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Brook T. Smith Launchpad

Blake Family Military & Veterans Pitch Competition

Since our founding in 1889, Clemson’s military history runs strong and deep. The Blake Family Military and Veterans Competition, which started in 2025, forcefully builds on that tradition as it grows in scope, size, and impact. Thanks to the generosity of Frank and Jennifer Blake, both members of the Class of 2000, Clemson University hosts an annual Military & Veterans Pitch Competition, honoring the University's historic and military roots while celebrating innovation and entrepreneurship.

participants with trophy

2026 Pitch Competition Information

When: Friday, November 6, 2026, from 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm

What: Present your team’s idea for up to 6 minutes and then answer up to 4 minutes of questions from our esteemed panel of judges including serial entrepreneurs and investors.

Who Is Eligible: At least one founder must be: active duty, active ROTC, reserve, national guard, veteran, or military spouse.

Where: The Brook T. Smith Launchpad, Clemson University, 390 College Avenue, Clemson, S.C. 29631

Applications details available on Clemson's StartUpTree

Application Deadline: Friday, October 16, 2026, by 11:59 pm

Finalist Notifications: Monday, October 19, 2026, by 11:59 pm

Purpose:

  • To provide the winning teams cash prizes.
  • To provide all teams with exposure to venture capitalists, angel investors, and other funders.
  • To provide all teams significant networking opportunities with peers, mentors, funders, and other supporters.

Expenses: The competition cannot cover travel or food, but we have secured one hotel room per team for Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Clemson’s Conference Center. Lunch will be served at the Competition.

Prizes: 1st $10,000, 2nd $7,500, 3rd $5,000, and 4th $2,500, paid to C Corps, S Corps, or LLCs only. You need to incorporate or be incorporated to receive payment.

Questions: launchpadcompetition@clemson.edu

1st Annual Blake Family Military & Veterans Pitch Competition Winners

1st Place

A group of individuals stands on stage holding a large check and a trophy, celebrating a donation of $12,000 to Ruck Sox, flanked by American and Clemson University flags.
Ruck Sox 

2nd Place

Group of men presenting a large check for $10,000 to support NATUR Athletics during a formal event.
Natur Athletics Shoe Co 

3rd Place

Group of eight individuals presenting a large check for $5,000 to support Phase III Therapy at a donation event.
Phase III Therapy 

4th Place

Group photo of award presenters and recipients holding a large check for $2,000 in recognition of Precision Anatomy at the Blake Family Military & Veterans Pitch Competition.
Precision Anatomy 

5th Place

Group of people awarding a large check to a winner at a pitch competition
Heriloom Cloud 

Photo Gallery

Two presenters wearing headsets stand at a podium with a laptop during a talk, with a U.S. flag nearby.
Speaker wearing a headset presents on stage beside a podium labeled “Brook T. Smith Launchpad” at Clemson University’s entrepreneurship hub.
Man speaking at a podium with a headset microphone, with an American flag beside him.
Speaker giving a presentation on stage next to a podium at Clemson University’s Brook T. Smith Launchpad, with U.S. and Clemson flags behind him.
Man giving a presentation on a small stage, holding a device, with an American flag and a Launchpad podium nearby.
Two presenters on stage beside a podium with a laptop, speaking at the Brook T. Smith Launchpad at Clemson University.
Two presenters in suits stand beside a podium at a Brook T. Smith Launchpad event, with one speaking into a headset microphone.
Two presenters in suits speaking at a podium with a laptop at the Brook T. Smith Launchpad.

Competition Video