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Joan and Chester Luby Pitch Competition
Also known as: Luby Pitch Competition
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill · Chapel Hill, North Carolina
The Joan and Chester Luby Pitch Competition, funded by the Joan and Chester Luby Charitable Trust ($300K, 2024-2026), awards up to $95,000 annually to UNC student venture teams. By invitation only for ventures that have previously participated in the 1789 Student Venture Fund, ACC InVenture Prize, or Dreamers Who Do Program.
Quick fit check
- No equity required
- Currently active
- Verified by research
Key numbers
Funding range
—
Equity
None
Application
Annual
Institution Wide
Last activity
2026-06-26
High confidence
Known startups and winners
Competition winners and notable student ventures from our research.
BuckIt
1st place
placement
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
2025 Joan & Chester Luby Pitch Competition winner at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Chapel Chill Tub Club
1st place
placement
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
2025 Joan & Chester Luby Pitch Competition winner at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Ember Learning
1st place
placement
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
2025 Joan & Chester Luby Pitch Competition winner at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Scyntek
1st place
placement
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
2025 Joan & Chester Luby Pitch Competition winner at UNC-Chapel Hill.
STEM Plug
1st place
placement
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
2025 Joan & Chester Luby Pitch Competition winner at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Key Details
- Funding: $300K trust commitment (2024-2026)
- Annual prizes: Up to $95,000
- Impact (first 2 years): Nearly $200K awarded to 16 startups; $819K+ follow-on funding (4x+ multiplier)
- Format: Two rounds (recorded video pitch + live pitch)
- 2025 winners: Scyntek, STEM Plug, BuckIt, Chapel Chill Tub Club, Ember Learning
- Contact: Anise Robinson, Student Engagement and Programs Manager
News & articles
News articles and official sources documenting Joan and Chester Luby Pitch Competition at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
1 source
Joan and Chester Luby Pitch Competition
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Joan and Chester Luby Pitch Competition
Source: https://innovate.unc.edu/joan-and-chester-luby-pitch-competition/ Captured: 2026-06-26 Joan and Chester Luby Pitch Competition Key details: $300K commitment from Luby Charitable Trust (2024–2026) Up to $95K/year in cash prizes By invitation only, requiring prior participation in 1789 Venture Fund, ACC InVenture Prize, or Dreamers Who Do program Two rounds: video pitch + live pitch 2025 winners: Scyntek, STEM Plug, BuckIt, Chapel Chill Tub Club, Ember Learning Nearly $200K awarded to 16 startups in first two years Luby winners raised $819K+ total 6 finalists from 12 semi-finalists, selected from 36 funded teams
Read on University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill