The greatest companies, organizations and technologies in the world start with a single idea. Iowa State University’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Learning Community will host its first ever Innovation Pitch Competition on March 20.

For one innovative idea, one pitch could make an ISU student $300 in 90 seconds or less. The competition will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Delta Upsilon fraternity house.

Thirty preregistered ISU undergraduate and graduate students of any major may participate. Registration is free and due by Friday. The competition is simply the student and their pitch — no props, no teammates, just one original idea.

“We saw a need for something that’s in between having students just coming up with ideas and full business plans. Many students have participated at other national events where elevator pitches were used,” said Judi Eyles, assistant director of the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship.

Pitches will be judged by persuasiveness of pitch, viability of concept and the impact of innovation. 

“It will be a fun and exciting competition where students can win prizes,” Eyles said.