Harry W. MacLauchlan (1926–2002) combined his entrepreneurial initiative, work ethic, business judgment, and people skills, with a deep commitment to his family, community, and province. The MacLauchlan family has endowed an award to help advance and encourage entrepreneurial students at UPEI to build innovative ventures that will grow and benefit Prince Edward Island communities.

The Harry W. MacLauchlan Entrepreneurship Program - Panther Pitch

The Harry W. MacLauchlan Entrepreneurship Program is dedicated to the development of students having an entrepreneurial outlook who will create and lead new ventures on PEI.

This year’s participants not only get a chance to win a share of the $67,000 prize money but also gain invaluable experience, mentorship, and networking opportunities within the PEI startup ecosystem. This is their moment to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

2025 MacLauchlan Panther Pitch Event Details

This year’s MacLauchlan Panther Pitch will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025. The live pitching event will take place from 4:00 pm to 6:15 pm in the Alex H. MacKinnon Auditorium, McDougall Hall, Room 242. The Panther Pitch finalists will pitch their ideas to the judges and live audience. Following the live pitching event, there will be an awards ceremony and reception from 6:15 pm to 8:00 pm in the Schurman Market Square in McDougall Hall. All award winners will be announced during this time.

The Panther Pitch event is open to the public; if you would like to attend, please register today. 

Categories and Prizes

This year, we have a remarkable $67,000 in prize money available to support and propel Panther Pitch participants' entrepreneurial ventures. Students have the opportunity to apply for entrepreneurial awards and to pitch in the live finale. There is $17,500 available for entrepreneurial awards.

Each entrepreneurial award has a 1st place prize of $2,500 and a 2nd place prize of $1,000. Students are allowed to apply for three of the following awards:

• Most Innovative Venture
• Positive Impact Award
• Best Market Research
• Best Financial Plan
• Scalability Award

Students also have the chance to apply to pitch for funding to help develop their projects. This year, we're thrilled to announce that there is a substantial $49,500 available for this purpose. This funding aims to provide tangible support for the development and growth of your entrepreneurial endeavours.

While students pitch for a portion of the $43,500 main prize pool, they also compete for one of three pitching awards. Each pitching award is valued at $2,000:

• Most Effective Slide Deck Award
• Q&A Specialist Award
• Dynamic Pitch Delivery Award

Participants will participate in sessions focused on helping them strengthen their business ideas and prepare their applications. These sessions include:

• Business Plan Strategy
• Speed Networking
• Financial Fundamentals
• Elevator Pitching
• Risk Mitigation
• Pitching Fundamentals

For any inquiries, please reach out to us at hwm_startups@upei.ca.