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East Carolina University

Gene T. Aman Pirate Challenge - East Carolina University

Source: https://business.ecu.edu/msoe/apc/ Captured: 2026-06-26 Gene T. Aman Pirate Challenge (APC) Key details: ECU's signature business pitch competition Renamed in 2024 after $3.2 million gift from Helen Aman and family Open to student-led teams across ECU Over $900,000 awarded in cash and prizes since 2018 Richest pitch competition in North Carolina 2026 APC features more than $200,000 in cash and prizes Three-round format: Round 1 (Oct, campus mall), Round 2 (Feb, student center), Round 3 (April, Murphy Center) 2026 final round (April 15): $240,000+ in cash and in-kind services David Mayo, director of the Aman Pirate Challenge Multiple coaching rounds (10 teams semifinalists, 6 advance to finals) Classes offered for APC registrants: Persistence and Resilience, Creating the Best Pitch Video, Create an Elevator Pitch $3.2M endowment from Aman family generates ~$160K annually for program Miller School total capital raised eclipsed $20M (including Aman gift) Winners: Campus Cribs (2025, $20K), Limulus (2024, $15K); also featured Blue Economy Pitch Competition ($5K)

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