Big Idea
DREAM, DESIGN AND DEVELOP YOUR BIG IDEA!
WHAT?
The Big Idea Competition from the Turner School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation is a chance for you - Bradley students and recent alumni - to pitch and develop an innovative idea, product, service, or new business. Demonstrate your creativity by presenting your entrepreneurial ideas to a panel of judges and potential investors.
When you join the Big Idea, you’ll gain knowledge on the processes of turning ideas into opportunities, incorporating feedback to iterate, and developing networks. All this increases the likelihood of success, while gaining exposure to potential investors.
WHY COMPETE?
- Receive support to showcase your innovation in the Big Idea Innovation Expo.
- Obtain mentoring for your ideas from professionals in the entrepreneurial ecosystem when selected as finalists.
- Win some cash to invest in your business idea:
- 1st place finishers $6,000
- 2nd place - $4,000
- 3rd place - $2,000
- Earn in-kind prizes valued at $5,000 for co-working space, consultation on legal, patent and trademarks topics and more
HOW?
Come to ideation sessions (Locations to be confirmed - TBC)
- February 6, 2025 for students interested in participating who don’t have an idea or a team, or want to improve and develop the idea. Walk-in anytime between 3 to 4 PM.
- February 12, 2025 for students to learn how to prepare a comprehensive, attractive 2-page submission. Walk-in anytime between 1 to 2 PM.
Screening Round - initial review of ideas
- Submit a 2-page written summary of your idea by February 16, 2025 by 11:59 PM.
- Up to 20 ideas advance to the next round based on judges’ selection.
- Selected teams are notified February 21 and must attend a mandatory two-hour Coaching Session on February 26, from 2 to 4 PM or March 4, from 1 to 3 PM (Location TBC), in preparation for the Innovation Expo. Additional coaching sessions available upon request.
Innovation Expo & Elevator Pitch
- Hayden-Clark Alumni Center Peplow Pavilion: March 20, 2025, 3 to 5 PM (Free parking available in the Main Street parking deck.)
- Teams demonstrate their business idea to the public and make an elevator pitch in private to judges
- Community voting as well as judges’ evaluation of elevator pitch and Innovation Expo booth determine which Big Ideas advance to the final round.
- Finalists are notified on March 24, 2025.
Final Round
- Written Feasibility Plan due April 5, 2025 by 11:59 PM.
- Finalist teams receive coaching to write the 10-pages feasibility plan for the judges’ review
- Judges consider the quality of the business plan for top finisher prizes.
- Live Presentations: April 15, 2025, 5-8 PM, Peplow Pavilion at the Hayden-Clark Alumni Center.
- All Bradley and Peoria community members are invited to watch your 10 minute presentation followed by 5-minute Q&A from judges.
- Winners selected from judges’ combined scores on the feasibility plan and presentation.
- Awards presented
For more information, view the competition rules or contact Dr. Marcos Hashimoto at mhashimoto2@bradley.edu or come by the Turner School in Westlake Hall Room 135.