PDMA runs this annual international competition for university students and people whose qualifying work was created while they were enrolled within the previous calendar year. Entrants develop an original product, service, software concept or combination and document its value proposition, demand evidence, financial assessment, and a mockup or embodiment. Entries may build on thesis, capstone, coursework, or extracurricular work.
For 2026, preliminary judging is complete and three finalist teams will present at PDMA’s Ignite Innovation Summit in Atlanta on October 8–9. Finalists may present remotely if unable to attend in person.
Benefits & funding
- Entry is free.
- Every team member receives a one-year PDMA student membership.
- The first-, second-, and third-place teams receive US$2,500, US$1,500, and US$1,000 respectively.
- Finalist representatives receive an unspecified travel stipend toward attending the summit.
- Finalists are invited to the summit and can present to and network with product professionals.
Eligibility
- Team members must have been enrolled within the previous calendar year in an undergraduate or graduate university program when the submitted work was developed.
- An individual may enter, and there is no team-size limit; every entry must have an advising professor.
- Each student may participate in only one submission per year.
- The project must be original work owned by the students rather than a corporation or other third party.
- PDMA states no nationality, residency, gender, age, or work-experience restriction.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Education required
Bachelor Enrolled · Master Enrolled · PhD Enrolled
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Application process
- 1Confirm that every entrant meets the enrollment rule and arrange an advising professor.
- 2Develop an original product, service, software concept, or combination and address its value proposition, evidence of demand, financial assessment, and mockup or embodiment.
- 3Combine the submission materials into one PDF and submit it through PDMA’s submission system by the stated deadline.
- 4If selected, present the concept at the summit in Atlanta or remotely.
Program timeline
Application deadline
Jun 1, 2026
Finalists announced
Jun 20, 2026
Finalist presentations and award decisions at the Ignite Innovation Summit
Oct 8, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026