School of Management
Golden Idea Pitch Competition
Do you have an idea for a new product or service? Or perhaps you've recognized where one is needed? Let's make it happen! No experience required—just an idea!
The annual Golden Idea Pitch Competition provides Southern Miss students with support, mentorship, and funding to help launch their big ideas!
All current Southern Miss students–from all majors and all disciplines–are eligible and encouraged to participate!
- 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!
- Do I need any business-related experience or education? No!
- Should I still submit an idea even if I don't think it will "change the world"? Absolutely!
- Can students work together on an idea? Students may choose to participate individually or in teams of up to 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.
For other inquiries, please email The Hatchery at hatcheryFREEMississippi.
Round 1: Golden Idea Submission Deadline | October 14
Round 2: Golden Idea Lunch Mixer | November 1
Round 3: Golden Idea Weekend | November 17–19
Round 1: Submission Deadline
Date: Deadline is Friday, October 14, 2022 | 11:59 PM
Location: You're here! Click here to submit a basic summary of your idea.
The uniqueness of your idea is not as important as your determination to understand and successfully solve a problem!
The TOP 25 semifinalists will be selected to advance. Results will be announced by
Tuesday, October 18, 2022.
Round 2: Lunch Mixer
Date: Tuesday, November 1, 2022 | 12:20–1:00 PM
Location: Scianna Hall, Lock Commons
The TOP 25 semifinalists will connect with The Hatchery's entrepreneurship mentors
through a casual and fun "speed dating" lunch event. Semifinalists will be prompted
in advance to prepare for specific questions that will likely be asked. The TOP 10
finalists will be selected to advance. Results will be announced by Thursday, November 3, 2022.
Round 3: Golden Idea Weekend
Date: Thursday, November 17–Saturday, November 19, 2022 | Times TBA
Location: Trent Lott Center & Scianna Hall
Beginning Thursday evening and continuing through Saturday, this year's final pitch
event has been upgraded to a "weekend hackathon"–an interactive, high-energy experience
designed to help you launch your idea in less than 50 hours! Results will be announced
during this live event.
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?