2025 WiSys Big Idea Tournament to be held at UW-Milwaukee
The 2025 WiSys Big Idea Tournament will be hosted by UW-Milwaukee’s Lubar Entrepreneurship Center on April 25 from 11 AM to 3 PM.
The WiSys Big Idea Tournament is an annual entrepreneurship competition open to both undergraduate and graduate students from the 11 regional Universities of Wisconsin and UW-Milwaukee. Participants will learn how to fine-tune their business pitch, connect with entrepreneurs and business professionals, and have the opportunity to showcase their business to a statewide audience. $5,000 in cash prizes will be distributed at the event.
Last year’s Big Idea Tournament winner was UW-Whitewater student Dylan Caruso, who won $2,500 in seed funding for his idea, Rod Shell, a rigid, portable fishing rod protection device.
“The Big Idea Tournament is a celebration of great ideas and puts the spotlight on the future of entrepreneurship in Wisconsin,” said Adhira Sunkara, WiSys Director of Strategy and Innovative Ventures. “We’re looking forward to bringing these students together, connecting them with other entrepreneurs, and helping them bring their ideas to fruition.”
To qualify for the Big Idea Tournament, students may participate in campus qualifier events or submit an application during the at-large round, which is open from February 24 through March 30. Students who apply for an at-large bid will be notified by April 4 if they have been selected to participate in the Big Idea Tournament on April 25.
If you have questions about the Big Idea Tournament, please contact Wilson Fay, Innovative Ventures Associate, at wfay@wisys.org. If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please contact Blane Huppert, Sponsor & Partnership Associate, at bhuppert@wisys.org.
