Pitching Your Venture Project
Welcome to EUREKA! Pitch Night — where student ideas take center stage. This isn’t a competition. It’s a launchpad.
Think Shark Tank, but make it student-powered, collaborative, and judgment-free.
EUREKA! Pitch Nights are live events where students pitch their venture project ideas in pursuit of fellowship funding and mentorship to help move their ideas forward.
Every pitch is different — because every idea is different. Whether it’s a product, a service, or a bold new way to solve a problem, this is your chance to share it and get support.
Schedule
Monthly (usually the 3rd Thursday)
5:30–8:00 PM
Baker Institute
472 Vine Street – Room 308
Want to pitch?
Apply here — Applications are due by Monday at 11:59 PM before each Pitch Night.
What Makes EUREKA! Different?
At Pitch Night, you’re not pitching against other students — you’re pitching for your own growth. Everyone has a shot at funding. If your project is ready, we’re ready to help.
- Funding is grant-based — no equity, no strings attached.
- You keep control of your project.
- Mentorship and feedback help shape your next steps.
This is about progress, not perfection.
How Pitch Nights Work
Pitch Nights are set up similar to ABC's Shark Tank. Each person or team gets:
- 5 minutes to pitch your idea using a slide deck
- 5 minutes of Q&A from expert guest reviewers and the audience
Expect thoughtful questions, helpful feedback, and plenty of encouragement.
Reviewers are experienced entrepreneurs who are here to support you, not stump you.
Reviewers meet right after the event to decide which teams will receive:
- Funding to move their idea forward
- Mentorship to support next steps
- Resources from the Baker Institute network
You'll be notified shortly after the event with next steps, including how to submit a budget for any approved funding.
Winning EUREKA! is just the beginning.
A successful pitch is a huge milestone — and we’re here to help you keep going. After Pitch Night, the Baker Institute continues to support student founders as they refine, test, prototype, and prepare to launch their ventures.
What You’ll Unlock as a Winner:
- Grant Funding to keep building your project
- 1:1 Coaching with Baker staff to set goals and plan next steps
- Access to the EUREKA! Mentorship Network — experienced founders and industry pros ready to guide your journey
- Peer Support and a growing community of student innovators
You pitched. You won.
Now let’s build what’s next — together.
Support Doesn’t End at Pitch Night. Whether you won, pitched, or just watched — we’re here for your next step.
We believe that every student has the potential to build something impactful. That’s why our support isn’t just for winners — it’s for everyone who’s curious, creative, or just getting started.
No matter how Pitch Night went, you’re not on your own. We offer:
- 1:1 Coaching to help you reflect, regroup, and plan your next move
- Ongoing encouragement to keep you building and learning
- Mentorship connections when you're ready to level up
Start (or Restart) with Idea Bounce
Idea Bounce is a casual, drop-in session where you can talk through your idea — or get help shaping your next one. It’s a great place to:
- Rework your pitch
- Explore a new concept
- Get honest, helpful feedback
- Build confidence for the next round
Can’t make the weekly session? Book a 1:1 with us — we’ll meet you where you are.
Every founder’s journey has twists, turns, and second drafts. If you’re ready to keep working, we’re ready to help.
Not Sure You’re Ready?
No problem. Start with Idea Bounce — a casual session to help shape your idea before you pitch.
You’ve got 5 minutes. Make them count.
