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Pitch CompetitionDirect fundingNo equityVerified

Inc.U Competition

Also known as: Invent Penn State Inc.U

Pennsylvania State University · University Park, PA

Annual undergraduate pitch competition administered by Invent Penn State. Six finalist teams pitch live during Penn State Startup Week in March. Prize pool: $30K total — 1st $15K, 2nd $10K, 3rd $5K, Startup Spark Award $1K. Finalists also receive mentorship, professionally produced marketing video, and promotional opportunities.

See every program at Pennsylvania State UniversityFind your best fit

Quick fit check

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

Key numbers

Funding range

$1,000 – $15,000

Grant

Equity

None

Application

Annual

Campus Wide

Last activity

2026-03-30

High confidence

Application and Timing

Annual cycle. Applications open January, due mid-January. Virtual info session in December. In-person interviews in late January. Finalists announced February. Live pitch event during Startup Week in March.

Participants

Current undergraduate students at any Penn State campus in Pennsylvania with a PA-based company. Must be 51%+ owned by eligible PSU undergrads. Must form legal entity with EIN to receive prizes.

Funding and Equity

$30K total non-dilutive prize pool. No equity taken. Prizes paid to the company, not individuals.

Recent Activity

  • March 2026: Competition held with six finalists. Winners: SlammedU ($15K), Now You Know ($10K), The Eleventh Round ($5K), Pillar Cabins ($1K Spark), Surge, Vayla, Whirl Pong.

Known startups and winners

Competition winners and notable student ventures from our research.

See every startup

SlammedU

$15,000

prize won

Pennsylvania State University

1st placeCompetition winner

College student social community platform. 2026 Penn State Inc.U Competition first-place winner ($15K).

Historical winners (research notes)
  • 2026: SlammedU (1st, $15K) — college student social community platform.
  • 2026: Now You Know (2nd, $10K) — social card game.
  • 2026: The Eleventh Round (3rd, $5K) — combat sports athlete platform.
  • 2026: Pillar Cabins (Spark, $1K) — park model home purchasing guidance.
  • 2026: Surge — AI website builder.
  • 2026: Vayla — biodegradable hair accessories.
  • 2026: Whirl Pong — spinning cup pong game.

Verification Gaps

  • Historical winner data (pre-2025) not captured.
  • Post-competition startup outcomes not tracked publicly.
Additional research notesShow

Evidence

  • Inc.U Competition official page documenting 2026 winners, rules, and judging criteria.[1]
  • Research report confirming program details.[2]