Do you have a Big Idea? Is it the next big business, product, or service? Does your idea solve a problem?

Spearheaded by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Rural Development at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, the Big Idea UNK is designed to foster and showcase the innovative business and product ideas emerging from our talented pool of UNK students.

Ideas are submitted in advance, narrowed down to a group of finalists, and ideas are pitched LIVE in front of an audience and panel of judges. Pitches must be 2 minutes or less. Each pitch is followed by a Q&A. The contest is open to UNK students only.

The Live Pitch Event will be held on Wednesday, November 5 in UNK’s Discovery Hall Atrium.

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  • 10/22/25Submissions Close
  • 10/25/25Finalists Notified
  • 11/5/25Live Pitch Event

How to Enter

Idea submission opens on Monday, September 22 and closes on Wednesday, October 22 at midnight. Finalists will be notified by Saturday, October 25. Finalists will work with the Center for Entrepreneurship & Rural Development to refine their pitch.

Ideas for businesses or product ideas that you want to make happen will be accepted. It can be retail-based, technology-driven, a product invention, food service, service-based, etc. The sky is the limit!

To submit your Big Idea, fill out the form at the link below. Here are the details we will ask for:

  • Contact Information
  • Idea Name
  • Category
  • Idea Description: Describe your idea and what you have accomplished so far.
  • Target Industry: Who are your customers? What industry are you focusing on?
  • In the Next Six Months: What would you like to accomplish in the next six months to move this idea forward?
  • Innovation & Creativity: Why are you passionate about this idea, and what impact do you hope it will make?

Submit Your Idea

Prizes

The top 10 finalists, as determined by our panel of expert judges, will have the opportunity to present their ideas during a live pitch event on November 5th in UNK’s Discovery Hall Atrium. A combination of cash and giveaway items will be awarded to the first, second, and third place live pitch finalists.

Big Idea is sponsored by

UNK College of Business and technology wordmark   new tech logo  

Event Sponsors

Event sponsors support Big Idea UNK and make pitch night possible. Email Sara at bennettsa2@unk.edu to become an Event Sponsor.

Congratulations to the Fall 2024 Big Idea winners!

  • First Place: Becky Holden with Kaizen Design
  • Second Place: Aaron Osmond with AutoCallCam
  • Third Place: Madeline Rose with Seasonal Scoops

Read the live event story by Tyler Ellyson with UNK News!

View a highlight reel from last year's event

History of Big Idea

Since launching in 2011, Big Idea Kearney served as a platform for students and community members to pitch new ideas and win funding to bring them to life. Big Idea Kearney was open to UNK students, Kearney-area residents, and even high school students for a period. Starting in 2025, Big Idea Kearney has evolved into Big Idea UNK (just for UNK students) and Big Idea Buffalo County (community residents within Buffalo County). The creation of Big Idea Buffalo County creates new possibilities, connections, and resources that meet the needs of innovators throughout the region. At the same time, UNK students benefit from a version of the program that’s built around their schedules, goals, and campus life. Learn more about Big Idea Buffalo County.

Contact

Sara Bennett
Director, Center for Entrepreneurship & Rural Development
bennettsa2@unk.edu
308-865-8199