UW-Milwaukee Host 10th Annual Big Idea Qualifier & Tournament

This statewide competition hosted by the University of Wisconsin Systems is open to all UW system students (except for UW-Madison students). The UWM Lubar Entrepreneurship Center (LEC) and Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO) was honored to host the UWM qualifying competition for a winner to go on to compete for the state prize of $2,500.

UWM is excited to offer qualifying prizes for first, second, and third place. The 1st Place winner of the qualifying event automatically advances to the state final.

Wisconsin Big Idea Qualifier Prizes

  • First Place: $1,000
  • Second Place: $500
  • Third Place: $250
2025 winners of the event.
Nikko Javier(Fr), Joel Roberts(grad), Jordan Ojangole(Fr)

Submission Requirements

Submissions must be a 300 word essay OR an up to 90 second YouTube video. Submissions should explain your entrepreneurial journey and highlight how you have used the “Lean Launch” methodology to improve on your idea. Content should include information about customers, solutions, and key Business Model Canvas information. To submit, complete the RSVP

Info Sessions

Please note awards are subject to University award system, prizes could be in the form of PAWS payment.

UWM Big Idea Champions

Last year, Joel Roberts of UW-Milwaukee College of Business earned 1st place in Qualifying and statewide competition. In 2024, Kayla Lokker received the People’s Choice Award at the state competition for her business, Easy Wear Jewelry. In 2023, Mitchelle Lyle took home the first place prize for both the UWM qualifier and the state competition with her idea, International Travel Advisor (ITA). In 2021, Ross Younger placed first in the UWM qualifier and advanced to the statewide Big Idea Tournament. Watch Ross Younger’s pitch submission.

How the competition will flow?

  • Students participating will be given 4 minutes to pitch, then judges can ask questions and receive answers for up to 4.5 minutes. The judges will have a minute to reset and we will go to the next person.
  • The winner from the UWM qualifier will automatically advance to the statewide competition.