Golden Idea Pitch Competition

1. Why should I submit an idea? Receive support and mentorship from successful entrepreneurs who want to see you succeed and compete for funding to help launch your big idea!
2. Do I need any business-related experience or education? No!
3. Should I still submit an idea even if I don't think it will "change the world"? Absolutely!
4. Can students work together on an idea? Students may choose to participate individually or in teams of up to 5.
5. Do participants need to be Southern Miss students? All participants must be currently enrolled in an accredited 4-year college or university with at least half of their team consisting of current Southern Miss students.
6. Does my idea have to be part of the Rural Innovation & Access? No! This is the first year we have added an additional track. 

For other inquiries, please email The Hatchery at hatcheryFREEMississippi.

Rural Innovation & Access Track 

The Challenge: 
A large portion of Americans live in rural communities that are systematically underserved by modern technology and infrastructure. In Mississippi and across the nation, rural residents face healthcare deserts, limited banking access, unreliable internet connectivity, transportation barriers, and gaps in essential services that urban populations take for granted. But here's what most entrepreneurs miss: rural isn't a constraint—it's a massive, underserved market. 

The Opportunity: 
We're looking for ideas and concepts that bridge the rural access gap with scalable, investable solutions. This could be: 
Healthcare delivery - Telemedicine platforms, mobile clinics, diagnostic tools, pharmacy access 
Financial services - Mobile banking, alternative credit scoring, payments infrastructure 
Education & workforce development - Remote learning tools, skills training, job matching platforms 
Infrastructure & connectivity - Broadband solutions, energy access, transportation networks 
Commerce & supply chain - E-commerce enablement for rural businesses, logistics optimization, agricultural supply chains 
Government & civic services - Digital-first public services, emergency response systems, community engagement tools 

What We're Looking For: 
Ideas that work in rural Mississippi can scale to rural communities nationwide—and globally. We want early-stage concepts that combine deep empathy for rural challenges with ambitious, venture-backable business models. Your connection to rural life isn't a limitation; it's your unfair advantage. 

Whether you grew up in a small town or you're seeing these challenges for the first time, bring us ideas that are both profitable and transformative. You don't need an established business—just a compelling concept and the passion to develop it.

Who Should Apply: 
Students from any major who see the massive opportunity in serving communities that traditional tech has left behind. If you understand the problem or are willing to deeply research it, we want your solution. 

Round 1:
Golden Idea Submission Deadline | March 4, 2026

Round 2:
Mentor Mixer | March 26, 2026

Golden Idea Showcase: 
May 1, 2026

Round 1: Submission Deadline
Date: Deadline is March 4, 2026 |  11:59 PM
Location: Register here to be notified when applications open. The uniqueness of your idea is not as important as your determination to understand and successfully solve a problem! The TOP 21 semifinalists will be selected to advance. 

Round 2: Mentor Mixer & Lightning Pitch Round
Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026  |  Times TBA
Location: TBA
The TOP 21 semifinalists will connect with the Center's entrepreneurship mentors through a casual and fun "elevator pitch" event. Semifinalists will be prompted in advance to prepare for specific questions that will likely be asked. The TOP 8 finalists will be selected to advance. 

Golden Idea Showcase Dates:

• Mentor Work Day: Friday, April 24, 2026 | Come & Go access to mentors
• Golden Idea Showcase: Friday, May 1, 2026 | Time TBD

Location: Scianna Hall (McDonnell Auditorium and other locations)
The final pitch event consists of a series of interactive, high-energy experiences designed to help accelerate your path to success! Results will be announced during the live finale on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Throughout the competition process, all ideas will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• Problem: Have you provided clear evidence of a real, significant problem or gap in the market? 
• People: Have you identified and clearly described the customer(s) who are affected by this Problem? 
• Potential: Have you provided a compelling case for your idea as a potential solution?