Awardees of the inaugural Wells Fargo Pitch to the Pack competition in 2025. Image: NC State/Wilson College of Textiles

Registration is now open for the 2027 Wells Fargo Pitch to the Pack competition. The competition is open to all entrepreneurs working in a textile-based business, with opportunities to win cash awards and sponsorships for prototyping and business development.

Teams must register by Nov. 9 and submit their video application by Nov. 19.

Judges will review video applications and select 10 finalists to pitch live to a judging panel of industry experts. Finalists will also participate in workshops hosted by the W. Duke Kimbrell Flex Factory at the Wilson College of Textiles prior to pitch day.

Rules and requirements

All business concepts/products must be textile-related.
Those whose business relies on university-owned technology should speak with the Office of Research Commercialization before registering.
Finalists must participate in the workshops offered in the W. Duke Kimbrell Flex Factory.
Finalists must agree to participate in event and workshop photography and video activities before, during and after the Pitch to the Pack event. The event, including finalist pitches, may be recorded and shared publicly, including on YouTube, to showcase the work and experience of the finalists.
Finalists must be available to pitch their concept at the Pitch to the Pack Textile Entrepreneur Pitch Event.
Previous Pitch to the Pack participants: Individuals or teams who have participated in a previous Pitch to the Pack competition but did not advance to the finals are eligible to apply again.

Important dates

Registration deadline: Nov. 9
How to make a pitch session: Nov. 10
Video application deadline: Nov. 19
Finalists announcement: December 2026
Prototyping sessions: January–February 2027
Pitch to the Pack: Feb. 9, 2027

2027 awards

In 2027, 13 awards will be presented: five based on judges’ scores and five based on audience voting, with additional awards available from sponsorships through the North Carolina State University (NC State) Andrews Launch Accelerator. These awards have a separate judging system and are available based on individual eligibility. Only one award is allowed per team.

Awards include general cash prizes and Andrews Launch Accelerator sponsorships. Cash awards can be used for general expenses, as well as for materials, supplies and work within the Wilson College of Textiles fabrication and testing facilities.

First place: $10,000

Second place: $8,000

Third place: $6,000

Fourth place: $5,000

Fifth place: $4,000

Entrepreneur of the Year*: $1,000

*Undergraduate students only

Audience Choice Awards: $1,000 each

Best Community Impact
Best Presenter
Most Innovative
Most Practical
Most Sustainable

Andrews Launch Accelerator Award (two spots, each $10,000 value)

Eligibility: Any startup that has a co-founding member who is either a current NC State student (undergraduate or graduate) or is a recent graduate (meaning they graduated five or fewer years ago).
During the 12-week in-person program, NC State startup founders will work on their concepts and build their companies. Founders receive funding, resources, and guidance to take their startups to the next level.

Flex Factory Mentorship

The W. Duke Kimbrell Flex Factory will offer both mentorship opportunities and workshops for Pitch to the Pack finalists, helping them grow their businesses. Finalists will learn how to build their competitive strategy, understand their problem and market opportunities, and conceptualize their minimum viable product.

Pitch to the Pack supporters

Supporters of Pitch to the Pack receive benefits such as inclusion of support on marketing materials and priority seating at the event. Those interested in supporting Pitch to the Pack can reach out to Jaclyn Hage at jaanthon@ncsu.edu.

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