Calling all student-led startups
Where Student Innovation Takes the Stage
The Flywheel Student Pitch Competition highlights emerging student-led startups from across Washington State and connects them to the broader entrepreneurship and investment ecosystem. Students will compete for cash prizes while refining their message, pressure-testing their model, and building relationships with entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders that move their company forward.
This competition is designed for students who are:
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Actively building and testing a startup idea or business model
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Exploring how the venture could grow beyond the classroom
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Ready to clearly explain the problem, solution, and path to revenue
Startups do not need to be fully formed companies, but teams should be actively developing the venture beyond the classroom.
Application Deadline: March 26, 2026
What to Expect
Only 6–8 student-led startups will be selected to compete live at Flywheel. Competing student teams will:
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Deliver a 5-minute pitch followed by a moderated Q&A session, presenting to an audience of investors, entrepreneurs, and community leaders
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Receive structured scoring and feedback from experienced judges, providing insight into how investors evaluate early-stage ventures
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Compete for $2,500 Judges' Choice and $500 Audience Choice cash prizes
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Receive a $250 Student Innovator Honorarium if not selected for another award
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Beyond the awards, the experience helps student founders build confidence, sharpen their pitch, and connect with the innovation community.
How to Apply
To be considered for the Student Pitch Competition, teams must submit an online application that includes:
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Written responses describing your startup, including the problem you are solving, your proposed solution, your target customers, and your path to revenue
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A 2-minute recorded pitch video introducing your idea and why it matters
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A pitch deck (maximum 10 slides) outlining your startup concept
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Student teams may apply independently or be nominated by their school or program, but all teams must complete the application to be considered.
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​It is free to apply, with no fees at any time in the process.
Download the Full Competition Overview Document
For additional details on eligibility, judging criteria, and the selection process, view the full competition overview.
What Makes a Strong Application
The strongest applications demonstrate clear thinking, early progress, and a commitment to developing the startup beyond the classroom.
Strong applications typically include:
A clearly defined problem and opportunity
A compelling explanation of the real-world problem your startup is addressing.
A thoughtful solution
A clear description of your product or service and how it solves the problem.
Understanding of your target customer
Evidence that you know who experiences the problem and who would use your solution.
A potential path to revenue
An early idea for how the venture could generate income or sustain itself.
Evidence of early progress
Examples such as customer interviews, prototype development, user testing, or pilot programs.
Founder commitment and readiness
A team that can clearly communicate their vision and demonstrate dedication to developing the venture.
Examples of Student-led Startups
​A student building a climate-tech prototype
A software tool tested with early users
A marketplace solving a real-world problem
A product developed through a university entrepreneurship program
The goal is not perfection. This competition is designed to support founders early in their journey, but strong applications show meaningful progress and a clear intention to move the idea forward.
Eligibility
Teams may consist of 1-5 members, and at least one student must be a founding contributor to the idea.
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In addition, at least one team member must:
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Be currently enrolled in a Washington State high school, trade school, community college, or university
OR
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Have graduated from a Washington State institution within the past 12 months
Faculty advisors and mentors are welcome to support teams but may not pitch on stage.
