AI Competitors

AI in Business Pitch Competition

Call for Submissions

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping industries, economies, and societies at an unprecedented pace. The exponential growth of AI technologies offers new opportunities and challenges for businesses worldwide, enabling enhanced decision-making, efficiency, and innovation. We believe AI will be a critical piece of new ventures that will develop products and services that change the world. At Mays, we are committed to supporting AI’s capabilities to produce new products and services that build a better future.

To that end, Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School invites individuals and teams of undergraduate and graduate students nationwide to submit written business plans as part of our competition to identify the top AI-focused new ventures. Eligible individuals and teams must be currently enrolled undergraduate/graduate student founders from any major at any university.

From the business plans submitted to the competition, judges will identify the top 24 entries. Those entries will be invited to present a 10-minute pitch to a panel of three judges through a virtual format. From those 24 entries, the judges will identify the top 12 nationwide and they will be invited to come to College Station for a final in-person pitch.

Submissions are due May 1, 2026.

Submissions are Open

Competition Overview

The competition will highlight the best AI-related businesses from undergraduate/graduate student founders across the country. Individuals and teams will compete in three rounds:

  • Written Business Plan Round: Submit written business plans to Mays Business School by May 1, 2026.
  • Virtual Pitch Round: 24 entires will be selected from all submissions to present a 10-minute pitch virtually July 1, 2026.
  • Final Round of In-Person Pitches: The top 12 entires will advance to compete at Mays Business School at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, on Sept. 25-26, 2026.

Winners will receive significant cash prizes, including $250,000 for first place, $100,000 for second place, and $50,000 for third place.

Eligibility

  • All individuals and teams must be students currently enrolled at an accredited U.S. university
  • Students from all majors are eligible to participate
  • Entries must focus on leveraging AI technologies as a core component of their business plan
  • Individuals and teams must demonstrate ownership or full rights to any technology or intellectual property used in their business plan
  • The ventures cannot have generated more than $5M in gross revenue in any 12-month period prior to January 1, 2026
  • Ventures must have a minimum viable product (MVP)

Submission Information

Individuals and teams are required to submit a business plan that does not exceed 15 pages (including appendices and exhibits) and that includes the following:

  • Executive Summary: Overview of the business plan
  • AI Integration: Explanation of how AI is central to the venture
  • Market Opportunity: Analysis of the target market and potential demand
  • Revenue Model: Description of how the business will generate revenue
  • Team Overview: Information about the individual team members and their roles
  • Financial Projections: Summary of expected financial outcomes

MVP is not required for your initial submission. In May, we will ask the top 24 entries to share their MVPs.

Submissions are Open

Evaluation

Submissions will be reviewed by industry experts and Texas A&M faculty experts based on:

  • Innovative: Original, creative, and effective use of AI technologies
  • Market Potential: Scalable idea that demonstrates clear understanding of customer needs
  • Feasibility: Viable business model with realistic financial projections
  • Impact: Address significant societal challenges and contribute to building a better future through AI

Innovation and Creativity (25%)

  • Originality: Assess whether the business concept introduces a novel solution or approach within its industry.
  • AI Integration: Evaluate how effectively AI technologies are incorporated into the product or service, and the uniqueness of this application.

Market Potential and Opportunity (20%)

  • Market Analysis: Determine the depth of understanding of the target market, including size, growth potential, and customer segmentation.
  • Competitive Advantage: Analyze the venture’s differentiation from existing competitors and its strategy for achieving a sustainable market position.

Feasibility and Business Model (20%)

  • Revenue Model: Examine the clarity and viability of the proposed revenue streams.
  • Operational Plan: Review the practicality of the operational strategy, including resource allocation and scalability.

Team Composition and Capability (15%)

  • Expertise and Experience: Assess the relevant skills and backgrounds of team members in both AI and business domains.
  • Team Dynamics: Consider the team’s ability to work cohesively and their preparedness to execute the business plan.

Financial Projections and Funding Strategy (10%)

  • Financial Viability: Evaluate the realism and thoroughness of financial forecasts, including projected revenues, expenses, and profitability.
  • Funding Plan: Analyze the strategy for securing necessary funding and the appropriateness of the proposed use of funds.

Social Impact and Ethical Considerations (10%)

  • Societal Contribution: Assess how the venture addresses significant societal challenges and contributes positively to the community or environment.
  • Ethical AI Use: Evaluate the team’s awareness and management of ethical implications related to AI deployment, such as data privacy and bias mitigation.

Scoring Guidelines:
Each criterion will be scored on a scale of 1 to 5:

  • 1: Poor – The submission lacks this element or it is poorly addressed.
  • 2: Fair – The element is present but underdeveloped.
  • 3: Good – The element is adequately addressed with room for improvement.
  • 4: Very Good – The element is well-developed and thorough.
  • 5: Excellent – The element is exceptional and exceeds expectations.

Awards

The competition will award $400,000 in cash prizes:

1st Place: $250,000

2nd Place: $100,000

3rd Place: $50,000

Additional benefits for winners include:

Mentorship Opportunities: Winners can choose to be paired with an Aggie entrepreneur mentor for one year.

Travel Assistance: Top 12 teams will receive funding to support travel for 2 presenters to College Station for the final round of the competition.

Submission Deadline: May 1, 2026, by 11:59 PM CDT.

Please direct any inquiries by email with the subject “AI in Business Pitch Competition” to Assistant Dean for Artificial Intelligence Arnold Castro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Students have to be enrolled as of this semester but can have graduated this upcoming May.

Team members can be undergraduate or graduate students from any university or working professionals as long as the majority of stakeholders are students.

Yes, as long as the majority of stakeholders are students.

No. You do not have to submit your MVP right now. You just need your business plan explaining in detail what your business concept is and how AI handles the business problem.

In May, we will ask the top 24 teams to share their MVPs.