Deadline Date: January 15, 2026
The NICF has opened applications for Cohort 8 of The Big Idea Drop Competition, inviting bold thinkers with game-changing ideas to step into the spotlight.
This opportunity is designed for students, startup teams, researchers, innovators, founders and aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to showcase what makes their idea stand out and gain early momentum.
The competition rewards creativity and clarity of vision, offering the winner three months of access to the NICF co-working space along with one-to-one coaching sessions with domain experts. Participants also receive exclusive NICF goodies, creating a supportive launchpad to refine ideas, build confidence and connect with a thriving innovation community.
Entry into the competition is simple and social-driven. Applicants are asked to engage with the NICF Cohort 8 application post by tagging five founder friends and sharing the post on their Instagram story. To complete the entry, participants submit a concise 30-second video pitch on Instagram that clearly highlights their startup’s unique selling proposition.
This competition is an opportunity to gain visibility, expert guidance and a collaborative workspace while testing ideas in front of a broader audience. It encourages emerging innovators to articulate their value quickly and creatively, making it an ideal platform for those looking to take their first confident step toward building something impactful.
For more information, visit NICF.
