Big Ideas contestants pitch their work
The Qloak team on Pitch Day 2019.

The Big Ideas Contest is back! Now in its 14th year, the Big Ideas Contest supports early-stage innovators and their transformative projects. This year’s contest will feature new tracks and increased awards levels up to $20,000.

Proposals must be:

  1. Student-Led: Projects must be initiated and led by an undergraduate or graduate student (or students) from an eligible campus. The project should not be an extension of faculty-guided research or led by a non-student established organization.
  2. Early-Stage: Big Ideas supports early-stage projects. These can range from brand new ideas with a team just assembling, to projects that have formed within two years.
  3. Social Impact: Projects must have a clear social impact. The project should be centered around an innovation (technologies, services, programs) that produces a clear benefit with the potential for sustained improvement in the lives of groups or individuals.

If you are a student at UC Berkeley with an innovative solution to a pressing social challenge, you are encouraged to apply by November 20, 2019

Not sure if your idea/project/team is a good fit for Big Ideas? Sign up for an online or in-person advising session to discuss your big idea and to learn more about the contest criteria. 

Read more about the Big Ideas Contest at bigideascontest.org.