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ROC the Pitch
Also known as: ROC the Pitch Competition
Rochester Institute of Technology · Rochester, NY
Annual business pitch competition hosted by the Center for Urban Entrepreneurship for Monroe County / Finger Lakes businesses and students. Features expert-led pitch training, feedback, and on-stage competition. Two tracks: local business (requires $25K+ annual revenue) and student (open to RIT, University of Rochester, St. John Fisher University). Sponsored by M&T Bank. 5th annual held in 2025.
Quick fit check
- Offers direct funding
- No equity required
- Currently active
- Verified by research
Key numbers
Funding range
$25,000 – $35,000
Cash Prize
Equity
None
Application
Annual
Regional
Last activity
2025-08-28
High confidence
Application and Timing
Annual cycle. 2026: applications due May 31, 2026. Requires business plan, proof of Monroe County residency, and tax documentation.
Participants
Monroe County / Finger Lakes businesses with $25K+ minimum annual revenue. Students from RIT, University of Rochester, and St. John Fisher University.
Funding and Equity
$35K prize pool (2025), $25K (2026). People's Choice award funded by ticket sales ($20/ticket). No equity taken.
Recent Activity
- August 2025: 5th annual competition at Hyatt Regency Rochester. $35K in prizes.
- August 2025: Fox Rochester feature.
- 2024-2026: Consistent annual cycle with growing sponsorship.
Known startups and winners
Competition winners and notable student ventures from our research.
Challkbar
Grand prize
placement
Rochester Institute of Technology
2025 RIT ROC the Pitch grand prize winner (local business track); documented in RIT entrepreneurship sources.
EXP Studio
$35,000
prize won
Rochester Institute of Technology
2025 RIT ROC the Pitch grand prize winner.
Historical winners (research notes)
- EXP Studio (2025 grand prize) — affordable industry-standard resources and workspaces.
- Challkbar (2025 student winner, Brennan Conn, St. John Fisher) — rock climbing gym chalk product.
Verification Gaps
- Full list of 2024 winners and prize distribution.
- Whether the Pull Up and ROC the Pitch micro-competition is a separate program or feeder event.
- 2026 exact event date.
ROC the Pitch
Additional research notesShow
News & articles
News articles and official sources documenting ROC the Pitch at Rochester Institute of Technology.
1 source
