Student pitching in front of judges.

Engineering Pitch Competition

The Pitch Competition, part of Design Day at the Faculty of Engineering, empowers both aspiring founders with innovative ideas and more established teams with validated solutions to pitch to a panel of judges and win prize money and support.

About the Pitch Competition

Crowd listening to a group presenting on a stage.

The competition challenges engineering students to showcase their innovative technology-based businesses, both at the idea and concept stages.

This event offers:

  • Cash prizes and in-kind support
  • Expert feedback from industry judges
  • Networking with potential investors
  • Real-world entrepreneurial experience

Open to all engineering students, this competition provides a platform to turn cutting-edge concepts into viable business ventures, fostering the next generation of tech entrepreneurs at uOttawa. The Pitch Competition is part of Design Day at the Faculty of Engineering.

Happy student posing with the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, holding a big check addressed to his startup.

Our next competition

The next competition will take place on April 2, 2026. Students are invited to submit their proposals.

How it works

The Engineering Pitch Competition features two categories (Idea and Concept), catering to different stages of entrepreneurial development.

A two-category approach allows for wider participation, from budding entrepreneurs with fresh ideas to those with more refined business concepts, ensuring that innovation at all levels is recognized and supported at the Faculty.

Four finalists are selected for each category.

Categories and prizes

Competition eligibility and rules

  • Individual entries: Participants must be enrolled in a Faculty of Engineering undergraduate or graduate program during the Fall or Winter term.
  • Team entries: The majority of the participants must be enrolled in a Faculty of Engineering undergraduate or graduate program during the Fall or Winter term. For teams of only two individuals, this condition is met if at least one of the two team members meets it. 

Hear from past winners

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Contact

Faculty of Engineering

For more information, please contact:

Lionel Regis
Manager, MakerLaunch Startup Accelerator  
[email protected]