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
February 10, 6:00pm – 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
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
Friday April 4, Due by 1pm PT | Online submission
April 4th marks the deadline for Big Ideas 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.
Friday April 11, Due by 1pm PT | Online submission
April 11th 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 Spring 2025 events will be posted below within 48 hours of its conclusion.