Not sure how to structure your pitch or what to include?
Check out these standout examples from last year’s finalists to get inspired and see what works:

• Joy Tac final pitch
• Orest Luzeckyj Artwork final pitch
• 5South5 final pitch
• 2025 Inc.U Competition with Q&A

These examples highlight different styles, industries, and team dynamics — so you can find what fits your voice and vision.

Eligible Students: To apply, you must be a current undergraduate student at any Penn State campus in Pennsylvania and own a PA-based company. You must be in good academic standing throughout the competition.

Important Note for International Students: If you’re a foreign national on a U.S. visa, you may face restrictions on owning a U.S. business. To participate, you must show that you meet the company eligibility requirements and receive approval from Invent Penn State.

Eligible Companies: Your startup must be:

• 51% or more owned by one or more eligible Penn State undergrads
• A U.S. legal entity with the ability to do business in Pennsylvania

Legal Entity Required for Cash Prizes: All finalist teams must have a legal entity and EIN (Employer Identification Number) to receive prize money. If your team doesn’t already have one, you’ll need to start the process as soon as you’re notified as a finalist. Free support for forming a legal entity is available through the Penn State Dickinson Law Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic.

To enter, each team must:

• Complete the online application form
• Upload a 2–3 minute pitch video

The application form includes basic team info, agreement to the competition rules, and a media release allowing Inc.U to use submitted photos, videos, and pitch materials for promotional purposes.

By submitting both the form and video, your entry is considered complete.

Note: All information provided may be reviewed for accuracy.

Live Pitch Event

• Finalists will pitch live at University Park during Penn State Startup Week 2026.
• Teams should also be available the day before (Friday) for practice pitches and briefings.
• Lodging and travel costs will be covered for teams traveling from other campuses.

Team Requirements

• Only two eligible Penn State students may deliver the live pitch on stage.
• Other team members (including non-PSU members) can participate in mentorship, coaching, and video prep.

Pitch Format

• Time limit: 2.5 minutes
• Limited number of slides
• No props or prototypes allowed

Judging Criteria

Your pitch will be evaluated based on its alignment with the goals of the Inc.U Competition and Invent Penn State’s mission of supporting innovation, job creation, and student success.

Judges will consider:

• Clarity of the problem you’re solving
• Uniqueness and viability of your solution
• Market potential and scalability
• Team credibility and progress
• How you plan to use the funding
• Overall presentation and Q&A performance

Judges score independently, then collaborate on final decisions. Judging decisions are fina.

All cash awards are paid to the company, not individuals. To receive payment:

• Your team must have a legal entity and EIN
• Your company must be approved through the Penn State procurement process
• The award must be formally requested by your company

Requests should be submitted as soon as possible after the competition.
Please note: No payments are guaranteed for requests made after June 30 of the award year.

If your team needs to establish a legal entity, you must begin the process immediately after being selected as a finalist to ensure timely payment.

No equity is taken in exchange for these awards.

Student teams retain full rights to all materials and ideas shared during the Inc.U Competition.

However, teams are strongly encouraged to review applicable intellectual property (IP) laws and carefully consider what they disclose in presentations or materials.

Make sure you’re protecting your work while participating.