NATCHITOCHES – Ready to turn your business dreams into reality? NSU proudly announces the return of Inferno Pitch, a business plan competition designed to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators. Pitch your ideas, receive mentoring, and compete for exciting prizes! Enroll for free in Moodle(https://moodle.nsula.edu/course/view.php?id=62463 ) for more information and resources.
What is Inferno Pitch?
Inferno Pitch is not just a competition. It’s a platform for all currently enrolled NSU students, full-time or part-time, face-to-face or online, to showcase their creativity, develop essential business skills, and gain exposure to industry leaders. Participants will have the unique opportunity to work closely with experienced mentors, gain business skills in workshops, and pitch their ideas to a distinguished panel of judges. Inferno Pitch is sponsored by the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (EAP), which is a division of BRF.
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: Winners of the Inferno Pitch will have the opportunity to compete in The Pelican Cup, a prestigious statewide business plan competition.
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:
- Register in Moodle: Fill out the registration form in Moodle by Sunday, September 13 to submit your idea proposal. Teams are strongly encouraged, though not required, to include at least one student from the College of Business and Technology. Participants may compete either individually or as part of a team. An on-campus information session will also be held on Wednesday, August 26, from 9 am to 1 pm.
- Attend the Workshop: Join us on Wednesday, September 16, for a virtual Business Development Workshop. Learn from the best in the business and polish your pitch with professional guidance.
- Prepare for the Final Pitch: Submit your final deliverables by Sunday, October 25. The top 5 finalists will be selected to present their ideas in the Final Pitch on Wednesday, November 11, 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 2026 – Where the Hottest Idea Wins! If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Weiwen Liao (liaow@nsula.edu), Associate Professor & Coordinator of Inferno Pitch 2026.
Inferno Pitch QR code