What is the Wisconsin Big Idea Tournament?

This statewide competition hosted by WiSys is open to all UW system students except for UW- Madison students. The UWM LEC and Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO) was honored to host the seventh UWM local qualifying competition in 2023. This competition focuses on the entrepreneurs’ journey and experience with Lean Launch methodology.

In 2023, Mitchelle Lyle took home the first place prize for both the UWM qualifier and the state competition. A few years back in 2021, Ross Younger placed first in the UWM qualifying competition and advanced to the at-large state competition. You can view his pitch submission here.

Previous year’s winners include Loren Nelson, 2020 (UWM) who placed second at the state competition and in 2019, Amy Narr (UWM) won the state competition and advanced to Nationals.

UWM is excited to offer prizes for first, second, and third place. *Please note awards are subject to University award system, prize could be in the form of PAWS payment.

What is the outline of the competition?

• Students participating will be given 3 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 round will automatically advance to the at-large competition

What do you need to submit?

Submissions can be a 500 word essay OR 2 – 3 minute YouTube video. Submissions should explain the Lean Launch journey the entrepreneur has experienced. Content should include information about customers, solutions, and key Business Model Canvas information.