Shreveport, LA, September 22, 2025
News Summary
LSU Shreveport’s Pilot Pitch competition is drawing increased interest, sparked by Khaled Saif’s strong showing at the Pelican Cup. With significant prize money on the line, students are excitedly preparing for the upcoming events. Workshops and information sessions have begun, focusing on helping participants develop their business ideas. The competition encourages entries from all majors, promoting innovation within the student community.
Shreveport’s Pilot Pitch Competition Gains Popularity
LSU Shreveport’s (LSUS) entrepreneurship competition, Pilot Pitch, is seeing a surge in interest following Khaled Saif’s impressive performance, where he won second place in Louisiana-Monroe’s Pelican Cup, securing a $25,000 prize. Moreover, the grand prize at the Pelican Cup was $50,000, indicating the potential rewards for student entrepreneurs.
Due to Saif’s success, many LSUS students have started attending information sessions for the upcoming 2025 Pilot Pitch competition. According to Mike McDaniel, an assistant professor and director of the competition, there is noticeable momentum building for Pilot Pitch as students from various majors are showing interest.
The first entrepreneurial workshop for this year’s Pilot Pitch will take place on September 24, offering both in-person and virtual sessions to accommodate a larger audience. Students interested in competing must declare their intent by October 1 through the LSUS Moodle website. A second workshop is scheduled for October 8, giving participants further opportunities to develop their ideas.
Competition Details
Students are encouraged to participate either individually or as part of a team. They will work on crafting comprehensive business plans with support from mentors, which will include creating a one-page canvas lean, a summary of financial projections, and a pitch deck. McDaniel particularly urged students from diverse academic backgrounds, especially in science and biology, to bring forward unique ideas to the competition.
The Pilot Pitch competition features separate divisions for undergraduate and graduate students. Saif’s idea, titled “UDoIt,” is an innovative app designed to assist parents and children in practicing movements using cell phone camera technology. Last year’s winner, Shayna Schexnayder, won the undergraduate first-place prize with her proposal for an indoor sports facility for youth and high school teams in Lafayette. Additionally, Xzayvier Ford-Smith, who secured second place in the undergraduate category previously, developed a self-improvement app named LifeQuest and collaborated with Saif’s team for the Pelican Cup pitch. Ford-Smith expressed gratitude for the competition’s valuable mentorship and evaluation process.
Partnership Details
Pilot Pitch is a collaborative initiative between LSUS and the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (EAP). The EAP is supported by the BRF, an economic development organization in northwest Louisiana, enhancing the opportunity for budding entrepreneurs in the region.
Overview of Pilot Pitch Competition
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| First Place Prize | $3,000 |
| Second Place Prize | $1,000 |
| Third Place Prize | $500 |
| Workshop Dates | September 24, October 8 |
| Intent Declaration Deadline | October 1 |
| Participating Students | All Majors Welcome |
FAQ
What is the Pilot Pitch competition?
LSU Shreveport’s (LSUS) entrepreneurship competition, Pilot Pitch, is growing in popularity.
Who won the recent Pelican Cup and what was the prize amount?
Khaled Saif, a student at LSUS, won second place in Louisiana-Monroe’s Pelican Cup and received a $25,000 prize.
What are the important dates for the 2025 Pilot Pitch competition?
The first entrepreneurial workshop will take place on September 24, while a second business workshop is scheduled for October 8. Students must declare their intent to compete by October 1.
Can students participate individually or as part of a team?
Students can participate as individuals or in teams.
What type of support will participants receive?
Participants will develop business plans with the assistance of mentors, including a one-page canvas lean, a summary of financial projections, and a pitch deck.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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LSU Shreveport’s Perfect Season Sets New Standard in College Baseball
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Additional Resources
- KTBS: Pilot Pitch Workshops for Aspiring LSUS Entrepreneurs
- Wikipedia: Entrepreneurship
- Rice Lake Chronotype: Baseball Rohde Pilots LSU Shreveport to Historic Season
- Google Search: LSU Shreveport Pilot Pitch
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Pitcher Isaac Rohde’s Late Decision Shaped LSUS Baseball Perfect Season
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