DisrupTexas Undergraduate Pitch Competition

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the competition. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Contact hkec@utexas.edu

When is the deadline for the application?

The application deadline is Friday, September 16, 2022 at 11:59PM. All applications must be received through the Reviewr submission portal.

Where do I submit an application?

Please visit the Reviewr application portal here.

(Please note: 2022 application does not open until Monday, August 22, 2022 at 8:00am)

What is needed to apply?

A completed application and 60-second video pitch are needed.

Do I have to be a student to participate?

This is a competition for undergraduate student startups; the undergraduate student(s) must play a central role in the business – combined ownership of at least 50% equity and be a founding member. Only undergraduate students will be invited to participate in the finals.

How many students can be on a team?

A minimum of one student can comprise a team. A maximum of three students per team will be invited to participate in the competition. Only undergraduate students may present.

Who can a “faculty advisor” be and why do I need one?

A faculty advisor could be a professor, academic advisor/counselor, dean, or other university-employed professional who is familiar with your work. This advisor may be contacted via email, but will not have any obligations for the competition. Note: A faculty advisor is strongly recommended but not required to apply to the competition.

When and where will the finals be held?

Semi-finals will be held in the morning and finals will be held in the afternoon on Saturday, October 22, via Zoom, beginning at 9:00am. Finals will be held on Thursday, October 27th, from 3:00pm-7:00pm in Robert B. Rowling Hall. More information about the schedule of the competition will be shared at a later date.

How can I get help or preliminary feedback on my application?

Applicants are encouraged to work with their faculty advisor before submitting the application. The HKEC offers individual appointments with it’s Entrepreneurs-in-Residence to discuss any problem areas in business development or pitch presentations. Additionally, helpful videos, how-tos, and articles can be found at the Herb Kelleher Entrepreneurship Center website and YouTube channel. No judges’ feedback will be given prior to the competition finals.

Does my venture have to be an established business?

No, this is a pitch. Having an established business is not required and does not impact judging.

Can I submit a plan for an established business that I helped found?

Yes, as long as it is still early-stage/startup, you are a current undergraduate student at The University of Texas at Austin, and you play a central role in the business (founding member) with team members having combined ownership of at least 50% equity.

What colleges and universities are eligible for this competition?

The participating team must contain at least one primary team member that is enrolled as an undergraduate student at The University of Texas at Austin, either full or part-time, for the Fall 2022 semester. The competition is open to any undergraduate major at UT Austin. Team members from other universities are not eligible to compete. Students who competed in the Finals of the 2021 DisrupTexas competition are not eligible to compete.

What is the format of the judging rounds?

First, applications will be judged virtually by at least three judges. The top teams will be invited to pitch at the semi-finals on Saturday, October 22nd. The top four teams from the semi-finals will be invited to pitch during the finals, occurring the afternoon of Thursday, October 27th. More information about the schedule of the competition will be shared at a later date.

Are applications and presentations confidential?

No. Due to the nature of this competition, please do not assume confidentiality with any materials.

Can my company compete if I’ve already raised funding or have revenue?

Yes, as long as the participating undergraduates still retain 50% of company equity.

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Financial awards will be paid to an individual student, not the startup listed in the application and will be awarded for the Fall 2022 semester. An increase in resources, including a financial award as a result of performance in the DisrupTexas Undergraduate Pitch Competition, may result in a reduction or cancellation of financial aid funds or a requirement to repay awards already released to students. Finally, financial awards may be used to pay outstanding payments owed to the university.


If you receive financial aid or owe money to the university, you should reach out to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships or Students Accounts Receivable to determine how winning a cash award through the DisrupTexas Undergraduate Pitch Competition would impact money owed to UT or your financial aid status.