Innovation DuPage and College of DuPage are inviting aspiring entrepreneurs to apply for the Big IDea Pitch Contest, a competition designed to spotlight innovative business ideas and connect participants with expert mentorship and resources.

The contest offers COD students, recent alumni and students enrolled at one of Innovation DuPage’s academic partner institutions the opportunity to pitch original products or services that solve real-world problems and meet the needs of growing markets. Successful applicants will present scalable concepts that can be strengthened through mentorship and access to business development resources.

Applications must be submitted online by Friday, March 20, and include a written component detailing the applicant’s background and business idea, along with a two- to three-minute video introducing the concept.

Finalists will be invited to pitch live from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, at COD’s main campus in Glen Ellyn, 425 Fawell Blvd.

Prizes include $5,000 for first place, $4,000 for second place and $3,000 for third place. All finalists will also receive a six-month membership to Innovation DuPage.

The Big IDea Pitch Contest is proudly sponsored by COD, Innovation DuPage and DuPage Foundation.