Big Idea 2026
Spearheaded by the Center for Entrepreneurship & Rural Development at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Big Idea UNK is a student entrepreneurship pitch competition designed to help UNK students turn ideas into action and grow ventures with real potential.
The competition features two tracks, recognizing that entrepreneurship looks different depending on where a student is in the journey.
The Idea Track is for students with a new business concept, early-stage idea, or problem they want to solve, but who have not yet launched or generated sales. The Growth Track is for students who are already operating a business, selling a product or service, or actively working with customers who are ready to refine, strengthen, or grow their venture.
Students submit their ideas in advance, with a select group of finalists invited to compete in the live pitch competition. Finalists will have two minutes to pitch their idea to a live audience and panel of judges, followed by a brief Q&A.
Big Idea UNK is open exclusively to UNK students.
The Live Pitch Event will be held on Wednesday, November 4 in UNK’s Discovery Hall Atrium.
- 9/8/26Submissions Open
- 10/13/26Submissions Close
- 10/15/26Finalists Notified
How to Enter
Idea submission opens on Monday, September 8 and closes on Tuesday, October 13 at midnight. Finalists from both tracks will be notified by Thursday, October 15 and will work with the Center for Entrepreneurship & Rural Development to refine their pitch.
Which Big Idea UNK track is right for you?
Idea Track: Students will be evaluated on their understanding of the problem they want to solve, the customers they hope to serve, the solutions they propose, and the evidence they have gathered to validate the idea.
Growth Track: Students will be evaluated on evidence of progress, their business model, lessons learned from customers, growth opportunities, and their ability to identify and overcome challenges as they build the business.
Not sure which track to enter? Start by thinking about where you are in your entrepreneurial journey.
Choose the Idea Track if:
- You have an idea but have not yet tested it with potential customers.
- You have discussed or tested your idea with potential customers but have not launched.
- You have developed a prototype or initial version but have not begun regular operations.
Choose the Growth Track if:
- You have launched and have customers/users but little or no revenue.
- You have launched and generated revenue.
- You have an established business with recurring customers and/or ongoing revenue.
Prizes
The top finalists from the Idea Track and Growth Track, as determined by our panel of judges, will have the opportunity to present their ideas during a live pitch event on November 4 at UNK’s Discovery Hall Atrium. Cash prizes totaling $7,000 will be awarded to the first, second, and third place live pitch finalists for both tracks.
Event Sponsors
Event sponsors support Big Idea UNK and make pitch night possible. Thank you to these sponsors for elevating the event! Email Sara at bennettsa2@unk.edu to become an Event Sponsor.
Interested in supporting student entrepreneurs as a Big Idea UNK sponsor? View the 2026 Sponsorship Packet or email Sara at bennettsa2@unk.edu to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Congratulations to the 2025 Big Idea winners!
Fallon Wells – First Place
Fallon Wells – 1st Place
Business Idea
Birthday Blooms: Preserved Floral Gifts is a new product line highlighting the flowers associated with each person’s birth month. Her business focuses on transforming real, preserved flowers into custom gifts – including charm necklaces, calendars and cards – that add heartfelt meaning to special occasions.
Hometown
Central City
Major
Interior & Product Design
Kade Schrock – Second Place
Kade Schrock – 2nd Place
Business Idea
YourVision takes traditional architectural drawings or 3D models and transforms them into fully immersive digital environments. Using Unreal Engine, the same advanced rendering technology used in blockbuster video games, clients can walk through a building in real time, helping them visualize how design decisions – from layout to lighting to landscaping – will impact the final space.
Hometown
Kearney
Major
Computer Science
Jessica Bertrand – Third Place
Jessica Bertrand – 3rd Place
Business Idea
Robust Pivot Tracks is a system that replaces irrigation pivot tires with track-based components to improve stability and prevent tipping in the field.
Hometown
Funk
Major
Industrial Distribution
History of Big Idea
Since launching in 2011, Big Idea Kearney served as a platform for students and community members to pitch new ideas and win funding to bring them to life. Big Idea Kearney was open to UNK students, Kearney-area residents, and even high school students for a period. Starting in 2025, Big Idea Kearney has evolved into Big Idea UNK (just for UNK students) and Big Idea Buffalo County (community residents within Buffalo County). The creation of Big Idea Buffalo County creates new possibilities, connections, and resources that meet the needs of innovators throughout the region. At the same time, UNK students benefit from a version of the program that’s built around their schedules, goals, and campus life. Learn more about Big Idea Buffalo County.
Contact
Sara Bennett
Director, Center for Entrepreneurship & Rural Development
bennettsa2@unk.edu
308-865-8199
