Workshops & Events

Information on this page will be frequently updated, so keep checking back for additional details on these events and more.  Recordings will be made available following each livestream event (see “Past Events & Recordings” section below).

: Live Stream Available

: Online Appointments Available

: In-Person Participation Opportunity

: Remote Participation Opportunity

Upcoming Events

Writing Workshop #1 Full Proposal Elements

February 27, 5:30pm – 7:00pm PT | 120 Blum Hall

The 2023-2024 Big Ideas Final Round is underway! The Big Ideas staff has prepared a series of workshops designed to support each team through their development of the full 8 page proposal and elevator pitch, due April 10th, 2024. For the first workshop, we will be going in-depth into each of the new proposal elements and discuss tips to develop a successful full proposal (open to all Big Ideas and Impact Fund Applicants). RSVP HERE

Writing Workshop #2 Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch

March 12, 5:00pm – 7:00pm PT | 120 Blum Hall

Join us to learn how you can create the most impactful and effective elevator pitch. In this workshop we will discuss expectations for the pitch video requirement and how you can create the best pitch possible. In the second half of the workshop, we will dive into a working session so you have an opportunity to begin crafting your perfect pitch (open to all Big Ideas and Impact Fund Applicants). RSVP HERE

Supply Chain Diversity Innovation Workshop

March 14, 5:00pm – 6:30pm PT | 120 Blum Hall

Big Ideas has a special funding opportunity and associated workshop that is focused on educating students and teams about the importance of supply chain diversity and how diversity can increase profits, generate partnership opportunities, expand talent acquisition, build customer loyalty, and ultimately enhance the social impact of their projects. Big Ideas finalists participating in this workshop will be eligible to apply for the Supply Chain Diversity Special Recognition Prizes (three awards, $5K each). This opportunity is made possible thanks to a partnership between Big Ideas and the University of California Office of the President.

Pitch Practice & Rapid Feedback Session

March 19, 5:00pm – 7:00pm PT | Online

Now that you have had a chance to work on your pitch, it’s time to put it to the test. Pitch your idea to our network of judges and mentors and gain valuable feedback before the application deadline. This online session will allow each team the opportunity to deliver their pitch multiple times to an array of industry professionals, in a 1-on-1 setting, and receive expert feedback. Please note you must RSVP for the Elevator Pitch Practice Session by Tuesday, March 5th (5pm). We need to know in advance exactly how many industry professionals to recruit for this event. Only sign up if you are 100% committed to attending the entirety of this event (no-show is not an option for this event.Open to all Big Ideas and Impact Fund Teams. RSVP HERE (by March 5th!)

Full Proposal Writing Workshop #3 Budget & Timeline & Measuring Success

March 21, 5:00pm – 7:00pm PT | 120 Blum Hall 

Learn how to effectively craft the Big Ideas Budget, Timeline, and Success Metrics sections of your full proposal application. The Big Ideas professional team will lead an overview and discussion highlighting examples, best practices and tips provided by successful past applicants (open to all Big Ideas and Impact Fund Applicants). RSVP HERE.

Full Proposal Editing Blitz

April 5,8, & 9 All Day | 120 Blum Hall & Zoom

With the Full Proposal deadline fast approaching (April 10th), come and receive last-minute advice on your Full Proposal application. Take advantage of this final opportunity to fine-tune your written proposal and elevator pitch and receive feedback by signing up for an advising appointment with a member of the Big Ideas advising staff.

Full Proposal Deadline

April 10, Due by 1pm PT | Online submission

April 10th marks the deadline for Big Ideas and Impact Fund finalists to submit their Full Proposal Applications! Please allow at least 30 minutes to complete the entire process. Late submissions will not be accepted, so make sure to contact us if you have any questions. 

Grand Prize Pitch Day and Awards Celebration

May 1, 4:00pm – 7:00pm PT | B100 Blum Hall

Join us for our biggest event of the year, the Big Ideas Grand Prize Pitch Day and Awards Celebration where the entire Big Ideas community will recognize the most outstanding innovations of 2023-2024. Mingle with student innovators in a poster session explaining their 2024 Big Ideas (list of projects), then tune in as the top 5 Big Ideas teams vie for the $10,000 Grand Prize at the Big Ideas Grand Prize Pitch competition. RSVP will be shared in April.

Pre-proposal Deadline

November 18 | Due 1pm PT | Online submission 

Deadline to submit your pre-proposal! Please carefully read all of the instructions on the Big Ideas application page and allow at least 30-45 minutes to complete the entire application/upload process. Late submissions will not be accepted, so make sure to contact us if you have any questions. 

Past Events & Recordings

Full Proposal Writing Workshop (March 2)

What Makes a Big Idea "BIG"! Judges' Panel (December 1)

Social Innovator Speaker Series (October 26)

2022 Big Ideas Pre-Proposal
Info Session (October 26)

2022 Big Ideas Pre-Proposal
Info Session (October 13)

Big Ideas Pre-proposal Writing Workshop #1 (October 18)

Pre-proposal "Problem Framing" Session (October 18)

Big Ideas Social Innovator Speaker Series #3: Takachar

Big Ideas Social Innovator Speaker Series #2: Respira Labs

Big Ideas Final Round Kickoff & Social Innovation Speaker Series #1: Edvisorly

Inspiration & Information Session: With Ryan Barr, COO, RePurpose Energy

2020 Big Ideas Grand Prize Pitch Day

Inspiration & Information Session: With Christelle Rohaut, Cofounder & CEO, Codi

2022 Big Ideas Final Round Kickoff