Welcome to Michigan's largest non-dilutive student pitch competition, based on its $100,000 grand prize to a single student founder. A stage built for ideas worth betting on.
On April 8, 2027, nine Western Michigan University students will step into the spotlight. Each founder gets six minutes. One chance to change the trajectory of their business. One chance to take home one hundred thousand dollars.
Pitch Night
- Date:
- Location: To be announced
How It Works
Applications Open November 2026
Students across WMU submit their concepts, prototypes, ventures, and scalable for-profit ideas.
WMU Student Vote Opens November 2026
Anyone with a valid WMU student email can help decide the Final 9. The four ideas with the most votes earn a place on the stage.
Nine Finalists. Six Minutes. Up to $100K.
Finals take place April 8, 2027. A panel of five judges decides the $75,000 prize, and a live community vote of everyone else in attendance decides the $25,000 prize.
Timeline
- Submissions, open to all WMU students: to
- WMU Student Vote: to
- Cultivate 269® Pitch Competition:
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Who Should Apply
Builders
Innovators
Creators
Hustlers
Students hungry to shift the culture. Students ready to build something real. Anyone with a for-profit idea ready for ignition.
If you have a concept worth backing, we want to see it. If you have early traction, even better. If you have nothing but a big idea and commitment, that is enough to begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make the Final 9?
The four ideas with the most votes in the WMU Student Vote move on to the Final 9. Anyone with a valid WMU student email can vote on the Ideas page, so rally your fellow students. Our judging committee selects the other five finalists.
How do I win $75,000?
Make the Final 9 and pitch live at Pitch Night. A panel of five judges scores every pitch and chooses the $75,000 winner.
How do I win $25,000?
The $25,000 prize is decided by the live community vote at Pitch Night. Everyone in attendance, other than the judges, votes for their favorite pitch, and the finalist with the most votes wins.
How do I win BOTH ($100,000)?
Win over the judges and the room. If the judge panel chooses you for the $75,000 prize and the live community vote also goes to you for the $25,000 prize, you take home the full $100,000.
How will the funds be distributed?
The money is given in four lump sums based on these milestones:
- Form your business legally.
- Website, social media, and business plan go live.
- Financial systems in place and a 12-month budget created.
- Proof of market or technical traction.