Texas Tech University

 

Innovation Hub

Red Raider
Idea Competition

 
 

Ready. Set. Pitch!

APPLY BY OCTOBER 12 FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

Have an idea that could solve a problem, improve an experience or change the way something is done? The Red Raider Idea Competition gives you 60 seconds to share it.

Submit a one-minute video pitch for the opportunity to be selected as one of our top finalists. Finalist videos will be featured in a public showcase, where viewers can vote for their favorite ideas. The most compelling ideas with strong go-to-market potential can win up to $2,000 in cash prizes.

60

Seconds to pitch your idea

50

Ideas selected for the showcase

$3,500

Total cash prizes available

Who Can Participate?

The Red Raider Idea Competition is open to everyone. Texas Tech students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the surrounding community are all invited to participate. You do not need to be affiliated with Texas Tech University to apply.

Cash Prizes

The top three ideas selected through the public voting showcase will receive cash prizes.

FIRST PLACE

$2,000

SECOND PLACE

$1,000

THIRD PLACE

$500

How to Enter

You do not need a finished business plan, prototype or company. All you need is an idea and 60 seconds to explain it.

STEP ONE

Record Your Pitch

Record a video of yourself explaining your idea in 60 seconds or less. Focus on the problem, your proposed solution and who would benefit from it.

STEP TWO

Upload Your Video

Upload your video to YouTube and set the visibility to public.

View instructions for uploading a video to YouTube.

STEP THREE

Submit Your Application

Complete the online application with your contact information, a one-sentence summary of your idea and the link to your YouTube video.

Applications are due October 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT.

SUBMIT YOUR IDEA

STEP FOUR

Share and Get Out the Vote

Finalists will receive a link to the public voting showcase after the application deadline. Share your video with friends, family, classmates, colleagues and community members and encourage them to vote.

Important Video Requirement

Your pitch video must be no longer than 60 seconds. Videos exceeding the one-minute limit may be disqualified, so be sure to review and trim your video before submitting it.

Meet the 2025 Winners

Watch last year's winning pitches and see how previous participants shared their ideas.

FIRST PLACE

Selt

SECOND PLACE

Growbot

THIRD PLACE

Commencement Deport

Need Help With Your Pitch?

Contact Ryan Bain to ask questions, learn more about the competition or schedule an appointment to discuss available video resources.

Questions? Contact:

Mrs. Ryan Bain
Ideation Program Director
ryan.m.bain@ttu.edu