Â鶹´«Ã½

innovateÂ鶹´«Ã½ Pitch Challenge

The innovateÂ鶹´«Ã½ Pitch Challenge is highlighst the innovativeness and entrepreneurial spirit of our students. With the assistance of the team at the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CEI), students will develop their concepts and learn how to share it with the world. 

Pitch your innovative concepts to experienced innovators for feedback, networking, and a chance to win up to $5,000 to develop your idea.

The innovateÂ鶹´«Ã½ Pitch Challenge is scheduled to take place during the Nighthawk Innovation Summit on March 2, 2026. This full-day event will include guest speakers, panel discussions, and workshops, alongside the pitch challenge.

innovateÂ鶹´«Ã½ Pitch Challenge Info

Dates

  • Application Deadline: December 12, 2025, by 11:59 p.m.
  • Selections for Pitches Announced: January 19, 2026
  • Pitch Challenge: March 2, 2026

Location

  • Cottrell Center Ballroom, Dahlonega campus

For questions or more information, contact cei@ung.edu

InnovateÂ鶹´«Ã½ Roadshow

Drop into the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation for one-on-one guidance on the innovateÂ鶹´«Ã½ Pitch Challenge. This is your chance to get answers on eligibility, deadlines, and submissions, and receive direct feedback to refine and strengthen your business or innovation concept before you apply.

  • Dahlonega: 
  • Oconee:  
  • Gainesville:  
  • Blue Ridge:  
  • Cumming: 

Pitch Development Workshops  

Every great idea needs a great story. Join this interactive workshop led by a Â鶹´«Ã½ entrepreneurship professor to transform your concept into a clear, captivating narrative that inspires action and wins over judges.

You'll learn proven techniques to shape your ideas and refine your message, helping you master the storytelling art of a successful founder. Whether you're preparing for the innovateÂ鶹´«Ã½ Pitch Challenge or simply want to communicate like a founder, this session makes your message unforgettable.

  • Dahlonega: 
  • Virtual (Online, OCN, BR): 
  • Cumming: 
  • Gainesville: 

Event Information

Individuals and teams will present ideas for unique innovations, businesses, and nonprofit organizations before a group of experienced innovators. In addition to potential prize awards, participants will receive benefits such as:

  • Pitch/Startup Training
  • Idea/Product Feedback
  • Professional Connections
  • Mentoring

Qualifications

  • Current Â鶹´«Ã½ degree-seeking students and any who graduated in the last year.
  • Participants may be an individual or a team of no more than five members
  • Teams can enter only one idea in the competition
  • All team members must meet these eligibility requirements

Requirements

  • Pitch Duration: Each pitch should be between 8-10 minutes, followed by a three-minute Q&A session with the judges.
  • Pitch Content Should Include:
    • The problem your business addresses
    • Your solution and business model
    • Market opportunity and impact on the community
    • How you will use the prize funds
  • Visual Aids: Applicants are encouraged to use PowerPoint slides, demos, or other visual aids to enhance their pitch.

Prizes

  • First Place: $5,000
  • Second Place: $3,000
  • Community Impact Award: $2,000
  • Venture Progress Award: $2,000 

Winners will be announced at the event.

Organizing Committee