Bruin Entrepreneurs

1000 Pitches

Inspiring Innovation One Pitch at a Time

Participate in the biggest pitch competition at UCLA, returning in 2024.

Submit Your Pitch!

About 1000 Pitches

1000 Pitches is a campus-wide pitch competition at the University of California, Los Angeles with a simple premise: 1000 students are asked to pitch an idea. The competition begins there, where students are encouraged to think bigger and bolder and be their own entrepreneur. The 1000 Pitches Program is an opportunity for students with any background to submit their most innovative idea while thinking outside the box.

1000 Pitches provides aspiring entrepreneurs with a platform to showcase their innovative ideas. Whether you're launching a startup, developing a groundbreaking product, or solving a pressing problem, this competition is designed to connect you with investors, mentors, and industry leaders who can help bring your vision to life.

FAQs

What is the format of the event?

The competition consists of two stages:
Application Stage – Participants submit a 1-minute pitch video and a 1-page business plan.
Final Pitch Event – Selected finalists will present their ideas live to a panel of judges for a chance to win funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

Who can apply?

It is open to individuals and teams (up to 5 members).
Participants must be current students or recent graduates (within the last 5 years). Open to all industries, including tech, healthcare, sustainability, consumer goods, social impact, and more.
No prior startup experience is required—just a strong idea and the passion to bring it to life!

When does it take place?

Applications open: April 20th, 2025
Submission deadline: May 7th, 2025
Final Pitch Event: May 17th, 2025

Who is selected to pitch?

A panel of judges will review all submissions and select the top 10-20 finalists based on:
Innovation & uniqueness of the idea
Feasibility & market potential
Clarity & persuasiveness of the pitch
Impact & scalability

Finalists will be notified via email and invited to present their pitch at the live event.

Why should you pitch?

Win funding & prizes – Cash grants, investor meetings, and in-kind resources.
Get mentorship & exposure – Gain feedback from industry experts and connect with potential investors, partners, and customers.
Showcase your startup – Build credibility and create momentum for your venture.
No risk, all reward! – Even if you don’t win, you gain valuable experience, networking opportunities, and feedback to refine your idea.

Past Winners

The 1000 Pitches competition exemplifies UCLA’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship by encouraging students to think creatively and develop solutions to real-world challenges.