Startup UCLA’s Bruin Impact equips students with an entrepreneurial mindset, focused on innovation and creative problem solving, to cultivate ideas that drive positive social or environmental impact and develop leaders of change.
Engage
Connect to social impact communities and opportunities throughout UCLA with curated content, social media and cross-campus partnerships.
Educate
Learn to apply an impact lens to your idea or enterprise to build ventures that are good for people and the planet through LaunchPad venture consulting meetings, workshops and events.
Excite
Develop your idea to create positive change through the Bruin Impact Challenge, a campus-wide competition providing resources and a chance to win from a Prize Pool of $10,000.
Bruin Impact Challenge
The annual Bruin Impact Challenge invites students to cultivate ideas that improve the world. Solo or in teams, students participate in skills workshops, mentorship sessions and networking events, moving through three selection rounds culminating in a pitch showcase for a chance to win from a prize pool of $10,000.
What students are saying about BIC
The coaching and mentorship prior to the pitches were very helpful for us in evolving our ideas, telling our story, and prepping our presentation.
The critiques and feedback from the judges/mentors throughout the entire process, especially since critiques were provided from multiple people, all from different backgrounds & perspective.
Even though it was an idea competition, I was able to develop an entire plan I can use in the future.
I enjoyed learning how to convey [a] social impact venture and distinguish it from a regular business.
BIC ‘21 – ‘22 Winners
First Place
Mahruq Siddiqui & Mahnaz Siddiqu with Peppercorn
Andrew Ghadimi with Find your smile
Second place
Simone Jensen with Smartbooks
Third Place
Here & Now
Bruin Impact Challenge Details
What are we looking for?
Innovative ideas that drive positive change through:
- Social Enterprises (earned-revenue non-profits or for-profit organizations)
- Non-Profit Initiatives (values campaigns, policy engagements, community convenings, etc.)
Eligibility
- Open to all currently enrolled UCLA undergraduate and graduate students. Please note, grants and prizes will be distributed through student financial services and deposited into Bruin Direct Accounts. You must be a current student to receive prize money
- Non-students are allowed join as team members with at least one qualifying UCLA student.
- Submissions must be an undeveloped or early-stage idea that will produce a positive impact on people and/or the planet.
Competition Rounds
- Round one: Proposals – Students submit written proposals outlining their impact idea. A team of judges will select teams from each track to continue into round two.
- Round two: Preliminary Pitches – Students will pitch their ideas to a judging panel for feedback. Six to eight teams will be selected to move into round three.
- Round three: Final Pitches – Students will pitch their ideas to a live audience and judging panel. Winners will be selected to receive recognition and cash prizes.
Grants & Prizes
- A cash prize pool totaling up to $10,000 will be awarded at the pitch showcase to help winning teams propel their solutions further. Certain restrictions may apply.
Resources
- 1:1 mentorship with impact/industry professionals
- Work sessions to support idea and pitch development
- Opportunities to network with like-minded students
- Direct exposure to and feedback from expert judges
Apply
Bruin Impact Challenge applications are open now! Submit your application/Project Proposal by Friday, February 17, 2023 at 11:59pm Pacific.
If you have any questions, please contact startup@college.ucla.edu.