Salvin Entrepreneurial Pitch Competition

The Salvin Entrepreneurial Pitch Competition was created by faculty in 2018 to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among students. Over time, the competition has expanded with the involvement of Queens’ Entrepreneurial Leadership Circle and, in 2024, welcomed graduate students, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives and advanced ideas.

As the program continues to thrive, it offers participants not only prize money but also invaluable resources, including access to incubator programs, industry connections, and mentorship from faculty and sponsors.

Oscar Barzuna Hidalgo, assistant professor of entrepreneurship and data analytics, has been instrumental in shaping the competition since its inception. He coordinates the event, mentors students, and collaborates with faculty, sponsors, and volunteers. “The competition allows students to apply classroom learning to real-world challenges,” Professor Barzuna explains. “It promotes critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving while giving students hands-on experience in pitching ideas and developing business models.”

In 2025, the pitch competition was renamed for Bob Salvin in honor of his generous support for the program.

Bob Salvin is an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award winner, an inductee into the Carolinas Entrepreneur Hall of Fame, a member of the Queens Board of Trustees, and a crucial partner for this program. When he invested in the future of the competition, the university formally named it the Salvin Entrepreneurial Pitch Competition to recognize his commitment and impact.

Bob’s philosophy—honed from building his successful business—is to develop the ability to communicate complex ideas simply and effectively. As he puts it, his sponsorship is “built around learning, developing and using these skills to be able to concisely explain a business idea to bankers, investors, customers, potential team members, and sometimes your spouse.”

Denise Rotondo, dean of the McColl School of Business, highlights the competition’s broader significance. “Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of our economy, especially in the thriving Charlotte region. The McColl School has a long history of celebrating North Carolina entrepreneurs who have gone on to launch and grow successful businesses.”

Through the Salvin Entrepreneurial Pitch Competition, Queens University is proud to inspire and equip the next generation of business owners, providing them with the tools and confidence to turn innovative ideas into reality.