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Fordham Foundry Pitch Challenge
Also known as: Fordham Pitch Challenge
Fordham University · New York, NY
Annual startup pitch competition run by the Fordham Foundry offering cash prizes to student and alumni ventures. Open to all nine Fordham schools and colleges including liberal arts. Features multiple tracks including General, Social Impact, and Jesuit Schools competition (Fordham vs Loyola Marymount vs Georgetown). Teams pitch 3-5 minutes with Q&A, preceded by mandatory coaching sessions.
Quick fit check
- Offers direct funding
- No equity required
- Currently active
- Verified by research
Key numbers
Funding range
$2,500 – $8,000
Grant
Equity
None
Application
Annual
Campus Wide
Last activity
2026-04-09
High confidence
Application and Timing
Applications close late January. Semi-finals in March, finals in April. 3 mandatory coaching/check-in sessions for finalists.
Participants
Open to current Fordham undergraduate and graduate students and alumni. Teams must have at least one Fordham-affiliated member. May pitch early-stage ideas, prototypes, or existing ventures.
Funding and Equity
Non-dilutive cash grants. 2026 total prize pool of $22,500. Cumulative $200,000 distributed to 40 winners over 10 years. No equity taken.
Recent Activity
10th annual competition held April 9, 2026. 48 teams presented, 8 advanced to finals. Featured winners in General (Focus+, $8K), Social Impact (Kids Building Wealth), and Jesuit (Ketsu-Georgetown) categories. Notable past winners include Brevitē, Diskko, and gigLAW.
Verification Gaps
- Jesuit Schools track funding source and structure beyond the 2026 event
- Exact number of applicants each year (only 2026 data: 48 teams)
Fordham Foundry Pitch Challenge
Tracks and Prizes
- General Track: $8,000 first place ($22,500 total prize pool across all tracks in 2026)
- Social Impact: Dedicated prize for ventures addressing social needs
- Jesuit Schools Track: Competition with other Jesuit universities
- People's Choice: Audience-voted award
Additional research notesShow
News & articles
News articles and official sources documenting Fordham Foundry Pitch Challenge at Fordham University.
2 sources
Fordham Now
Pitch Challenge 10th Anniversary Coverage
Fordham Now article detailing the 10th Foundry Pitch Challenge (April 9, 2026). $22,500 awarded across General, Social Impact, and Jesuit Schools tracks. 48 teams presented, 8 advanced to finals. Documents specific winners, prize amounts, and founder stories. Reveals cumulative metrics: $200,000 distributed to 40 winners to date, including notable startups Brevitē, Diskko, and gigLAW. Quote from executive director Al Bartosic.
Read on Fordham Now
Fordham Foundry
Pitch Challenge Program Page
Official Fordham Foundry page for the annual Pitch Challenge. Documents winners from 2023-2026, eligibility (Fordham students and alumni), FAQ about pitch format (3-5 min + Q&A), application timeline (January close, March semi-finals, April finals), and mandatory coaching sessions. Open to all nine Fordham schools and colleges including liberal arts.
Read on Fordham Foundry