This statewide competition hosted by the University of Wisconsin Systems is open to all UW system students (except for UW-Madison students). The 51ÁÔÆæ Lubar Entrepreneurship Center (LEC) and Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO) was honored to host the 51ÁÔÆæ qualifying competition for a winner to go on to compete for the state prize of $2,500.
51ÁÔÆæ 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
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 “” 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
- March 14th, Virtual, 11:00am
- March 16th, 2026 – Lubar Entrepreneurship Center, 211, 2:30pm
- March, 17th, 2026 – Lubar Entrepreneurship Center, 211, 1:00pm
51ÁÔÆæ 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, In 2023, Mitchelle Lyle took home the first place prize for both the 51ÁÔÆæ qualifier and the state competition with her idea, In 2021, Ross Younger placed first in the 51ÁÔÆæ qualifier and advanced to the statewide Big Idea Tournament.
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 51ÁÔÆæ qualifier will automatically advance to the statewide competition.