ideas. Encourage your friends and family to vote. A panel of reviewers will also select ideas to move on to Pitch Day.
What happens on Pitch Day?
The top ideas selected from those submitted online will have 5 minutes to pitch their idea to a panel of judges in a live competition.
How can I get help with my idea?
Keep an eye out for details regarding workshops to help students with ideas and pitching.
Can I withdraw from the competition after submitting an idea online?
Yes. Please inform Kari Kowalski at [email protected] as soon as possible.
Do all of my teammates have to be present for the final pitch?
No. At least one member of the team has to be present. Let Kari Kowalski at [email protected] know about the others’ absences before Pitch Day. All members of the team will need to complete paperwork before Pitch Day to be able to pitch and be eligible for any prizes.
What are the prizes?
There are thousands of dollars in prizes. Judges will determine the number of winners and the cash amount received by each.
If I win, how will I receive the cash prize?
Money is paid through the University, so you may be subject to taxes or financial aid rules.
Still have more questions? Contact Kari Kowalski at [email protected].