Skip to main content

Hurricane Innovation Prize

Are you ready to compete?

We’re seeking the greatest student-led innovation created at the University of Miami.

This innovation can be an invention or a prototype. Most of all, it needs to be new, unique, and intended to solve a real-world problem. And importantly, it needs to be led by students.

Join us on
February 24th, 2026 from 5 – 7 pm in the Lakeside Pavilion
(1280 Stanford Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33157).

Application Requirements

  • Team information for all members up to 3 students
  • An unedited video pitch that is 2 minutes or less
  • A 10 page pitch deck – we recommend using the Sequoia Capital template

Deadline to Submit

Applications are open until 2-17-24.

Apply Here! Must sign in to Google to access the application.

Winners are announced at the pitch competition.

Judging Criteria

1

Idea Novelty

Idea validity, novelty, and potential social impact. Does the idea introduce a new technology, process, or business model?
2

Business Model

Value proposition, cost structure, key resources, customer discovery and validation, as well as product or service development strength.
3

Entrepreneurship

Future vision, team commitment and culture, team expertise and knowledge, and pitch delivery.
4

Viability

Probability of becoming a successful business, competitive advantage, and probability of receiving investment.

Ready to compete?

Applications Open (Deadline 2/17)

Need help you with application?

All UM students can receive free help from The Launch Pad – UM’s Entrepreneurship Center. Register for an account and request a meeting with us here! 

Team Eligibility Requirements

1

Teams must be composed of up to 3 degree-seeking, undergraduate or graduate students all of which must be enrolled at University of Miami during the academic year of the competition. If a team member is a recent graduate of the university, the idea for the invention must have been initially conceived while the student was enrolled as an undergraduate.
2

If a team member is a current student or graduate student of the University.
3

Teams with conflict of interest or identified to have University IP.

Winning Cash Prizes

First Place

$1,000

cash prize

Second Place

$500

cash prize

Winners of the Hurricane Innovation Prize are selected to compete at the ACC Inventure Prize for more cash prizes!

Get Started with The Launch Pad

  • Co-working is open from 9 AM – 4 PM
  • Multiple flexible working spaces
  • Provides a central location
  • Two private phone booths to take calls or meetings
  • Limited daily availability
Sign up today!

Where ideas happen.

©  2026 The Launch Pad. All rights reserved.

Programs

Resources

About Us

Contact Us

(305) 284-2789

hello@thelaunchpad.org