Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

The Knoxville Entrepreneur Center (KEC) is preparing for another fast-paced weekend of entrepreneurial energy as its annual “What’s the Big Idea” pitch competition approaches.

This year, interest in the event seems particularly strong, as 29 founders submitted video pitches. Public voting on the submissions runs from February 9 to 15th and will influence which teams advance into the competition weekend.

“What’s the Big Idea” is built around a simple challenge. Take an early-stage concept and turn it into a viable, pitch-ready startup over a 48-hour sprint. KEC describes the event as a shark-tank-meets-accelerator, complete with intensive mentorship designed to push participants from idea to execution.

Founders have the opportunity to work side by side with advisors in legal, marketing, finance, design, technology, and more as they sharpen their business models and prepare for the Sunday evening pitch event. One founder will walk away with $10,000 in prize funding.

Last year’s winner, Joel Smith with TeachCraft, is a perfect example of how the competition can be a life-changing experience. After the momentum generated by the event, Smith left his long-time career in education to focus full-time on his project-based learning platform.

Finalists for the 2026 competition will be announced on February 25, and the community will get its chance to cheer them on during the public finale on Sunday, March 22. That night will determine which big idea gets the resources to scale and add to the region’s growing roster of homegrown startups.