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Pitch CompetitionDirect fundingNo equityVerified

YU Innovation Challenge

Also known as: Yeshiva University Innovation Challenge, YU Pitch Challenge

Yeshiva University · New York, NY

Annual campus-wide pitch competition produced by the YU Innovation Lab and Shevet Glaubach Center in collaboration with Arieli Group. Open to all YU undergraduate and graduate students. Structured as a 6-week program combining virtual workshops, guest speakers, mentorship, team-based collaboration, and hands-on business model development. Culminates in a high-profile Pitch Night with judging from entrepreneurs and investors.

2025 was the largest in the competition's four-year history: 84 submissions from 9 schools and 24 programs, with 7 finalist teams and more than 100 attendees at Yagoda Commons. First year with doubled prize pool ($2,000 first, $1,000 second).

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Quick fit check

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

Key numbers

Funding range

$1,000 – $2,000

Non Dilutive Grant

Equity

None

Application

Annual

Campus Wide

Last activity

2025-03-25

High confidence

Application and Timing

Annual cycle. Application deadline typically early February. 6-week program runs February-March, culminating in March Pitch Night.

Participants

All YU undergraduate and graduate students from any school. Team-based participation encouraged.

Funding and Equity

$2,000 first prize, $1,000 second prize (2025: first year with both prizes, doubled from prior years). Non-dilutive cash awards. No equity taken. Additional value: investor connections, networking with ecosystem partners.

Recent Activity

  • March 2025: 2025 Innovation Challenge — record-setting year. 84 submissions, 9 schools, 7 finalist teams. YachtNotes ($2K) and DMiing ($1K) win.
  • 2026: Next cycle expected.

Known startups and winners

Competition winners and notable student ventures from our research.

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DMiing

$1,000

prize won

Yeshiva University

2nd placeCompetition winner

2025 Yeshiva Innovation Challenge second place ($1,000).

YachtNotes

$2,000

prize won

Yeshiva University

1st placeCompetition winner

2025 Yeshiva Innovation Challenge first-place winner ($2,000). Founded by Ruben Mena (Cardozo Law). Record 84 submissions in 2025 cycle.

Historical winners (research notes)
  • YachtNotes (Ruben Mena, Cardozo School of Law) — 1st place 2025, $2,000. Communications platform for luxury yacht industry.
  • DMiing (Shiva Kumar Arugonda, Altaf Ahmed, Dwani Patel, Katz School) — 2nd place 2025, $1,000. Private secure messaging platform.

Verification Gaps

  • Only 2025 results documented (record year). Earlier cycles (2022-2024) lack comparable detail on winners, prizes, and participation.
  • Post-competition venture outcomes unknown for winners.
  • Total historical prize distribution and aggregate participation data unavailable.

YU Innovation Challenge

Additional research notesShow