NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University announces the return of the student Inferno Pitch, a business plan competition designed to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs. Students can pitch their ideas, receive mentoring and compete for prizes by enrolling in Moodle (https://bit.ly/InfernoPitchFA25 ) for more information.

What is Inferno Pitch?

Inferno Pitch is not just a competition—it’s a platform for NSU students to showcase their creativity, develop essential business skills and gain exposure to industry leaders. Participants will have the opportunity to work closely with experienced mentors, participate in business development workshops and present their business ideas to a distinguished panel of judges.

 Why Participate?

  • Mentorship and Skill Building: Receive personalized coaching from the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (EAP) and local business professionals.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with influential leaders in the business community.
  • Cash Prizes: Compete for a grand prize of $3,000, with $1,000 awarded to the second-place team and $500 to the third-place team.
  • Statewide Competition: Finalists of the Inferno Pitch will have the opportunity to compete in The Pelican Cup, a prestigious statewide business plan competition. The winner of that event can win $50,000 for first place, $25,000 for second place, and $10,000 for third place.

Join the Legacy:

In 2022, NSU’s team of Matthew Gamble (inventor and team leader), Hayden Stanley, and Alexander Brown made history by winning The Pelican Cup and securing $25,000 for their innovative project, Rise and Rotate—a mobility assistance device designed to help individuals with limited mobility transition from a bed to a chair. Could your idea be the next big winner?

 How to Get Started:

  1. Apply on Moodle: Submit your ideal proposal to Moodle by Sunday, September 14, 2025. Whether you’re competing solo or with a team, at least one member must be enrolled in the School of Business. Need help finding a business student to join your team? Contact Dr. Curtis Penrod (penrodc@nsula.edu), Director of the School of Business. An information session will also be held on the Natchitoches campus on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 9 am to 1 pm.
  2. Attend the Workshop: Join us on Wednesday, September 17, for a virtual Business Development Workshop. Learn from the best in the business and polish your pitch with professional guidance.
  3. Prepare for the Final Pitch: Submit your final deliverables by Sunday, October 26. The top 5 finalists will be selected to present their ideas in the Final Pitch on Wednesday, November 12, beginning at 9 am. Each finalist will have 10 minutes to pitch their idea, followed by a 5-minute Q&A session.

 Join the Inferno Pitch 2025 – Where the Hottest Idea Wins! For more information, contact Dr. Weiwen Liao (liaow@nsula.edu), associate professor and coordinator of NSU Inferno Pitch, or enroll yourself in https://bit.ly/InfernoPitchFA25. Let’s turn up the heat on innovation!