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Pitch CompetitionDirect fundingNo equityVerified

West Chester Social Innovation Competition

Also known as: WCU Social Innovation Competition, Social Innovation Challenge

West Chester University · West Chester, PA

Themed pitch competition focused on ventures addressing social and environmental problems aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals. Hosted by Cottrell Center with Office of Sustainability, Center for Civic Engagement & Social Impact, and PRME. Gold Sponsor: TD Bank.

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Quick fit check

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

Key numbers

Funding range

$0 – $5,000

Prize

Equity

None

Application

Annual

Campus Wide

Last activity

2025-11-07

High confidence

Application and Timing

Annual cycle. First round idea submissions via Startup Tree. Historically February deadline (e.g., 2024: Feb 26 at 11:59 pm) with final pitch event in spring. Social Innovation Challenge format also held as shorter event (Nov 7, 2025, 8:30 AM-12:30 PM, CBPM Room 101).

Participants

Open to WCU undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Teams of 1-4 members. Multiple idea submissions allowed.

Funding and Equity

$5,000 total prize package. Specific per-place amounts not publicly specified. No equity indicated; non-dilutive prize money.

Recent Activity

  • 2025 (Nov 7): Social Innovation Challenge held with $5,000 prize pool.
  • 2024: Annual competition cycle with Feb 26 deadline.
  • 2023-2026: Multiple news articles highlight winners and campus entrepreneurs.

Known startups and winners

Competition winners and notable student ventures from our research.

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Second Hand Celebrations

West Chester University

Student venture

Reuse-focused celebration goods venture by WCU student Karaman. Social Innovation Competition top prize winner.

Historical winners (research notes)
  • Second Hand Celebrations — student venture by Karaman, top prize in Social Innovation Competition (re-use/celebration goods).

Verification Gaps

  • Precise prize distribution (per-place amounts) not specified.
  • Full list of winners across all years not compiled.
Additional research notesShow

Evidence

  • Social Innovation Competition official site.[1]
  • Cottrell Center programs page.[2]
  • Research report.[3]