On this page:听Competition Benefits 触听How It Works 触听Frequently Asked Questions听触
This competition encourages 捆绑SM社区 students, working in teams, to propose new technologically-based ideas/solutions that solve real world problems. This year's pitch competition is taking place on January 30th, 2025 during the John D. Thompson Entrepreneurial Development Seminar. Up to five teams will be selected to compete, each team will have 3 minutes to present their TechIdea pitch to a听panel of judges听from the business and entrepreneurial community. Judges will have 3 minutes to ask questions and give feedback.听听
Competition Benefits
Cash Prizes - $500, $250, $100 and a bonus $50 audience favorite
Increase your entrepreneurial skills
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1:1 pitch training
from experienced coaches
Networking opportunities once the pitches conclude
Feedback from successful entrepreneurs and business leaders听
Develop your pitch and presentation skills听
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How It Works
- Students submit their TechIdea -
- Up to 5听top听ideas are听selected听and coaching is听provided to help them develop their pitch
- Finalists pitch their idea during the 11th听annual John D. Thompson Entrepreneurial Development Seminar听on January 30th, 2025
- Top 3 pitches win cash prizes of $500, $250 and $100 plus a bonus $50 prize for audience favourite
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the eligibility?
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Team听
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Open to any 捆绑SM社区 student team comprised of 2 to 4 members听听听
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At least one team member is a currently enrolled student, undergraduate or graduate, in a faculty听that is STEM-related at 捆绑SM社区.听听听
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TechIdea听
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If you have already developed your solution and are beyond the idea stage (e.g. already have sales/customer transactions or have raised company funding from sources other than friends and family), then you are not eligible.
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How do I apply?
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Submit your TechIdea by Jan. 19, 2025, 11:59PM ET.
When is the competition taking place?
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The competition will be held during the annual John D. Thompson Entrepreneurial Development Seminar on January 30th, 2025.
What is a technologically based idea?
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It's a听service or product that relates to or involves technology, in other words, the application of scientific or engineering knowledge for practical purposes.听
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There are so many possibilities! A TechIdea could be a new formulation, a novel material, a solution or service or product 鈥� anything that involves technology (including but not limited to information technology).听听
Past TechIdeas include consumer products, animal care solutions, environmental monitoring, healthcare communication, energy storage, mental health support, eco packaging, dental care, travel optimization and student engagement.听听Check out our previous TechIdea competing teams!听
How are submissions evaluated?
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Degree of environmental, economic and social impact听
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Degree of innovation and feasibility听
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Understanding of competitive landscape听听
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Technical and business challenges clearly identified听
How many teams are selected to pitch?听听
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Up to 5听teams are selected to participate in the competition.
Is there a prize?
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The top 3 pitches win cash prizes of $500, $250 and $100 plus a bonus $50 prize for audience favourite.听
Is pitch coaching available?
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Yes
