Innovation Hub

iLaunch Competition

Bring your best pitch. Compete for up to $10,000.

APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN THROUGH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026, AT 11:59 P.M.

iLaunch is the Texas Tech Innovation Hub's premier pitch competition, designed to help entrepreneurs identify, refine and launch startup companies. Built around the Business Model Canvas, the competition helps founders strengthen their business models, validate their ideas and prepare to confidently pitch to investors, customers and industry leaders.

The competition is open to anyone 18 years or older—Texas Tech affiliation is not required. Applications are evaluated by entrepreneurs, faculty, investors and Innovation Hub staff using the iLaunch Scorecard. The top 10 teams advance to the live iLaunch Competition, where they receive mentorship and pitch coaching before presenting to a panel of judges for a chance to win up to $10,000 in startup funding.

APPLY NOW

Why compete?

A strong pitch is one of the most valuable tools an entrepreneur can develop. iLaunch gives you a chance to practice that skill, receive meaningful feedback, connect with experienced mentors and compete for funding to advance your venture.

Competition Prizes

First Place

$10,000

Second Place

$5,000

Third Place

$2,500

How to Apply

Review the Competition Guidelines

Read the iLaunch Guidelines to understand the rules, eligibility requirements, evaluation process and application expectations.

Prepare Your Application Materials

Prepare your pitch presentation, completed Business Model Canvas and pitch video link. Applications must be submitted by Friday, October 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

APPLY NOW

Strengthen Your Submission

Attend Innovation Hub programs, workshops and office hours to receive feedback and make your application more competitive.

Need Help With Your Application?

Attend Hub Camp

Join us during Ideation Hub Camp for iLaunch Office Hours. Innovation Hub staff can help you review your Business Model Canvas, strengthen your pitch, organize your application materials and identify areas that need more development.

VIEW iLAUNCH OFFICE HOURS

Application Resources

iLaunch Guidelines
Business Model Canvas template and instructional videos
Presentation Deck Template
iLaunch Office Hours and Hub Camp Workshops

Need More Help?

Contact Ryan Bain at ryan.m.bain@ttu.edu to learn more about the competition and Innovation Hub resources.

iLaunch Digital Certification Badges

The Texas Tech Innovation Hub offers digital badges for qualifying iLaunch participants. These verifiable, shareable credentials recognize skills in generating a commercializable idea, applying the Business Model Canvas, demonstrating coachability and presenting a product pitch.

Badges are issued through the Accredible platform, adhere to the Open Badge Format and can be displayed on LinkedIn, email signatures, personal websites and digital résumés.

Cost: $5 per recipient