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).
February 10, 5:00pm – 6:00pm PT | 120 Blum Hall
At the Kickoff we will review important information about the Final Round (including full proposal rules and criteria), and the Big Ideas professional staff will provide an overview of the mentorship process. Following the kickoff Big Ideas and the Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (SCET) are cohosting a large team building and networking entrepreneurship mixer. Following the kickoff, Big Ideas finalists and mentors are encouraged to stick around participate in this incredible event. (Open to all Big Ideas and Impact Fund final round teams.) RSVP HERE
September 17, 6:30pm – 8:00pm PT | 100 Blum Hall
Each semester more than 300 students join the UC Berkeley Entrepreneurship Mixer to meet future co-founders, build their connections with the Berkeley innovation community, pitch their startup ideas, and learn about opportunities to connect with Berkeley entrepreneurship programs. This event will focus on networking and connecting with like-minded students and founders. Pizza and refreshments are provided! RSVP HERE
September 18, 4:00pm – 5:00pm PT | Online
Join us for a dynamic virtual panel on innovation at UC Berkeley, featuring trailblazing entrepreneurs, program leaders, and mentors shaping the future of technology and social impact. This event will feature: NSF I-Corps @ Berkeley, Big Ideas and a panel of Berkeley Innovators & Alumni who will share their journeys from idea to implementation, including lessons learned, challenges faced, and advice for aspiring changemakers. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a student curious about innovation, or simply interested in learning how ideas become ventures, this panel offers inspiration and practical takeaways. RSVP HERE
September 30, 5:30 – 7:00pm PT | Location TBD
The first step to creating your Big Idea to address a Big Problem is to accurately identify and articulate the problem you are trying to solve. On September 30, we will be joined by Jill Finlayson, Managing Director of the CITRIS Innovation Hub who will share how to gain insights into the problem you are working to solve using Systems Mapping, a key entrepreneurial tool. RSVP HERE.
Oct 29, 5:30 – 7:00pm PT | Location TBD
Receive guidance and feedback on how to effectively craft your Big Ideas pre-proposal. Big Ideas advisors will walk you through every element that is required in your 3-page pre-proposal submission, as well as examples and best practices from past Big Ideas pre-proposals. RSVP HERE.
November 6, 12:00 – 1:00pm PT | Online via Zoom
Pre-proposal judges share insights to help you sharpen your Big Ideas! What makes an idea stand out? What are some commonalities they see across the best Big Ideas? What are the common strengths and weaknesses? A panel of our most seasoned judges will answer all these questions and more, with plenty of time for Q&A. Complete the RSVP below, and you will be emailed a calendar invitation with Zoom login information prior to the event. RSVP HERE.
February 20, 5:30pm – 7:00pm PT | 120 Blum Hall
The 2024-2025 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 4th, 2025 (April 11 for Impact Fund). For the first workshop, we will be going in-depth into each of the proposal elements and discuss tips to develop a successful full proposal (open to all Big Ideas and Impact Fund final round teams). RSVP HERE
March 4, 5:30pm – 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 final round teams.) RSVP HERE
March 6, 5:00pm – 6:30pm PT | 120 Blum Hall
Big Ideas has a special funding opportunity and an associated workshop that focuses on educating Big Ideas finalists about the importance of supplier diversity and how this 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 Economic Impact and Supplier 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. RSVP HERE
March 11, 5:00pm – 6:00pm 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 Monday, March 3rd (8pm). 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 final round teams) RSVP HERE
Wednesday, November 19, Due by 1pm PT | Online submission
November 19 marks the deadline for Big Ideas finalists to submit their Pre-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.
Wednesday, November 19, Due by 1pm PT | Online submission
November 19 marks the deadline for Mastercard Foundation Alumni 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.
May 7, 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 2024-2025. Mingle with student innovators in a poster session explaining their 2025 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 here.
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.
Recordings of Fall 2025 events will be posted below approximitely 48 hours after the event concludes.