Text reads "Little Bang Pitch + Poster Competition"

Little Bang! FAQs

You have questions? We have answers! Check out our FAQs below. Additional helpful information is also available on our Rules and Tools Page. 

  • Who can participate in the Little Bang! competition?
  • The competition is free and open to any currently enrolled student at the high school, undergraduate, or graduate level in California. It is an entry-level competition designed for students who are new to entrepreneurship.
  • I’m currently a student, but my company’s founder is an alum. Can we compete together? 
  • Only currently enrolled students may participate in the competition.
  • What are the competition requirements? 
  • Participants communicate their business ideas concisely using a poster and a 90-second pitch. Participants must submit digital files of their poster and bring a printed poster to the pitch event. Digital poster files must be submitted through StartupTree by February 6, 2025. Participants are responsible for printing their posters with ReproGraphics by February 10, 2025 (paid for by the Institute). Read more about poster submission guidelines. 
  • What happens if my pitch exceeds 90 seconds? 
  • Your pitch will be timed and you’ll be stopped at 90 seconds. You will not be allowed to continue beyond 90 seconds. 
  • Do you provide an easel to display my poster? 
  • Yes, we provide easels at the event.
  • What happens in the pitch room while teams are pitching? 
  • Each team will be given a number, and teams will pitch in numerical order. Audience members are instructed to be silent during pitches and entering and leaving the pitch room is discouraged.
  • Do I get to keep my poster after the event? 

  • Yes, you’re encouraged to take your poster home with you.

  • Will I get specific feedback on my pitch from the judges? 

  • Yes, the competition’s program manager will share the judges’ feedback on your poster and pitch via email after the event.

  • If I win an award, do I have to be present at the end of the pitch event to receive it?

  • All participating teams are required to stay until the end of the event.

  • Does the poster need to be a specific size? Posters must be 36” by 48”. 

  • You can find more information about poster requirements here.

  • Can I email you my poster? 

  • Digital poster files must be submitted through StartupTree by February 6, 2025. You are responsible for printing your poster with ReproGraphics by February 10, 2025. You can find more poster submission guidelines here.

  • Is the pitch portion of the competition private or open to the public? 

  • The pitch event is open to the public, and we encourage competitors to invite their friends and family. People’s Choice Award voting occurs after all teams have delivered their pitches. 

  • Can I use my phone or iPad to refer to speaking points during my pitch? 

  • Yes, you’re welcome to refer to digital or handwritten notes during your pitch. However, we recommend that you memorize as much of your pitch as possible for a smoother and more effective delivery. 

  • One of my team members has a conflict during the Little Bang! event and will be late. Can they still participate? 

  • All team members who’d like to participate in the Little Bang! pitch + poster event must be present at the start time of the event. Team members who arrive late may watch your pitch but not participate.

  • Who judges the competition? 

  • Posters and pitches are evaluated by a panel of four judges, each a member of the local innovation and entrepreneurship community.

  • How will I receive my award if I get one?

  • You’ll receive your award as a check for the award amount, $1,000 ($500 if you win the People’s Choice Award). We are only able to give one check to each team. It’s the team’s responsibility to decide how the cash will be distributed among team members. 

  • What resources are available to help me prepare for the competition? 

  • Participants may receive feedback before the competition by participating in an Enrich Your Pitch workshop, and they will receive judges’ feedback after the competition. Participants also have access to workshops and mentorship opportunities provided by the UC Davis Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

  • What is the next step for participants after the Little Bang! competition? 

  • Students are encouraged to take the experience and feedback from the Little Bang! competition to enter the Big Bang! Business Competition, where they can further develop their ideas and compete for larger prizes.

For more detailed information and guidelines, please visit the Little Bang! Rules and Tools. If your question isn't answered here,  feel free to reach out to aggieinnovators@ucdavis.edu.​