Br. Joel Damian Pitch Competition

Building What's Next

Event Details:

• Wed Apr 22

• 1pm - 3:30pm

• RSVP on Eventbrite

  
  

The Br. Joel Damian Business Pitch Competition is where student founders step up and put their ideas to the test.

Hosted by the Innovation Hub at Lewis University, the competition brings together builders, mentors, and leaders from across the Chicago innovation ecosystem creating a space where ideas are challenged, refined, and moved forward.

This year, seven student ventures will take the stage, spanning technology, sustainability, health & wellness, social impact, fintech, education, and open innovation.

From an AI-powered food waste platform to a biometric-driven music experience to a fire prevention solution for families, each team is focused on solving real problems with real solutions

They’ll pitch live for $15,000 in total funding, with a top prize of $7,500.

Built For Founders

This isn’t just a pitch competition it’s part of the process of becoming a founder.

Participants work closely with mentors and advisors, including Rajiv Nathan (Startup Hypeman), who has coached more than 60 winning teams globally. The focus is simple: sharpen the idea, tell the story, and build something that can actually go somewhere.

Back on the Stage

Last year’s undergraduate winner, Daniel Baumhart, returns with a chance to do something few have done win it again.

This year, he’ll compete in the Fintech Innovation Track, bringing a new venture and a new level of competition to the stage.