Big Pitch Competition Results Announced

Northern Michigan University student entrepreneurs took center stage at the Big Pitch competition, the culminating event of NMU's annual New Business Venture Competition and one of the final events at the recent PEAK26 conference. This year, it was held in the Jacobetti Innovation Hall.

Designed as a "Shark Tank" style event, the Big Pitch invites students to present business ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to win startup funding. The competition encourages entrepreneurial activity by rewarding students who develop detailed business plans focused on profitability, job creation and lawful operation. Participants also gain experience pitching to potential investors, receiving feedback and applying classroom concepts to real-world ventures.

This year's top prize winners reflected a range of ideas. ZiTech, founded by Maya Van Berkum, earned the Big Pitch grand prize of $3,500. Superior Sourdough, created by Brooke Kluz and Janelle Harris, received two awards, winning $1,000 for the Trade Show and $2,500 for the Business Plan. AfterMath, developed by Autumn and Bo Brutyn, was selected as the Crowd Favorite, earning $1,000.

Additional student ventures highlighted the breadth of innovation at the event. Thomas Roush presented Superior Sauna, Minnie Bittell introduced Marquette Chalet and BrewMelt was developed by an international student team including JiWoo Back, Somi Kim, Dahyun Choi and Yujin Lee.

The Big Pitch continues to provide a platform for students to transform ideas into viable business ventures while connecting with the campus and Marquette communities.