BIG Stock Pitch Competition
The Sustainable Horizons Stock Pitch Competition, hosted by the Bowden Investment Group (BIG) at Appalachian State University, invites participants to pitch compelling investment opportunities in companies poised for sustainable growth. This competition seeks businesses that demonstrate not only strong growth potential and long-term value creation but also a commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and responsible business practices.
We’re looking for companies that stand out within their industries, whether through cutting-edge technology, resource efficiency, or industry disruption, while positioning themselves for continued success. The focus is on identifying businesses that are shaping a resilient and prosperous future. If you believe a company is making a significant impact and can deliver impressive returns while embracing sustainable growth, we want to hear your pitch!
Each team will submit a slide deck for the initial round of judging. In the final round, the top three teams will be selected to present to an esteemed panel of judges in person at the Appalachian State Hickory Campus, competing for cash prizes, paid to their respective universities.
2026 Important Dates:
March 13th: Submission Deadline
March 20th: The top three teams will be notified
March 27th: The competition will take place at 3:30pm EST- consisting of the top three teams' presentations to a panel of judges and a distinguished guest speaker.
Rules:
Each team must be University-sponsored.
Teams can be made up of between 2 and 5 students.
A maximum of two teams per school.
Select a stock that you believe presents an impressive return opportunity backed by fundamental analysis and risk assessment, including ESG considerations.
We encourage you to consider multiple valuation techniques (valuation is an important part of the evaluation).
The stock must have a market capitalization of at least $1 billion.
The stock must have a minimum stock price of $5.
Each team will submit a slide deck for judging.
Presentation Guidelines:
- The three finalist teams will be chosen to deliver a presentation on their submitted slide deck.
- Presentations will have a maximum time limit of 10 minutes.
- There will be a 10-minute period allotted for questions.
What will the process look like?
Each team will submit their slide deck by March 13th, 2026.
Each team will be notified via email if they are selected to move on to the next round by March 20th, 2026. They will also be notified if they are not selected. These teams are still invited to join us on the day of presentation in person.
The three teams selected will be required to present their slides to a panel of three judges.
These three teams will each win a cash prize. The placement will be decided after the presentations.
We will have a keynote guest speaker while the judges deliberate
The placement will be shared with everyone present, and checks will be distributed after the event, once the team has submitted payment paperwork.
Every team will be provided with feedback.
Common Questions:
How do I participate?
You will use the Google form below to submit your information and pitch deck by the deadline.
Who will be responsible for judging?
The judging of the slides in the first round will be conducted by the Bowden Investment Group. We will have an esteemed panel of judges judging the presentations of the top three teams.
How will each team's slides be judged?
Each slide deck will be judged on the company and industry overview, the investment thesis, the risk and ESG analysis, the valuation, and the overall presentation of the slide deck.
How will the top three teams' presentations be judged?
Further details will be provided to the selected teams.
What are the prizes?
Each of the three teams that are invited to present will receive one of three monetary prizes. First place will receive $750, second place will receive $500, and third place will receive $250. Monetary awards will be paid to the universities sponsoring the teams.
WiIl I receive feedback?
Yes! As students ourselves, we greatly value feedback. It is our goal to provide feedback to every team competing in this competition. This will be delivered by email.
How will the winner be announced?
The winner will be announced in person and on our website after the judges deliberate.
Past Winners:
2025
1st Place: University of Waterloo (SHC)
2nd Place: UC Santa Barbara (AMTM)
3rd Place: The Wharton School (LULU)
2024
1st Place: Whitworth University (RPRX)
2nd Place: Loras College (CVS)
3rd Place: East Tennessee State University (SKX)
Google Form Application can be accessed at https://forms.gle/9L7JNXYU8AWVddny9