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Randall Family Big Idea Competition
Also known as: Pitt Big Idea Competition, Big Idea Competition
University of Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, PA
Flagship annual university-wide student startup competition run by the Big Idea Center. Major cash prizes for high-potential student ventures across domains.
Quick fit check
- Offers direct funding
- No equity required
- Currently active
- Verified by research
Key numbers
Funding range
$2,000 – $25,000
Prize
Equity
None
Application
Annual
Campus Wide
Last activity
2025-04-01
High confidence
Application and Timing
Annual spring cycle. Application includes written materials and 60–90 second elevator pitch video.
Participants
Pitt student founders and teams (must be student-led and Pitt-enrolled). External collaborators may participate but are ineligible for prize money.
Funding and Equity
2024 prize pool approximately $80,000: Grand Prize $25K, 2nd $15K, 3rd $5K, 4th $2K, video round $2K. Non-dilutive awards.
Recent Activity
- 2024: Nearly $80K awarded; Grand Prize to Malleous (neurological surgery instrument).
- 2025: Winners announced April 2025 across healthcare, energy, and technology.
Known startups and winners
Competition winners and notable student ventures from our research.
Malleous
$25,000
prize won
University of Pittsburgh
Neurological surgery instrument combining suction and retraction. 2024 Pitt Randall Family Big Idea Competition Grand Prize winner ($25K).
Plyance
Finalist
placement
University of Pittsburgh
2024 Pitt Randall Family Big Idea Competition co-fourth place finisher.
Historical winners (research notes)
- Malleous — 2024 Grand Prize ($25K). Neurological surgery instrument combining suction and retraction.
- Plyance — 2024 co-fourth place team.
- Additional 2025 winners in healthcare, energy, and technology (names in press coverage).
Verification Gaps
- Full 2025 winner roster not captured in vault sources yet.
Additional research notesShow
Evidence
- Research report with 2024 prize structure and Malleous winner.[1]