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Pitch Dingman Competition
Also known as: Pitch Dingman, UMD Pitch Competition
University of Maryland, College Park · College Park, MD
UMD's signature annual venture competition, now in its 11th year (2026). $170,000+ total prize pool across four tracks. Multiple rounds with mentorship, bootcamps, and coaching for finalists.
Quick fit check
- Offers direct funding
- No equity required
- Currently active
- Verified by research
Key numbers
Funding range
$500 – $25,000
Equity
None
Application
Semiannual
Campus Wide
Last activity
2026-04-29
High confidence
Application and Timing
- Fall Luby Idea Track: apps open Oct 10, deadline Oct 31, showcase Nov 18
- Spring tracks: apps open Jan 20, deadline Feb 13, semifinals Mar-Apr, finals late April
Participants
Open to UMD College Park and Shady Grove students (all majors) and alumni. Teams must be at least 50% UMD-CP students or alumni founders. Luby Idea Track: current students only. Alumni tracks: UMD alumni.
Funding and Equity
Fall Luby Idea Track prizes: Best in Show $4,500, plus $3,000 awards in Customer Discovery, Product-Solution Fit, Go-To-Market Strategy, Innovative Solution, Sustainability, Social Impact, Elevate! (x2), Audience Choice $1,000. Spring Quattrone Tech: Grand Prize $25,000, 2nd $10,000, 3rd $5,000. Spring Main Street: up to $10,000. Alumni tracks: up to $10,000. All prizes non-dilutive.
Recent Activity
- 2026 (11th): $170K+ awarded, AI Operating System for Dentists took top prize
- 2025 (10th): 97+ venture applications, $170K in prizes. Winners included Cursive, Plan Forward
- 2023: Hood Labs won $30K grand prize
Known startups and winners
Competition winners and notable student ventures from our research.
Cursive
Finalist
placement
University of Maryland, College Park
Authorship API; Pitch Dingman 2025 finalist.
Hood Labs
Grand prize
placement
University of Maryland, College Park
Fume hood energy efficiency; Pitch Dingman 2023 grand prize.
Plan Forward
Finalist
placement
University of Maryland, College Park
K-12 decision-making platform; Pitch Dingman 2025 finalist.
Historical winners (research notes)
- Hood Labs — Fume hood energy efficiency (2023 grand prize)
- Cursive — Authorship API (2025 Alumni Tech finalist)
- Plan Forward — K-12 decision-making platform (2025 finalist)
News & articles
News articles and official sources documenting Pitch Dingman Competition at University of Maryland, College Park.
1 source
