Spring 2026 Hilltop Founders Pitch Competition
Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 1:00pm — TBD SMU has a rich history of launching successful startup founders, including Bumble Inc. founder Whitney Wolfe Herd and La La Land Kind Café founder...
Big iDeas
Are you an entrepreneur with amazing ideas? Take action! SMU's Big iDeas program guides undergraduate students to make their ideas a reality.
Make your ideas a reality
Big iDeas Business Plan Competition
Pitch to a panel of business experts for up to $5000 in start-up funds. 4 minute pitch + 2 minute Q&A.
Competition: October 3rd, 2025
Big iDeas Pitch Contest
Big iDeas Pitch Contest
Pitch your Big iDea in 90 seconds for a chance to win up to $1,000 in seed funding to launch your startup or project.
Competition: March 12, 2026
ACC InVenture Prize Competition
Apply for a chance to pitch your business and battle against the best entrepreneurs in the ACC.
Competition: April 2026
Big iDeas Marketplace
Sell your products or demo your app! All student, faculty, staff, and alumni entrepreneurs are welcome to come and network with your fellow entrepreneurs at the Big iDeas Marketplace.
E-Launch
E-Launch
The Big iDeas E-Launch Series is a FREE series of workshops and guest speakers to guide you in the creation of your idea.
Women's Innovative Network
Women's Innovative Network
W.I.N cultivates a dynamic network that empowers women to innovate, connect, and support each other in their entrepreneurial and research endeavors.
Upcoming Big iDeas events
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Big iDeas Pitch Practice
Monday, March 09, 2026, 3:00pm — Private Location (sign in to display) Pitching in the Bg iDeas Pitch Competition or just wanting to refine your business pitch? Come and Practice Your Pitch for the Big Day!
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Big iDeas Pitch Practice
Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 12:00pm — Private Location (sign in to display) Pitching in the Bg iDeas Pitch Competition or just wanting to refine your business pitch? Come and Practice Your Pitch for the Big Day!
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Big iDeas Pitch Competition
Thursday, March 12, 2026, 2:00pm — Private Location (sign in to display) Join us for the Big iDeas 90-Second Pitch Contest, where SMU students bring their boldest, most innovative ideas to life—fast. In just a minute and a ...
SMU Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
Visit our partner offices focusing on entrepreneurship:
Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship
Hart Institute for Technology, Innovation, and Engineering
Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership
Contact and coaching
Our staff is available to meet with you for coaching or general questions about entrepreneurship.
Contact Olivia Prioleau, Project Specialist, with general questions: oprioleau@smu.edu
Set up a meeting:
Olivia Prioleau, Project Specialist
Want to join a startup?
Interested in being part of a start-up? Let us know the skills you can bring to our entrepreneurs. Get on the ground floor of something Big.
