Pitch Your Business Idea for Cash Prizes and Feedback
The 3-2-1 Quick Pitch Competition is an annual event where you can showcase your entrepreneurial, communication and presentation skills through a short “quick pitch” proposal for a new business venture. Competitors will have 3 minutes 2 pitch 1 idea. A panel of entrepreneurial-minded experts judge proposals and provide you with valuable feedback. Not only do you have the opportunity to develop your ideas, you'll also network with other students, successful entrepreneurs and community leaders.
Cash prizes totaling $10,000 will be awarded to the top pitches from each competition room. Winners will also get a guaranteed spot to compete in the Center for Entrepreneurship's New Venture Competition for a $15,000 grand prize and opportunity for further investment from the Husker Venture Fund.
All University of Nebraska–Lincoln undergraduate and graduate students are invited to register and participate.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
5-8 p.m., dinner included
Howard L. Hawks Hall | Henrickson Family Atrium
Register Now
Register by 12 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026
Schedule
Schedule Coming Soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can compete?
All undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln are welcome to register.
What are the requirements of the pitch?
- Participants can pitch an idea, current business or any type of business.
- Only one individual may present the pitch- no team presentations are allowed.
- Pitch decks, visual aids, prototypes, and props are not permitted.
- In the 3 minutes of your pitch, there are important things to include:
- A ‘hook’ such as a story or a statistic that shows interest in the problem
- Problem and solution statement
- Who will buy your product or service
- How you will make money
- Overall good presentation & enthusiasm
Can I get feedback on or practice my pitch/idea before the competition?
Happy to help! Please reach out to entrepreneurship@unl.edu to schedule a feedback or practice session.