The Kohl Centre at Virginia Tech, led by David M. Kohl Chair and Professor Le Wang, will host the Agriculture and Life Sciences Pilot Pitch Competition in collaboration with the Apex Center for Entrepreneurs!

Students from AAEC 3454: Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship, taught by Chunbei Wang, Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, will present innovative business ideas that offer real-world solutions in agriculture and the life sciences. 

AAEC 3454 primarily includes students from the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics and other programs within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, as well as students from Virginia Tech interested in entrepreneurship.

  • November 18 and 20, 2025 - Pitch round one
    • The top six teams will proceed to the final round
  • December 4, 2025 - Top team pitch final round
    • The top three teams will be selected as first, second, and third place winners of the competition

Faculty, professionals, and representatives from the APEX Center will serve on a panel of judges for the competition. 

Prizes awarded:

  1. First place: Framed certificate of winning team, VT prize pack, e-badge for LinkedIn profile, and social media acknowledgement 
  2. Second and third place: Framed certificate of recognition, VT gift, and social media acknowledgement 

This pilot pitch competition will feature participating student teams, a panel of judges, and invited attendees.

Contact: Chunbei Wang, Ph.D., chunbeiwang@vt.edu