The Dyer Center’s Big Idea Pitch Competition gives Lafayette students the chance to explore bold ideas, build compelling ventures, and share their vision with a panel of judges. Open to all majors and experience levels, the competition emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and learning through action. Whether you’re tackling a social challenge or launching a new product, this is your opportunity to take the first step and get support along the way.
Applications for the 2026 Big Idea Pitch Competition will open early in the Spring semester. If you have any questions about the BSA or would like to be notified of when the application period opens, please stop by the Dyer Center or reach out to us at dyercenter@lafayettee.edu
If you are an alumnus or community member who would like to volunteer as a mentor or judge please fill our our engagement survey or email us at dyercenter@lafayette.edu.
The Big Idea Pitch Competition is an annual event hosted by the Dyer Center to help Lafayette students explore and articulate promising ideas, whether for a business, nonprofit, creative project, or social venture. It’s not about having a fully formed startup. Instead, it’s about learning how to clearly communicate your vision, think through its potential, and take the first steps toward bringing it to life. The competition is grounded in the belief that learning to express and test an idea are a powerful skills that fuel innovation, build confidence, and set the stage for future success.
The competition is open to teams made up entirely of current Lafayette College students. Each team must include at least two members, and teams must be finalized at the time of application. Students may compete more than once, but each pitch must be for a new and distinct venture idea.
The Big Idea Pitch Competition is open to a wide range of ideas, not just traditional business ventures. Students are encouraged to pitch concepts for startups, nonprofits, campus-based projects, or social change initiatives. Whether you’re aiming to launch a new product, address a community challenge, or improve some aspect of campus life, your idea is welcome. The most important thing is that the idea is original, student-driven, and has the potential to create a meaningful impact.
The competition unfolds in three rounds. In the first round, students submit an online application outlining their idea. From these entries, the Dyer Center selects ten teams to participate in a brief elevator pitch and Q&A session. Based on these pitches, six teams will be chosen to move on to the final round.
In the second round, finalist teams are paired with an external mentor and work closely with Dyer Center staff through individual pitch workshops. This phase is designed to help teams sharpen their message and prepare for the final presentation.
In the final round, teams deliver a six-minute pitch to a panel of external judges, followed by live Q&A. A total of $3,000 in prize money is awarded based on the judges’ evaluations. An additional $200 audience choice award is given based on live voting during the event.
Judges will evaluate each pitch on several key criteria: the team’s understanding of the problem they’re addressing, the clarity and feasibility of their proposed solution, the strength of the value proposition, knowledge of target customers and market entry, and awareness of potential revenue and costs. They’ll also consider how compelling and persuasive the overall presentation is.
Teams must complete the online application form available above when we are accepting applications (typically early March). Applications must be submitted by the posted deadline, and teams should be ready to commit to the full competition process, including mentorship and pitch preparation, if selected.
The Dyer Center offers resources and support throughout the process, including pitch workshops, 1:1 advising, and guidance on creating your slide deck. Whether you’re new to entrepreneurship or have pitched before, we’re here to help you grow.
