Each semester the Morris L. Hayhurst LaunchLab hosts multiple competitions with varying topics or industries to provide opportunities for students to earn funding for their idea or product. These competitions provide a frame work for students to build a better understanding of their idea, have access to a community that can help them grow and continue to gain momentum with their business. All competitions will be held virtually with zoom registration links to follow after each application process is finished. These competitions are also open to the public.
If you need help with your idea or application please contact us at Launchlab@mail.wvu.edu or visit the LaunchLab in the Evansdale Crossing Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Competition Opportunities
Spring 2023
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March 30 - March Idea Challenge: Student Orgs
$5000 IN RESOURCES WILL BE AWARDED!
The Morris L. Hayhurst LaunchLab will be hosting the annual March Idea Challenge, with this year's focus: Student Organizations . This competition is an opportunity for any WVU student to pitch their idea to a panel of industry professionals and win funding! Your idea should include a solution to a student organizational issue or generate newfound benefits. If you want to learn more about student organizations, stop in to the LaunchLab!
Top submissions that meet all requirements will pitch their ideas to judges for a chance to win funding on March 30th from 5-7PM.*APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.
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April 12-19 - April Arts Festival
The Morris L. Hayhurst LaunchLab will be hosting the 3rd annual April Arts Festival & Pitch Competition. This is an incredible opportunity for WVU artists to showcase their idea for any new work, innovation, or creation in the arts, and to then pitch that idea to a panel of industry professionals to win funding.
All submitted videos will be posted for public voting from April 12th to April 19th. Finalists chosen by the public will then compete in a head-to-head competition on April 27 from 5-7PM for a chance to receive funding towards bringing their vision to life!
APPLY NOW!
Deadline to apply is April 1 @ midnight.
/ APRIL 27 - APRIL ARTS PITCH COMPETITION
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April 17-21- Bridging Innovation Week (Wheeling, WV)
Bridging Innovation Week is the state’s premier entrepreneurship event. The five-day annual symposium provides promotional, educational, and business development opportunities for business owners, current and prospective entrepreneurs, and entrepreneur serving organizations (ESOs) throughout West Virginia. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale, this is the place to explore entrepreneurship opportunities in the Mountain State!
Link to official event HERE.
View the schedule of events HERE.
/ APRIL 18 - VETERAN ENTREPRENEUR AND ARTS PITCH COMPETITIONS
APPLY FOR VETERAN ENTREPRENEUR PITCH COMPETITION!
APPLY FOR ARTS ENTREPRENEUR PITCH COMPETITION!
Contact Anne Jones for info at anne.jones@mail.wvu.edu
Fall 2022 (Concluded)
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October 4 - ZinnStarter Pitch Competition
The Morris L. Hayhurst Launchlab is hosting its annual ZinnStarter Pitch Competition. This competition is an opportunity for any West Virginia college student with experience pitching in a previous competition(s) to pitch their idea to a panel of judges and win funding!
$10,000 in prizes will be awarded.
The event will be held in-person at the LaunchLab on October 4 from 5 - 7 pm.
Applications will open on September 5 and close on September 23.
*EVENT CONCLUDED.
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October 6 - Get My Drift Pitch Competition
The Morris L. Hayhurst Launchlab is hosting a new event called the Get My Drift Pitch Competition! This competition is an opportunity for any West Virginia college student to have their first experience in a pitch competition. This is a chance to learn the ins-and-outs of idea development, and even win cash prizes!
The event will be held in-person at the LaunchLab on October 6 from 5 - 7 pm.
Applications will open on September 5 and close on September 23.
*EVENT CONCLUDED.
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October 27 - Women Innovate Pitch Competition
The Morris L. Hayhurst Launchlab in conjunction with the Women of WVU Enrichment Fund will be hosting the Women Innovate Pitch Competition. This competition serves as an opportunity to highlight any female innovators and entrepreneurs at WVU. The female-led team of WVU faculty, staff, and/or students will pitch their ideas to a panel of female judges for funding.
$5,000 in prizes will be awarded!
The event will be held in-person at the LaunchLab on October 27 from 5 - 7 pm.
Applications will open on September 26 and close on October 17.
*EVENT CONCLUDED.