EPIC Ideas Showcase

About EPIC Ideas Showcase

Tell the world about your ideas for a better world! 

The EPIC Ideas Showcase puts you in the running to win in a share of $2,500 in prize money. The exhibition-style event also positions you to get feedback that can help you qualify for the statewide Startup Challenge taking place at UM in Spring 2020 with up to $50,000 in prize money available.

Event Day and Time:
November 6, 2019 from 5:00- 7:30 P.M.

Submissions are due no later than:
October 27, 2019 at 11:59 pm.*

*Submit online before October 22 and we will give you feedback so you can better your submission prior to October 27!

What is it? Who Can do it? How does it Work?

What is the EPIC Ideas Showcase?

  • An opportunity for students to share emerging ideas for solving real world problems or bringing innovative and creative concepts to life.
  • Ideas could form the basis for starting businesses, not-for-profit organizations, events or community initiatives.
  • The showcase is NOT a business plan competition. We are not looking for detailed business plans or ideas that have been fully developed and tested, although we certainly encourage you to research and explore your ideas as much as possible in the time available.

Who can do it?

  • The competition is open to all undergraduate and graduate students of the University of Montana including Missoula College, regardless of year or major.
  • You can participate individually or as a student team. Interdisciplinary teams with members from more than one college or school are highly encouraged.
  • All ideas are welcome! Ideas are encouraged from all majors and disciplines and can be inspired by any passion or field of interest (academic or otherwise).
  • Diversity is a priority for this showcase; diversity in people, thought, majors, ideas, goals, problems, and  passions.

How does the showcase work?

  • Students who are accepted will participate in an ‘exhibition’ style showcase where they can interact with judges and community members interested in learning more about their idea.
  • Students will be provided with tabling space and are encouraged to use whatever methods they believe will be most effective in helping judges and community members learn about and engage with them and their idea!
  • During the showcase students should be prepared to describe and explain their idea to the judges and community members who are likely to ask questions related to the information you provided in your application or video pitch.
  • Experienced judges and the public will vote on their favorite ideas with the top ranked ideas receiving a share of $2,500 in prize money that can be used to further develop your idea.

To submit online, check our submissions page.

For Attendees

Looking to attend the event rather than pitch? Get your tickets online or at the door!