Red Raider Idea Competition 2026

35
Days Left
to Enter

Description

Have an idea? Take the mic.

Submit a 3-minute video pitch for your chance to become one of 12 finalists in the Red Raider Idea Competition.

A review committee will select 12 finalists to compete at the live Red Raider Idea Open Mic on October 28, 2026, from 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at the Texas Tech Student Union.

At the Open Mic, each finalist gets 3 minutes to pitch, then the mic goes to the audience.

The audience becomes the sharks. Audience members can ask questions, and then the audience votes to determine the winners.

💰 $1,750 IN CASH PRIZES

1st Place — $1,000
2nd Place — $500
3rd Place — $250

Applications are due October 12, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT.

Ready to take the mic?

Submit your 3-minute video pitch and let us hear your idea!

 

Rules

Eligibility

The Red Raider Idea Competition is open to Texas Tech students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the surrounding community.

Participants must complete the required application and submit their video by October 12, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT.

Video Submission

  • Video must be 3 minutes or less.
  • Participant must appear on camera and be the primary speaker for the majority of the video.
  • No slide presentations.
  • Participants are encouraged to be creative and may use prototypes, props, demonstrations, samples, or other materials to showcase their idea.

Finalist Selection

A review committee will review eligible submissions and select 12 finalists.

The committee's role ends after selecting the finalists. The committee does not determine the final winners.

Live Open Mic

Finalists must be available to participate in the live Open Mic:

October 28, 2026 | 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Texas Tech Student Union

Each finalist will have 3 minutes to pitch followed by up to 2 minutes of audience questions.

Audience Voting

The audience will determine the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.

Voting will take place during the live event and will not open before the event.

Prizes

1st Place — $1,000
2nd Place — $500
3rd Place — $250

Texas Tech Innovation Hub staff reserve the right to determine participant eligibility and whether submissions are appropriate for participation and public presentation in accordance with Texas Tech University policies.

Participants are responsible for determining what information about their idea they choose to publicly disclose and for taking any steps they believe are necessary to protect their intellectual property.

If selected as a finalist or winner, participants agree that Texas Tech University may publicize their name, likeness, pitch, and description of their idea in connection with the competition without additional compensation.

Each entrant shall indemnify, defend, and hold Texas Tech University, its Regents, officers, employees, agents, mentors, and representatives harmless from third-party claims arising from or related to the entrant's participation in the competition, including claims relating to intellectual property infringement.