Purdue University Northwest announces winners of the 2026 PNW Big Sell

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) awarded seed funding to three innovative entrepreneurs during the 2026 PNW Big Sell, the university’s annual pitch competition designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage business ventures.

Winning concepts and presenters for the 2026 PNW Big Sell included, from left, The ANT Tool (second place), GlucoCare (first place) and Low Angle (third place).

The 2026 PNW Big Sell brought together student and community entrepreneurs to pitch their startup concepts live before a panel of judges at PNW’s Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center (CMEC). The competition is sponsored by the PNW College of Business, the PNW Office of Commercialization and Research and Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO).

Ten finalists were selected from a competitive pool of two-minute video submissions and advanced to present six-minute live pitches for an opportunity to earn startup seed funding and connect with Northwest Indiana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The competition awarded $10,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place and $1,000 for third place.

The 2026 winners included:

• First Place ($10,000): GlucoCare presented by Simrah Khan
• Second Place ($3,000): Low Angle presented by Kenneth Webster
• Third Place ($1,000): The ANT Tool presented by Aaron Farrer

Additional finalists included entrepreneurs presenting innovative concepts in health care, consumer products, technology, lifestyle brands and sustainability-focused ventures. For more information about the 2026 winners, finalists and judges, visit pnw.edu/big-sell.

“The PNW Big Sell continues to showcase the incredible entrepreneurial talent emerging throughout Northwest Indiana and beyond,” said Alexandra Moran, assistant professor of practice in Management at PNW. “What makes this event especially meaningful is that it not only provides seed funding but also creates a launchpad for entrepreneurs to receive feedback, build connections and gain confidence in presenting their ideas.”

What makes this event especially meaningful is that it not only provides seed funding but also creates a launchpad for entrepreneurs to receive feedback, build connections and gain confidence in presenting their ideas.

Alexandra Moran, assistant professor of practice in Management at PNW

Over the years, participants from the PNW Big Sell have moved on to raise venture capital funding, launch successful companies and continue developing their businesses through regional entrepreneurial resources and partnerships. The event also serves as an experiential learning opportunity for PNW students, who assist with event planning, marketing, entrepreneur support and live event operations.

The PNW Big Sell is part of PNW’s growing entrepreneurship ecosystem, which includes initiatives and regional partners focused on supporting startup growth and commercialization opportunities throughout Northwest Indiana.

For more information about the PNW Big Sell and entrepreneurship opportunities at PNW, visit pnw.edu/entrepreneurship.