New Albany, Indiana, November 25, 2025
A vibrant display of entrepreneurial spirit was showcased at the Next Big Thing Pitch Competition in New Albany, Indiana. Innovators competed for start-up grants, with ecoSURE and Proper Pilots Inc. taking top honors in their respective categories. This event highlights the importance of community support for local innovation and economic growth.
Local Entrepreneurs Shine at the Next Big Thing Pitch Competition
New Albany event showcases ingenuity and drive in Southern Indiana.
New Albany, Indiana – The vibrant spirit of entrepreneurship was on full display at the 2025 Next Big Thing Pitch Competition, held at Indiana University Southeast on November 19, where nimble innovators competed for start-up grants to elevate their business ideas. Such initiatives underscore the essential role of community-driven events in encouraging local economic growth and the importance of minimizing bureaucratic hurdles in fostering innovation.
This annual event, sponsored by several key local businesses and community leaders, highlights the talent and determination present within Southern Indiana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Successful competitions like this one empower individuals to take charge of their business aspirations, promoting a culture of self-reliance and achievement.
Competition Overview
The Next Big Thing Pitch Competition featured two primary categories designed to cater to both emerging and established entrepreneurs:
- Fast Pitch: Aimed at businesses operating for six months or fewer, presenting their early-stage ideas.
- Pitch Tank: Targeted at established businesses that have a completed business plan and a clearly identified minimum viable product.
Fast Pitch Category
In the Fast Pitch category, ecoSURE emerged victorious, capturing the first-place award of $2,000. ecoSURE is developing a critical medical device for validating nasogastric feeding tube placement, addressing an important healthcare need. Other notable finalists included The Honey Haven, TruePulse Health, REMI, and CollabCode, all presenting unique ideas that contribute to the local business landscape.
Pitch Tank Category
The Pitch Tank category saw Proper Pilots Inc. take home the first-place award of $8,000. This innovative platform connects flight students, instructors, and schools, streamlining the educational experience in aviation. The competition in this category was strong, with other finalists such as Lead to Love, A Servant’s Heart, DINO, LLC, and Purple Shamrock Farm offering diverse business models and services.
Event Highlights
Keynote speaker John Neace, founder of Neace Ventures, delivered valuable insights on entrepreneurship, emphasizing the significance of resilience and innovation in business success. The event was made possible by the generosity of sponsors: Duke Energy (Gold Sponsor), First Harrison Bank and Neace Ventures (Silver Sponsors), and Republic Bank (Bronze Sponsor), showcasing the vital partnerships that can energize community initiatives.
Background
The Next Big Thing Pitch Competition not only provides financial support but is also a catalyst for encouraging entrepreneurial endeavors in Southern Indiana and the Louisville metro area. By facilitating a platform where entrepreneurs can showcase their ideas, the event contributes significantly to fostering an environment where innovation flourishes.
Conclusion
The success of the Next Big Thing Pitch Competition speaks to the strength of local initiative and the potential for community growth when barriers are lowered. It is crucial for residents to support local events that promote civic engagement and entrepreneurial spirit. As this year’s participants exemplified, individual ambition combined with community backing can create a thriving business ecosystem, encouraging all to stay involved in the development of their communities in Indianapolis and beyond.
FAQ
What is the Next Big Thing Pitch Competition?
The Next Big Thing Pitch Competition is an annual event hosted by the IU Southeast School of Business, designed to support local entrepreneurs by providing start-up grants and fostering economic growth in Southern Indiana and the Louisville metro area.
Who won the Fast Pitch category?
ecoSURE won the Fast Pitch category, receiving a first-place award of $2,000 for their innovative medical device.
Who won the Pitch Tank category?
Proper Pilots Inc. secured the first-place award of $8,000 in the Pitch Tank category for their platform connecting flight students, instructors, and schools.
Who were the other finalists in the competition?
Other finalists in the Fast Pitch category included The Honey Haven, TruePulse Health, REMI, and CollabCode. In the Pitch Tank category, finalists were Lead to Love, A Servant’s Heart, DINO, LLC, and Purple Shamrock Farm.
Who were the sponsors of the event?
The event was sponsored by Duke Energy (Gold Sponsor), First Harrison Bank and Neace Ventures (Silver Sponsors), and Republic Bank (Bronze Sponsor).
| Category | Winner | Award Amount | Business Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Pitch | ecoSURE | $2,000 | Medical device for validating nasogastric feeding tube placement |
| Pitch Tank | Proper Pilots Inc. | $8,000 | Platform connecting flight students, instructors, and schools |
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