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Pitch CompetitionDirect fundingNo equityVerified

Iona Innovation Challenge

Also known as: IIC

Iona University · New Rochelle, NY

The Iona Innovation Challenge (IIC) is Iona's flagship annual pitch competition, run by the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Now in its 9th year (Spring 2026), it awards $20,000 total in non-dilutive cash prizes. Students complete three milestones (video pitch, executive summary, slide deck) and receive mentorship before finalists pitch live.

See every program at Iona UniversityFind your best fit

Quick fit check

  • Offers direct funding
  • No equity required
  • Currently active
  • Verified by research

Key numbers

Funding range

$1,000 – $10,000

Grant

Equity

None

Application

Annual

Campus Wide

Last activity

2026-05-01

High confidence

Application and Timing

Annual Spring cycle. Kickoff in Spring semester. Three milestones submitted progressively. Finalists notified mid-April. Live pitches first week of May.

Participants

Open to all Iona undergraduate and graduate students with valid @iona.edu email. Individual or team entry (max 5). One idea per student. No company required.

Funding and Equity

Non-dilutive cash grants. No equity taken. IP released to students.

Recent Activity

Spring 2026: 9th annual competition. Spring 2025 (Year 8): 43 teams, 57 student participants, 8 teams advanced to finals. Winners included SipSation ($10K, sensory water bottle), Strendex (tendon rehab device), Bracelet Buddy (wrist support). 8+ year track record with winners documented from 2018.

Known startups and winners

Competition winners and notable student ventures from our research.

See every startup

Adaptive Gamer

1st place

placement

Iona University

Competition winner

2023 Iona Innovation Challenge first place; OT accessibility gaming project.

Algae 3

1st place

placement

Iona University

Competition winner

2022 Iona Innovation Challenge first place; sustainable algae venture.

Backyard Blendz

1st place

placement

Iona University

Competition winner

2018 Iona Innovation Challenge first place Technology winner.

Balcacer's Bouquets

$6,000

prize won

Iona University

1st placeCompetition winner

2024 Iona Innovation Challenge first place ($6K).

Bracelet Buddy

3rd place

placement

Iona University

Competition winner

Wrist stabilizer that helps users clasp jewelry independently. 2025 Iona Innovation Challenge third-place finisher.

Evital

1st place

placement

Iona University

Competition winner

2020 Iona Innovation Challenge first place by Raymond Carapella.

FrostCore V2

Finalist

placement

Iona University

Competition winner

2025 Iona Innovation Challenge Promising Prototype; sneaker restoration device.

Jobs Transition Initiative

1st place

placement

Iona University

Competition winner

2018 Iona Innovation Challenge first place Social Entrepreneurship winner.

PlanGenie

Finalist

placement

Iona University

Competition winner

2025 Iona Innovation Challenge Fan Favorite; AI activity recommendation app.

SipSation

$10,000

prize won

Iona University

1st placeCompetition winner

Sensory water bottle with integrated fidgets designed for neurodivergent teens. 2025 Iona Innovation Challenge first-place winner ($10K).

Strendex

2nd place

placement

Iona University

Competition winner

Tendon rehabilitation device developed by Iona student entrepreneurs. 2025 Iona Innovation Challenge second-place finisher.

The Love Wrap

1st place

placement

Iona University

Competition winner

2021 Iona Innovation Challenge first place.

The People's Kitchen

1st place

placement

Iona University

Competition winner

2019 Iona Innovation Challenge first place Social Entrepreneurship winner.

Verification Gaps

  • Prior year prize breakdowns (only 2026 specifics confirmed)
  • Number of applicants vs. selection rate
  • Post-competition outcomes for winners

Iona Innovation Challenge

Prizes (Spring 2026)

  • 1st Place: $10,000
  • 2nd Place: $5,000
  • 3rd Place: $3,000
  • Fan Favorite: $1,000 (video engagement)
  • Superlative Awards: $1,000 (judge's discretion)

Total: $20,000

Additional research notesShow