Salvin Entrepreneurial Pitch Competition
Salvin Entrepreneurial Pitch Competition
Empowering Queens University Students to Turn Ideas into Impact
The Salvin Entrepreneurial Pitch Competition is Queens University’s signature innovation challenge, a platform for students to showcase creative business ideas, receive expert feedback, and compete for up to $5,000 in prize money to launch or scale their ventures.
Built on a tradition of entrepreneurial spirit and community collaboration, the competition connects students with mentors, judges, and investors who are passionate about helping the next generation of innovators thrive.
Key Features
Throughout January and February, participants join workshops led by experienced entrepreneurs and business faculty. These sessions cover how to build a strong business model, validate customer needs, and craft a compelling pitch.
Teams or individuals present their business ideas before a panel of judges composed of members of the Entrepreneurial Leadership Circle (ELC) and industry experts. Selected finalists will advance to the Live Pitch Event, where they’ll compete for funding and mentorship.
Beyond competition day, students gain access to a vibrant entrepreneurial network—mentors, alumni founders, investors, and peers—designed to spark collaboration and fuel long-term growth.
2026 Competition Timeline
All workshops will be held in Sykes 220, 10:40-11:40 a.m.
- Wednesday, January 21 and Monday, January 26 – Information Session
- Monday, February 2 – Business Plan
- Monday, February 9 – Feasibility Analysis
- Wednesday, February 11 – Pitch Deck Development
- Wednesday, February 25 at 5:30 p.m. – Semifinal Round Pitch
- Thursday, April 2 at 4:30 p.m. – Final Live Pitch Competition
Participants are strongly encouraged to attend all sessions.
If you’re unable to attend, please schedule a 1:1 mentoring session with the Entrepreneurship faculty team via email at barzunahidalgo@queens.edu.
Application Guidelines
Eligibility
- Open to all Queens University students in good standing (individuals or teams of up to four members).
- Submissions must represent an original idea or an early-stage startup.
- Past finalists may apply with a new or substantially different idea.
Submit your application by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, to barzunahidalgo@queens.edu.
Judging Criteria
Teams will be evaluated on:
- Innovation & Creativity
- Market Potential & Feasibility
- Execution & Team Capability
- Impact & Presentation Quality
The top teams will advance to the finals, where a distinguished panel of judges will select three winners.
Mentorship & Support
Throughout the competition, teams receive:
- Guidance from Queens faculty and local entrepreneurs
- Opportunities to refine business models through workshops and feedback sessions
- Networking with the Entrepreneurial Leadership Circle, a community of seasoned professionals dedicated to advancing student innovation
“The Salvin Pitch isn’t just about winning — it’s about building confidence, gaining real-world feedback, and joining a community of doers.”
How to Get Involved
- Have an idea? Register your team today!
- Want to mentor or judge? Contact barzunahidalgo@queens.edu to get involved.
- Curious to learn more? Visit the McColl School of Business or follow @mccollshcoolofbusiness on Instagram.
Contact Us
Dr. Oscar Barzuna Hidalgo
Associate Professor, Entrepreneurship
barzunahidalgo@queens.edu