Breakthrough Ideas to Address Neurodegenerative Diseases

WashU Olin Business School’s inaugural Ideas to Impact Pitch Competition, part of our Business of Health Summit on October 15, 2025, is calling on early‑stage health entrepreneurs to submit bold ideas targeting neurodegenerative diseases, cognitive decline, and caregiver support. Finalists will pitch live to a national panel of health‑focused venture capitalists for a chance to win up to $50,000 in seed funding and receive invaluable investor feedback.

On October 15, 2025, Olin hosts its first annual Ideas to Impact Pitch Competition, where vetted finalists present to leading venture capitalist judges.

Whether you’re in biotech, medtech, pharmaceuticals, or health tech—and your venture addresses Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, cognitive aging, or caregiver support—we want to hear from you!

The Skinny

• Open to health‑tech, biotech, pharmaceutical, or device innovators targeting neurodegenerative disease, cognitive aging, or caregiver support
• Two‑round competition: 1. Submission with video pitch 2. Live presentation
• Personalized feedback from venture capitalist judges for all advancing teams
• Final teams present live in St. Louis—optional coaching available

How to Apply

• Submit your 1st‑round proposal with 2-minute video by September 10, 2025. Video should be uploaded to YouTube, and link can be shared with the application proposal via the Google form link below. 
• Entrepreneurs—both with products and initial ideas—are invited to compete, but the ideas must be brain-health related and original.

Good Video Criteria: 

• When recording your pitch, it is helpful to start by capturing attention with a compelling opening that clearly defines the problem your startup addresses. Make the problem relatable, emphasizing why it is crucial to solve it. 
• Explain how your product or service offers a clear solution. 
• Introduce your team, briefly highlighting their relevant expertise and experience to build credibility. 
• Outline the market opportunity and growth potential, showcasing the viability of your business. 
• If applicable, highlight milestones, early successes, or traction you have already received for your idea. 
• Wrap up your pitch with a clear and direct ask.

If You Are a Venture Capitalist

Get involved

If you are interested in hearing how to get involved as a judge or coach, please contact Griffin Knipp at knipp@wustl.edu

Key Dates

• Submissions Open: Now
• Submission Closes: Wednesday, September 10, 2025
• Finalists Notified: Monday, September 22, 2025
• Live Finals in St. Louis: Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Prizes

• Grand Prize: $50,000 in seed funding
• Runner‑Up: $25,000 in seed funding

Judging Criteria

1. Significance of the Problem
   Does the idea address a clearly defined and high-impact challenge within brain health, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, cognitive decline, or caregiver support? Is the problem backed by compelling evidence or lived experience?

2. Differentiation of the Solution
   How original is the proposed solution? Does it offer a novel approach or meaningful improvement over existing alternatives? Is it forward-thinking and adaptable to future developments?

3. Potential for Societal Impact
   Will the idea meaningfully improve patient outcomes, caregiver support, or healthcare delivery? Can it scale or be adapted to serve broader populations or underserved communities?

4. Market Viability
   Is there a clear understanding of the target market, user needs, and competitive landscape? Does the idea have a viable pathway to implementation, growth, and long-term sustainability?

5. Team Strength
   Does the team demonstrate the passion, skills, and collaboration needed to advance the idea? Are the right people with the right experience and expertise in place to take this solution to the next stage?

Have questions? Contact us at knipp@wustl.edu.