What: We are hunting for the next BIG idea at Tulane University! Do you have an invention to make sno-balls faster, fill potholes to stay fixed forever, create a wearable technology design prototype that shows you music festival lineups in real-time, or even a quick test that tells you if seafood is safe to eat?

We are looking for bold and bright ideas for this fast and fun business pitch competition. Start thinking about your innovation, and you can compete to win prize money and mentorship from the Tulane Innovation Institute.  

After submitting via the online web form, the Innovation Institute will review applications, and applicants will have an opportunity to present and practice their pitches with the Innovation Institute team. Ten finalists will be selected from this semi-final round to pitch their early-stage ideas at the Open Season event.

Event Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Where:  TBD

Who: Faculty, staff, undergraduate, graduate, medical, and PhD students, postdocs, residents, fellows, and Tulane alumni who have graduated within the past two years.  

Prize: 1st place    $3,000 
            2nd place  $2,000 
            3rd place   $1,000 
            People’s Choice $500

And access to 1:1 business idea mentorship!