Do you have an idea for a new business, product, or social innovation? Participate in the Hofstra University Lion's Den – a Shark Tank-style pitch competition where students vie for prizes by making their best two-minute "elevator pitch" to a panel of expert judges.
Current Hofstra University students from any school/year/major/class level (undergraduate/graduate) are eligible to pitch!
If you would like to participate in the pitch competition, click the “Register to Pitch” button below.
Only the top 10 finalists will be able to pitch before the judges.
For more information, go to the “Frequently Asked Questions” section.
The Lion’s Den Pitch Competition will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, in the ideaHUb from 1pm-3pm. A total of $900 in cash prizes will be awarded to the winners.
First Place: $400
Second Place: $300
Third Place: $200
From left to right: Barbara Roberts, Judge (Entrepreneur-in-Residence), Leeann Palmer, 3rd Place Winner (Promptly); Andrew Lombardi, 1st Place Winner (Dare Drop!), Jarrett Yousefzadeh, 1st Place Winner (Dare Drop!), Benazeer Davlatshoev, 1st Place Winner (Dare Drop!), Haoran Zhao, 2nd Place Winner (Cater AI), Natalia Sandor, Judge (ideaHUb Incubator Coordinator), Dr. Richard Hayes, Executive Director, Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE).
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where will the Lion’s Den Pitch Competition be held?
The Lion’s Den Pitch Competition will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, in the ideaHUb (Guthart Hall, Room 103) from1pm to 3pm.
Who is eligible to participate?
Current Hofstra University students from any major, school, year, or class level (undergrad/graduate) are eligible to participate.
When is the deadline to register for the Lion’s Den pitch competition?
The deadline is Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
How many are allowed to participate in the pitch competition?
Only the top 10 finalists will be able to pitch.
How do I participate in the Lion’s Den pitch competition?
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Click “Register to Pitch” button on the Lion’s Den webpage or click here.
After I register, what’s next?
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Prepare your pitch presentation using presentation tools such as PowerPoint, Canva, etc. Your presentation should be no more than 2 minutes long.
Will I receive assistance with my presentation?
The IIE has mentors available to help you prepare for the pitch competition. If you would like guidance on your pitch presentation, please send an email to ideaHUb@hofstra.edu with your name, phone number and specify the area of your presentation you would like assistance with.
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When will I be notified that I am one of the finalists?
The top 10 finalists will be notified on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
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When are the winners announced?
Winners are announced on the same day.
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What are the prizes?
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First Place: $400
Second Place: $300
Third Place: $200 -
If I previously participated in the Lion’s Den Pitch competition, can I pitch again?
Yes, but only if you did NOT win a prize.
How soon will I receive my cash prize if I win?
Winners are required to submit a completed W-9 form and can expect to receive a check within 30 days after processing. Non-US citizens will have to complete a W8-BEN.
Do I need to have a company to participate?
No, you do not need to have a business, just a well-formulated idea.
Does my idea have to be in a particular business sector?
No. We welcome and encourage ideas from all sectors and industries.
Can I have worked on the idea prior to the competition or as a student project?
Yes.
Who are the judges?
A panel of judges will include experienced entrepreneurs.
Will Hofstra claim any intellectual property or equity in my idea?
No, Hofstra University releases all intellectual property rights to the participants. Hofstra will not take any equity in the company.
Can international students participate?
Yes. Currently enrolled Hofstra University students can participate.
Can graduate students participate?
Yes. Currently enrolled Hofstra University students can participate.
Is there a required major for eligibility?
No. All majors can participate.
Is there a limit on the number of participants on my team?
Five is the maximum number of members in a group that can participate.
Do I need to build a prototype?
All you need is a business idea to enter. Use of the ideaHUb maker space is available upon request and subject to approval and availability of the space and materials.
Can I apply if I have already started a business?
Yes.
Can non-Hofstra students participate in my team?
No. The Lion’s Den pitch competition is only open to currently enrolled Hofstra University students.
What other kinds of support does the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship offer Hofstra student entrepreneurs?
The Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship is an available resource for all members of the Hofstra community interested in learning more about entrepreneurship. The Institute provides workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Visit www.hofstra.edu/entrepreneurship for more information.