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Pitch CompetitionDirect fundingNo equityVerified

Pioneer Pitch Competition

Also known as: SHU Pioneer Pitch

Sacred Heart University · Fairfield, CT

Campus-wide pitch competition hosted by the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology where undergraduate and graduate students pitch new venture ideas. Offers structured workshops, mentoring, and a final pitch event. First competition ran in 2025 with winners announced January 2026.

See every program at Sacred Heart UniversityFind your best fit

Quick fit check

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

Key numbers

Funding range

—

Cash Award

Equity

None

Application

Annual

Campus Wide

Last activity

2025-12-05

High confidence

Application and Timing

Registration deadline early September. Workshops and mentoring in November. Pitch Day in early December (2025: Dec 5, 5:30-7:30 PM).

Participants

All currently enrolled SHU undergraduate and graduate students; individuals or teams up to five members.

Funding and Equity

Cash awards for top teams. Exact amounts not specified on public pages. No equity taken.

Recent Activity

  • First Pioneer Pitch Competition winners announced Jan 19, 2026
  • 2025-26 cycle: registration Sept, workshops Nov, Pitch Day Dec 5

Known startups and winners

Competition winners and notable student ventures from our research.

See every startup

Digital Marketing Venture

2nd place

placement

Sacred Heart University

Competition winner

2025-26 Sacred Heart Pioneer Pitch second place.

Food-Service Venture

3rd place

placement

Sacred Heart University

Competition winner

Third-place Pioneer Pitch winner (Alyssa Flanders '27); food-service venture.

Immersive SHU Campus Map App

1st place

placement

Sacred Heart University

Competition winner

First-place winner at Sacred Heart University's inaugural Pioneer Pitch Competition (January 2026). Founded by Rodney Osumo '28.

Immersive SHU Campus Map App

1st place

placement

Sacred Heart University

Competition winner

2025-26 Sacred Heart Pioneer Pitch first place.

Historical winners (research notes)

1st place: immersive SHU campus map app (Rodney Osumo '28, immersive media & mixed reality). 2nd place: social media digital marketing venture (Chris Napolitano '28). 3rd place: food-service related idea.

Verification Gaps

  • Prize amounts not publicly listed
  • Second competition cycle not yet confirmed
Additional research notesShow

Evidence

SHU news article on 2026 winners.[1] Official Pioneer Pitch competition page with eligibility and timeline.[2]