About this Event
Join us to watch student founders take to the stage for a night of game-changing ideas and winning big!
This competition is all about shaking up the game, pushing boundaries, and never settling. Come see if the next generation of industry leaders have what it takes to break the mold.
The Freed Family Pitch Competition is UT Austin's largest and most prestigious undergraduate pitch competition. Hosted by the Herb Kelleher Entrepreneurship Center, this event offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for experiential learning, where student teams can pitch their startups in a high-stakes environment, competing for $65k in cash and prizes.
Beyond the financial rewards, participants gain invaluable insights from seasoned entrepreneurs, receive personalized feedback on their business strategies, and build lasting connections within the Texas entrepreneurial ecosystem. The competition not only recognizes groundbreaking ideas but also empowers the next generation of innovators to turn their visions into reality.
At The University of Texas at Austin, we believe that what starts(up) here changes the world!
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WHEN
Thursday, November 5, 2026
Competition: 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. CT
Reception: 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. CT
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WHERE
Crum Auditorium - Robert B. Rowling Hall
Reception to follow in Rowling Hall Atrium
300 West Martin Luther King Junior Blvd, Austin, TX 78705
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THE PRIZES
1st Place: $20,000
2nd Place: $10,000
3rd Place: $5,000
4th Place: $5,000
Elevator Pitch Award: $2,000
Audience Choice Awards: $1,000 (Finals) + $1,000 (Elevator Pitch)
Each of the four finalists will also receive $5,000 in legal services from Jackson Walker LLP.
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Making Entrepreneurship Accessible to All Longhorns
Learn more about us here: uthkec.com
Follow us here: @UT_Kelleher_Ent
Agenda
🕑: 03:00 PM
Event Kickoff
Info: Learn about the Freed Family Pitch Competition and meet the judges!
🕑: 03:10 PM
Finalist Pitch 1
Info: The first finalist will deliver a 10 minute pitch, followed by 10 minutes of Q&A with judges.
🕑: 03:35 PM
Finalist Pitch 2
Info: The second finalist will deliver a 10 minute pitch, followed by 10 minutes of Q&A with judges.
🕑: 04:00 PM
Finalist Pitch 3
Info: The third finalist will deliver a 10 minute pitch, followed by 10 minutes of Q&A with judges.
🕑: 04:30 PM
Finalist Pitch 4
Info: The fourth finalist will deliver a 10 minute pitch, followed by 10 minutes of Q&A with judges.
🕑: 04:50 PM
Judges Deliberations Begin
🕑: 04:55 PM
Elevator Pitch Competition
Info: Watch the 12 remaining Semi-Finalist teams deliver 2-minute pitches in competition for $2,000!
🕑: 05:45 PM
Awards Announcements
Info: Find out who is taking home the grand prize of $20,000!
🕑: 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Networking Reception
Info: Join us for snacks and networking at the reception immediately following the competition!
Event venue & nearby stays
Robert B. Rowling Hall, The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business, 300 West Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard, Austin, United States
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