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The Zingale Big Idea Competition focuses on seed-level new business ideas. This annual competition awards a whopping total of $40,000 in prize money among the student winners. This contest emulates the experiences seen on the popular CNBC broadcast, Shark Tank, but with a heart. Unlike Shark Tank, the Zingale Big Idea distinguished panel of judges do more than evaluate business models – they offer constructive feedback, coaching, and encouragement.

The 2027 Zingale Big Idea Competition will be held April 8-10 in Quigley Hall.

2027 Zingale Big Idea Competition

Competition Schedule

April 8: Rehearsals

April 9: Preliminary Round Competition

April 10: Finalists Compete, Winner Announced

The complete Preliminary Round Competition schedule will be issued the week of April 5.

How to Participate

Workshops are scheduled to help participants prepare for the competition. Those interested in competing in the Zingale Big Idea Competition and/or attending the workshops should contact Entrepreneur in Residence, Professor Chris Allison at callison@allegheny.edu.

Our Previous Competitors

Take a look at some of the previous Zingale competitors.

Student presents at a podium during ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½'s 2026 Zingale Big Idea Competition
Student stands in front of presentation during preliminary rounds of Zingale Big Idea Competition at ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½
Student presents at a podium during the premilinary round of ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½'s 2026 Zingale Bid Idea Competition
a person in a suit and tie seated at a table talking
Student is interviewed during ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½'s 2026 Zingale Big Idea Competition
ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Zingale Big Idea finals and champions on April 11, 2026
Student presents during ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½'s 2026 Zingale Big Idea Competition
a person wearing a mask speaking in front of a projector screen