Showcase your students' potential on a global stage
The Pitch is a real-world marketing challenge where students build confidence, gain practical experience and give themselves the best chance to stand out to employers.
Working in teams, they'll put their marketing knowledge to the test by responding to a fun, industry-relevant brief set by IBM.
- Apply classroom theory to real-world challenges: This year’s brief explores how Al is transforming marketing, bringing today’s trends directly into the student journey.
- Learn from IBM industry experts: Students will gain exclusive insights from IBM, including Al resources, expert-led webinars and a podcast on effective storytelling.
- Connect with industry leaders: Finalists will have the chance to pitch their ideas in a live virtual final to a panel of judges from leading brands across the world.
How you can take part
The Pitch is designed to fit easily into studies, making it an ideal learning opportunity to complement your teaching. However, you choose to support, we’ll provide everything you need to help students succeed.
This year's categories and challenges
There are two categories this year, with tailored challenges for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
FAQ's
All student teams must register by 01 December. Each team member needs to complete their own registration form so they can receive all competition news and updates.
If you’re supporting a student team and would like to receive updates too, simply complete the registration form on either the undergraduate or postgraduate page.
For tutors supporting multiple teams entering, you’ll only need to register once.
Once students sign up for The Pitch, they’ll receive:
• The Pitch information guide which provides an overview of the challenge set by IBM, as well as relevant resources and links to access further information.
• A one-page judges’ summary which provides an outline of the criteria that judges will marking student’s presentations against.
• A blank presentation summary template that they will need to complete with a brief outline of their marketing presentation.
• 16 September 2025: Student team registrations open
• 01 December 2025: Student team registrations close
• 19 January 2026: Deadline for team member or team name changes
• 26 January 2026: Marketing Presentation submission deadline
• 25 February 2026: Finalists announced
• 10 March 2026: Undergraduate live virtual final
• 11 March 2026: Postgraduate live virtual final
Teams must consist of two or three students. All team members must be studying at the same academic level – either all undergraduate or all postgraduate.
The Pitch has two rounds:
• Round 1: Teams submit a PowerPoint presentation outlining their marketing proposal.
• Final Round: Shortlisted teams present their ideas live (virtually) to a panel of expert judges.
We’re here to help. Email thepitch@cim.co.uk with any queries. In the run-up to the presentation submission deadline, we’ll also share emails with tips and guidance for students.
If students have questions about The Pitch, please direct them to the Undergraduate or Postgraduate webpage.
