
THE BIG BET
Pitch Competition
1st Place $50,000
2nd Place $30,000
3rd Place $20,000
Genius is everywhere. Opportunity should be too.
The Big Bet isn’t just a pitch competition — It’s a national call to builders with ideas that move the needle and hearts that won’t quit. The solution must serve Michigan — but vision knows no zip code.
We back bold thinkers who believe what we believe: That doing the right thing isn’t optional. That’s where innovation begins. That there’s always a better way — and someone, somewhere, is building it. This isn’t a moment — it’s a movement. This is how you turn belief into momentum, and momentum into legacy.
The rules? Every idea. Every pitch. No exceptions. No excuses.
The stakes? A shot to shape the future — and get funded to do it.
The Big Bet starts now.
Deadline to apply is Sunday, August 31st
We’re looking for founders who are solving problems that directly improve the quality of life for Detroiters or underserved Michigan residents.
What Founders Submit
To apply, founders must
01
Upload a 2-minute video answering: “What problem are you solving, and why now?”
02
Submit a 10-slide pitch deck
03
Submit a Use of Funds plan
04
Provide 1 key traction metric (revenue, users, waitlist, etc.)
Judging Criteria
Judges will reflect the full genius of our ecosystem
University Thought Leaders
Industry Angels & VCs
Community Organizers & Builders
Scored On
Problem-Solution Clarity
Traction & Market Fit
Innovation & Use of Tech/AI
Strategic Use of funds
Founder Presence & Vision
Community & Cultural Impact
What Sets Us Apart
This is Detroit.
The Next Big Thing Starts Here.
Built for visionaries.
Fueled by bold ideas.
Backed by belief and real capital
This is where legacies begin.
Where stories shift.
Where genius meets its moment.

THREE WINNERS!
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