GoatTank 2026
4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Hosted by i3 Lab
Welcome to the Goat Tank Pitch Competition!
Are you ready to take your idea to the next level? The Goat Tank Pitch Competition is a unique opportunity for WPI undergraduate students to showcase their innovative ideas and compete for exciting cash prizes. This is your chance to gain experience in pitching, receive feedback from peers and mentors, and take the first step in turning your vision into reality.
What is Goat Tank?
Goat Tank is an internal competition for WPI undergraduates to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges. Whether you have a well-developed project or just a concept, this event is designed to support and inspire the entrepreneurial spirit within our community.
Why Participate?
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Win Cash Prizes:
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1st Place: $1500
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2nd Place: $1000
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3rd Place: $500
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Wootank Competition: 1st place winners will represent WPI at WooTank
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Practice Your Pitching Skills: Develop and refine your ability to communicate your idea effectively.
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Receive Feedback: Learn from expert judges and fellow participants to improve and strengthen your idea.
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Engage with the WPI Community: Join a collaborative and supportive environment to share ideas and connect with peers who share your passion for innovation.
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Free Food: Yes, food will be served, so come hungry and leave inspired!
Rules & Eligibility
- Only undergraduate students are eligible to apply.
- Applications must adhere to the eligibility criteria outlined for Wootank and Hult Prize competitions.
Format:
- Preliminary Review:
- 1 minute video focusing on your startup/idea
- Goat Tank Pitch Competition:
- Each of the top 10 participants from the Preliminary Round pitch for 3 minutes, followed by a 5-minute Q&A
- Judges
- The pitch competition will be judged by a panel of three distinguished professionals:
•Judges names coming soon...
- The pitch competition will be judged by a panel of three distinguished professionals:
How to Apply
Submit your application by February 8th to be considered for the competition. Applications should include:
- A 1-minute video explaining your idea, highlighting:
- The problem you’re solving
- Your proposed solution
- Your target customer (who will pay)
For detailed One-Minute Video Upload Instructions, refer to the survey.
Apply Here
Key Dates
Jan 14: Applications Open
Jan 28: Info Session and NABC Workshop (Optional)
- Time: 12PM-2PM
- Location: i3 Lab (2nd Floor of Innovation Studio)
Feb 8: Application Deadline (11:59PM)
Feb 14: Finalists Announced
Feb 18: Mandatory Pitch Workshop for Finalists
- Time: 11-12PM
- Location: i3 Lab (Innovation Studio, Second Floor)
Feb 25: Competition Day
Event Day Schedule
- 4:30 PM: Welcome & Opening Remarks
- 4:45 PM: Pitch Presentations Begin (3-minute pitch + 5-minute Q&A)
- 6:15 PM: Networking & Refreshments
- 6:45 PM: Awards & Closing Remarks
Intellectual Property (IP) & Ownership
All participation in i3 Lab events (Demo Day included) follows WPI’s official Intellectual Property Policy. In general, WPI’s policy states that students have ownership rights in intellectual property developed by them independently.
Importantly, the i3 Lab and event organizers do not take equity, claim rights, or assume control over student innovations. Our role is to provide a platform for students to showcase their ideas and receive support, not to obtain ownership.
- All prizes are non-dilutive grants — no equity, debt, or revenue share is required.
- Accepting a prize does not create ownership, board seat, or control rights for the i3 Lab, WPI, judges, or sponsors.
Note on Confidentiality
While participation does not require you to disclose every detail of your venture, you should only share what you are comfortable making public. Protect sensitive information such as trade secrets, patentable details, or proprietary data. Transparency is encouraged, but safeguarding your intellectual property comes first.
For more information, please review WPI’s Intellectual Property Policy or contact the Office of Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OTIE).