FAST PITCH

Do You Have a Startup Idea?

Apply to compete in Fast Pitch, Columbia Engineering’s campus-wide annual elevator pitch competition to win prize money for your startup idea.

Fast Pitch is Columbia’s longest running pitch competition on campus since 2013. Entrepreneurs pitch in 60 seconds to a panel of judges and win up to $5,000.

The Competition

60-second pitch

60-second pitch of your business to a panel of judges that includes successful Columbia alumni and members of NYC venture community

$5,000 prize pool

There will be a $2000 prize pool solely for undergraduates and a $3000 pool for the best overall pitches

For CU students and Alumni

Opened to all undergraduate and graduate students across campus. Alumni 2 years out are welcome.* Preference will be given to current students and first time participants

Improve your sales skills

Your elevator pitch could be the most impactful way to convey your business to an outsider. Mastering the skill of the pitch to hook your investors, partners, or customers within the first minute is crucial

No charge

Attendance and participation is free. As for the experience, it’s priceless.

Fast Pitch Competition dates

Video Pitches Due

Submit your application with a link to your video on Younoodle

Apply by October 30, 11:59 PM

Video requirements

60 seconds
1 – 2 people pitching for the team
no slides (a custom zoom background with your team logo is encouraged)
record in landscape on your phone or laptop
use good lighting and audio – these are crucial

Feedback

Feedback on videos released to applicants November 11 – 15

Columbia alumni and members of NYC’s venture community will review your pitch and provide you with feedback before the live event.

Fast Pitch Live Competition

Feedback on videos released to applicants November 11 – 15

Applicants will be contacted a week before the live event to pitch the evening of November 20 on campus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Columbia alumni apply?

Recently graduated alumni (no more than 2 years; i.e. 2022) can apply.

I have a blended team of Columbia and non-Columbia team members.
Are we eligible to apply?

Yes, however at least 50% of the team must be Columbia students/alumni.

I am unable to pitch live at the event on November 20.
Can another team member pitch for my team?

Yes, actual team members can pitch at the event.

Winners of Fast Pitch 2024

✨Undergraduate Challenge

Graduate Challenge

GAITR (Tie)

Affordable, modular device revolutionizing Parkinson’s mobility assistance. Team Lead: Ratna Sharma, Undergraduate Student (SEAS 2025). Team Members: Lucia Martin, Sarah Mia Liu, Jenny Fan, Maggie Nedbalek, and Mingying Yeoh(SEAS 2025)

Foodweb AI ltd.

An AI platform making restaurant kitchens sustainable. Team Lead: Arnav Agarwal, Graduate Student (GSAS 2025)

Mooodboard.ai (Tie)

A fast visual brainstorming tool for designers. Team Lead: Michael Roberson, Undergraduate Student (CC 2027)

CIPER Medical Inc.

Automating IV Push To Reduce Administration Errors. Team Lead: Leonhard Heinrich, Graduate Student (SEAS 2024) Team Members: Sean Yubeen Kim (SEAS 2024), Kasey Zhou (NRS 2027)

AxaBlock LLC

Making offline more rewarding—and financially beneficial—than online. Team Lead: Aaron Siddiky, Undergraduate Student (CC 2028)

DefendAir

Autonomous wildfire risk prevention and mitigation system. Team Lead: Prerana Gambhir, Graduate Student (CBS 2025)

Audience Choice Award

Solar EZ

Buying second hand solar just got easier. Team Lead: Yiwen Wu, Undergraduate Student (SEAS 2026) Team Members: Tianrui Zhang (SIPA 2026), Xueru Zhao (SIPA 2026)