BIG IDEA is a college-wide pitch competition to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. The contest rewards those ideas for new products or services that show the greatest potential to improve lives and succeed in the marketplace. Ideas will be evaluated on their technical feasibility, market potential and social impact.

 NEW THIS YEAR!  
Learn the secrets of successful entrepreneur Willy Theisen at a pre-contest coaching session hosted Nov. 11 at Pitch Pizzeria. All finalists who attend will receive $25 while perfecting their 90-second pitch. Theisen, founder of Godfather's Pizza, will lead off the contest on Nov. 12 by pitching his own original idea before a panel of successful Omaha entrepreneurs!

 GUIDELINES 
The contest is open to all UNO students from undergrad to postdoc. Submit your application form by October 29. Contest finalists will be notified and invited to present a three-minute pitch of their idea (See complete guidelines) to a panel of judges on November 12. (If you are unable to use the computer application form, there is a static form attached to the contest guidelines)

 WIN $$$ 
Grand prizes will be awarded of $500, $250, and $100. All finalists who attend the Pizza and Prep on Nov. 11 will receive a $25 cash award. Grand prize winners will also receive free consulting if they choose to compete for the thousands of dollar prizes in the in the 2011 Spring Business Plan Competition.

Get coaching or answers to questions   Contact theCenter for Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Franchising if you need assistance developing your idea or crafting your pitch Email UNOBigIdea@unomaha.edu or call 402-554-2706