The FREED Family Pitch Competition is an annual event organized by the Herb Kelleher Entrepreneurship Center at the University of Texas at Austin. It provides a platform for undergraduate student teams to present their startup ventures in a competitive setting, with a total of $65,000 in cash and prizes at stake. The competition is part of the university's broader entrepreneurship ecosystem, which includes initiatives like the Energy Ventures Practicum and TEX-E, reflecting a commitment to fostering innovation among students. While the competition is open to startups across disciplines, it is situated within an institution with a strong energy focus, as evidenced by the Energy Institute's involvement. This context suggests that proposals addressing energy-related challenges may find particular resonance, though the competition does not explicitly restrict themes. The event culminates during UT Energy Week, a signature gathering that brings together stakeholders from academia, industry, and policy. For participating teams, the competition offers not only financial support but also the opportunity to refine their pitches and receive feedback from a jury of experts. The high-stakes environment is designed to simulate real-world investment scenarios, preparing students for the rigors of entrepreneurship. The Kelleher Center's track record in nurturing student ventures adds a layer of credibility to the endeavor.