MTN DEW announced on December 8 its Real Change Opportunity Fund And Ideas Pitch Competition in an effort to discover, challenge and uplift the next generation of Black innovators and entrepreneurs.

The MTN DEW brand, which is part of the PepsiCo portfolio, is partnering with Howard University, Hampton University and other PepsiCo-affiliated Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as part of the fund and pitch competition. The MTN DEW Real Change Opportunity Fund is launching as part of PepsiCos $400 million commitment to uplift Black communities and Black representation. 

"MTN DEW recognizes the real need for actionable, tangible change and is committed to fueling whats right as we seek to drive progress against the systemic racism and inequality faced by Black people in America," says Nicole Portwood, Vice President, Marketing, MTN DEW. 

According to the announcement, the pitch competition will provide resources, programming, and funding to future Black Entrepreneurs and will include a prize pool of $1 Million.  A panel of experienced judges will selec the top 50 applicants and invite them to a round of virtual pitches with an all-star panel beginning January 18, 2021.