New Venture Pitch Competition

Loyola University Chicago | Quinlan School of Business

The New Venture Pitch Competition is an opportunity to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit within the Loyola community. 

All current students are invited to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges and compete for prizes.

Competition Overview

Students will be tasked with creating an elevator pitch or “pitch” of their venture. An elevator pitch is a quick description of a new venture idea or existing venture that can be given in the time it would take to ride up an elevator. This format was chosen because it is short, fun, and in the style of the popular television show Shark Tank.


There will be two rounds of competition: 

Round 1: Students will complete an online application and submit a 3-minute video detailing their venture. A panel of judges will evaluate the submissions and select the finalists. 

Round 2: Finalists will pitch their ventures to a panel of judges, followed by Q&A. After deliberation, judges will choose the winners and award the prizes.


Students will compete for scholarships and Ignite Lab advising. First place takes home $3,000, Second place $2,000, and Third place $1,000.