At UC Davis, the Mike and Renee Child Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship is a key facilitator for students and community members interested in transforming innovative ideas into viable businesses. The institute organizes the Big Bang! Business Competition and the Little Bang! Pitch + Poster Competition, which serve as platforms for developing and presenting business ideas.

Little Bang! Pitch + Poster Competition

The Little Bang! competition is designed for students at all levels—from high school to graduate studies—to articulate and refine their business concepts through poster presentations. This competition offers a structured opportunity to test and improve your business ideas with direct feedback from industry professionals. Apply for the Little Bang Competition here.

Participants in the 2025 competition have the chance to win part of the $12,500 prize pool, which includes multiple $1,000 awards and a $500 People’s Choice Award.

  • Registration Deadline: February 6 by 1 PM
  • Poster Submission: February 10
  • Competition Day: February 13, where participants will present their posters and deliver a 90-second pitch

This competition is an excellent way for students to gain experience in presenting their ideas and engaging with a community of like-minded individuals.

Big Bang! Business Competition

The Big Bang! Business Competition encourages participants to develop solutions that address complex global issues. This event not only focuses on entrepreneurship but also emphasizes leadership and innovation across various sectors. Apply for the Big Bang competition here.

The competition recognizes outstanding projects in sectors such as:

  • Animal Health + Industry
  • Education + Educational Tools
  • Energy + Sustainability
  • Food + Agriculture
  • Human Health + Industry
  • Social Entrepreneurship

Schedule and Requirements

Running from March to May, the Big Bang! includes a series of workshops culminating in an Awards Ceremony where winners are announced. To participate, at least one member of each team must be affiliated with a California-based higher education institution.

Wrap-Up

The Little Bang! and Big Bang! competitions at UC Davis offer substantial opportunities for personal and professional development. By participating, entrepreneurs can gain valuable skills, expand their networks, and advance their entrepreneurial ventures within a supportive environment.

Interested in learning about more events happening in the Greater Sacramento region? Check our event listings!