A Pitch Competition for Undergraduate Students Across Northeast Ohio

What is ideaLabs?

Since 2010, ideaLabs, a flagship program of the Entrepreneurship Education Consortium (EEC), an initiative powered by the Young Entrepreneur Institute, has fostered innovation and entrepreneurship across Northeast Ohio. Each year, undergraduate students from 13+ colleges and universities pitch ventures in two tracks: Big Idea (pre-revenue) and Money Maker (post-revenue). Competing for cash prizes, students showcase their concepts to a panel of judges, gaining valuable feedback and exposure.

The event connects students, campus representatives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders while celebrating past successes like DecisionDesk, NextToNothingBooks, and PotHole Patch.

• Big Idea: Pre-revenue ventures
• Money Maker: Post-revenue ventures

With over 100 attendees, including students, local entrepreneurs, campus leaders, and community partners, ideaLabs is a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and growth. Check out a recap of ideaLabs 2024, which took full advantage of Eaton Corporation’s elegant Beachwood headquarters.

ideaLabs 2025

Will be held in April at the Eaton Center in Beachwood, Ohio. Invite-only for students, faculty, sponsors, and community partners.

For more information about the event and how to get involved, please email Mallory at eec@us.edu.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Eaton

Sponsorship Opportunities