Call for Applications: The Pitch: A Competition of New Ideas

Washington, February 12, 2024—The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) today announced a call for applications for The Pitch: A Competition of New Ideas, the Center’s annual premier event to elevate emerging and diverse voices in national security. Selected applicants will make their pitch for innovative policy ideas to meet new challenges in U.S. national security policy in front of a distinguished panel of judges.

The Pitch will be split into two rounds. The first round will take place virtually on April 24, 2024, with winners from each category and a People's Choice winner advancing to the grand finale. The winners of the first round will present their pitches in person at the grand finale during the CNAS 2024 National Security Conference, which will take place on June 6 in Washington, D.C. and online through virtual sessions.

During the first round of competition, heat winners and the People’s Choice winner will each receive a $250 honorarium. Additionally, first-round winners residing in the continental United States will be provided with airfare and lodging to travel to Washington, D.C. to compete in The Pitch finale during the annual conference and attend VIP conference sessions. The Best in Show winner, selected during the grand finale, will receive a $1,000 honorarium, as well as attendance at a CNAS Next Generation Program dinner of their choice.

In addition, the three heat winners and the People’s Choice winner will have the opportunity to contribute a written version (500–1000 words) of their pitch to a special CNAS commentary collection.

To apply and see the competition rules, visit: The Pitch

Applicants should make their pitch for a new U.S. national security or foreign policy idea responding to one of the following prompts:

Technology and National Security: What new ideas in U.S. technology policy (whether that’s financial technology, industrial policy, communications technology, defense technology, etc.) can address growing national security challenges for the United States and strengthen the safety and prosperity of the American people?

Institutions and People Power: What specific reform to critical U.S. national security institutions (including structures, processes, and human capital) can improve their effectiveness and public confidence in the face of new challenges?

Military Modernization: What new ideas, strategies, or reforms could the U.S. Department of Defense implement (across personnel, hardware, institutions, or processes) to better meet the challenges of the future?

Winners of the 2023 competition were:

• Anna Blue, Best in Show and People’s Choice Winner
• Jennifer Lee
• Sam Pandey

Do you know someone who should compete? Forward this email and encourage them to apply!

The Pitch is a premier component of CNAS’ commitment to elevating the next generation of national security leaders.

If you are interested in sponsoring The Pitch, please email: cbelisle@cnas.org.

The CNAS 2024 National Security Conference will convene leading experts to examine critical national security issues. Sign up to be the first to know when registration opens: CNAS 2024 National Security Conference.

For more information, email thepitch@cnas.org.