Big Ideas Challenge
About the program · 1 linked sources
The Big Ideas Challenge is a new-venture competition for innovative business ideas. Students submit an application, write a business plan, and pitch. Mentors include the Small Business Development Center.
How we know this: the figures on this page come from the linked sources (last verified 2026-10-08); what those sources do not state is left unknown.
Key numbers
Funding range
$3,000
Equity
Unknown
Application
Annual
Campus Wide
Last activity
2026-10-08
High confidence
Keep this on your radar Deadline reminders ↓
Reminders
Big Ideas Challenge
Get an email before a director-verified deadline for this program, this school, or this state. The program never sees your address.
Big Ideas Challenge · Nov 18, 2026 · Unverified
Student experiences · Read or add a note
Student notes
Big Ideas Challenge
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Application and Timing
The 2026 page says applications opened August 24, were due September 27, and the live pitch is November 18.
Participants
Open to Minnesota State Mankato students and alumni within two years of graduation. Individuals and teams may enter. STEM teams may optionally work with College of Business students.
Funding and Equity
2026 awards are $3,000 for first, $2,000 for second, $1,000 for third, and $1,000 for people's choice. Scoring is 50 percent business plan and 50 percent pitch. Equity terms are not stated. First place is an automatic student semifinalist in Minnesota Cup.
Recent Activity
The 2026 timeline and awards page was live on October 8, 2026.
Known Startups or Winners
The 2026 winners were not yet listed on the captured timeline.
Research gaps & things to verify
Verification Gaps
Equity terms are not stated. Staff emails on the how-it-works page are omitted.
Program details
Big Ideas Challenge
The Big Ideas Challenge is a new-venture competition for innovative business ideas. Students submit an application, write a business plan, and pitch. Mentors include the Small Business Development Center.
Additional research notesShow
Evidence
Official page: https://cob.mnsu.edu/center-for-innovation-and-entrepreneurship/about/big-ideas-challenge/timeline-awards/
- First place is $3,000.
- The live pitch date on the 2026 timeline is November 18.
- The winner advances to the Minnesota Cup student semifinals.
News & articles
News articles and official sources documenting Big Ideas Challenge at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
1 source
