Do you have a good idea you think is worth cash? Then get out your video cameras and smart phones, break open that idea journal, and create a quick video pitch. The Blackstone LaunchPad powered by Techstars at SU Libraries is hosting its first ever Minute to Win It – Virtual Edition from April 6 through May 1. Entrepreneurs are invited to send their best 60 second pitch for a venture idea (product, service, technology or non-profit impact enterprise), and our judges will determine which stands above the rest. Plus, we’re giving out $500 in prizes to the top three pitches. This competition is especially targeted to students who have never pitched in an idea competition before. It’s designed to be a way to jump start good ideas across campus. Here is the here is link to the Qualtrics application
First Place winner will win $300, Second Place will receive $150, and Third Place will receive $50. After the event, the three winners will be matched with our Rubin Family Innovation Mentors who will help them create a spending plan to help use the money from the competition to get their amazing idea off the ground.
The Blackstone LaunchPad encourages all entrepreneurs from any major or degree level to apply. This virtual platform allows you the chance to perfect your company’s pitch on video before presenting it in front of future investors and judges.
Because we’re going virtual, to enter the Minute to Win It competition we ask that you record a 60 second video of your business pitch. You can edit the video however you’d like, but video quality is NOT a consideration by the judges. You must then use this link to provide your contact information and business idea as well as upload your video (.mp4 or WAV files only). Our judges will watch all of the pitches and rate each idea based on four criteria:
Creativity — Is this idea unique? Is the business providing a product or service that doesn’t exist? Are they approaching a traditional business with a new angle?
Market Opportunity – Is there likely a market for this product or service? Will consumers be motivated to purchase it? Are there platforms that the entrepreneur can sell through?
Problem Solving – Is the idea solving a definitive problem? Is this problem widespread or niche?
Feasibility – Is this a business that the entrepreneur can reasonably start up? Does the idea require an unrealistic amount of startup capital?
The five judges for this competition will be Kelsey Davis, Founder of CLLCTVE, Matt Shumer, Founder of Visos, Sam Hollander, Founder of FSCL, Will DeVito, Founder of WD40 Productions, and Phil McKnight, Co-Founder of Promptous. Once these judges reach a final decision, the Blackstone LaunchPad will announce the winners through Instagram Live on our account @launchpadsyr in early May.
Please submit all applications by 11:59 p.m. on May 1.