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RamPitch

Adobe Academy RamPitch Student Business Plan Competition

The Center for Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation (CESI) announces the Entrepreneurial Enlightenment Day and Student Business Plan Competition (RamPitch), sponsored by Adobe.

The RamPitch competition invites students to pitch their most innovative products or services while demonstrating entrepreneurial thinking.

This event highlights student creativity, fosters real-world problem solving, and connects participants with external stakeholders and support networks to help bring their ideas to life.

Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026

Time:
  • 12:30 p.m. — Brilliance Bazaar with lunch and networking. Please be sure to register for the complimentary lunch.*
  • 1:30 p.m. — RamPitch competition
  • 3:00 p.m. — Closing ceremony
*A reservation is required for lunch. To reserve your lunch, email Dr. Michele Leverett.

Location:
Donald Julian Reaves Student Center (DJR) 100 A and B
 
Event Highlights
  • RamPitch Competition – Students present their business ideas for a chance to win cash prizes
Open to: All WSSU students, regardless of major or discipline.
Cash Prizes
  • Winner: $5,000
  • First runner-up: $4,000
  • Second runner-up: $3,000
  • Third runner-up: $2,000
  • Best use of Adobe tools: $1,000 (additional to placement)
Important Dates

Presentation Format
Each student or team will have:

  • 6 minutes to present their ideas
  • 10 minutes for Q&A with the judges

Judges will use rating scales to determine final rankings, which will be announced to all participants and attendees.

Scoring Criteria
Pitch competitions are opportunities for entrepreneurs and startup teams to:
  • Raise capital
  • Expand networks
  • Receive feedback to grow their businesses
  • Gain valuable exposure for their products and services

Judges and investors may ask:

  • What is your product or service, and how does it work?
  • Who are your customers? What value do you add to their lives?
  • What is your background and expertise in this market?
  • How does your product or service compare to existing competitors?
  • How will you create awareness of your offering(s)?
  • What are your production or service delivery costs?
  • What is your pricing model?
  • How much funding do you have or need to maintain operations for at least six months?