ScarletPitch 2025

Introducing ScarletPitch 2025

ScarletPitch is a university-wide competition for Rutgers-New Brunswick undergraduates to present innovative ideas that tackle global challenges. Whether it’s a social action project, a startup venture, or another big idea, this platform empowers students to showcase their creativity and make an impact!

Register to Attend ScarletPitch

Apply to Compete in ScarletPitch

FAQs

Who can participate?
Undergraduate students enrolled at Rutgers-New Brunswick (part-time or full-time)

How many people can be on a team?
Teams can consist of 1 to 5 members

What is the format for the pitch?
Each pitch is 5 minutes, followed by a 2-minute Q&A session. Your pitch should address:

• The problem you're solving
• The proposed solution
• Your unique advantage (How is your idea innovative or different)
• Business model and potential customers
• Your top competitors

Where can I apply?

• Applications opened December 9, 2024. 

What do I need for the application?

• See the Application Guide for timeline, application questions, and judging rubric.

What if I have a conflict on February 28th, can I still apply to the competition?

• If you have a conflict on February 28th and cannot attend the pitch competition in-person please contact idea.hatchery@rutgers.edu to discuss alternate options for participation (i.e., video pitch.)

What are UPitchNJ and the Hult Prize? Are they the same as ScarletPitch?

• ScarletPitch, UPitchNJ, and Hult Prize are three DIFFERENT pitch competitions.
• UPitchNJ: A statewide competition held in May. One Rutgers team will be chosen at ScarletPitch to represent Rutgers at UPitchNJ.
• Hult Prize: An international competition with semi-finals in June. One Rutgers team will be selected at ScarletPitch to compete in the Hult Prize semi-finals.

Teams not selected at ScarletPitch can still enter the Hult Prize Open competition for another chance to advance to the semi-finals. Rutgers teams have historically been successful in this route.

Why do I need to select a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) for my idea?

• ScarletPitch encourages sustainability. The SDGs address global challenges, and most ideas align with one or more of them.
• If you're unsure which SDG fits your idea, email idea.hatchery@rutgers.edu to schedule a consultation session.

Can I participate if I've already pitched this idea at other competitions?
Yes! Participation in multiple pitch events is encouraged to gain experience and feedback to advance your idea.

What is an elevator pitch?
A concise, spoken presentation of your idea without slides. Imagine describing your idea during a brief elevator ride—how would you convey it before the person steps off?

Do I need to compete in ScarletPitch to be selected for UPitchNJ or the Hult Prize?
Yes, participation in ScarletPitch is required for selection to represent Rutgers in UPitchNJ or the Hult Prize.

Prizes

Prizes will be distributed among graduate and undergraduate teams (in the case of mixed teams, the number of graduate/undergraduate students will decide the team level).

Undergraduate student team prizes:

• 1st place: $1500
• 2nd place: $1000
• 3rd place: $750
• UPitchNJ selection: $250

Graduate student team prizes:

• 1st place: $1000

Any team prizes:

• Hult Prize Selection: $250
• Audience Choice: $250