The annual Husky Innovate Idea Pitch Competition will take place Wednesday, November 20, 2024, from 5-7 pm in the M&M Building, Room U115. Hosted by the College of Business and the Office of Innovation and Commercialization, the pitch competition is a platform for students to showcase their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
The event encourages participants to present innovative, creative business or product ideas that address real-world problems and opportunities. Participants will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges and cash prizes will be awarded to the top ideas. Supported by expert guidance and feedback, participating students will gain valuable experience in a professional setting, enhance their skills, gain recognition, and make an impact.
The pitch competition is open to all enrolled Michigan Tech undergraduate and graduate students. Participants can compete individually or on teams of up to three members. Each pitch should be a maximum of five minutes and supported by up to five presentation slides. Pitches must adhere to Title IX University guidelines for student conduct.
A mandatory pitch preparation session takes place November 15 from 5:30–7:30 pm in M&M U113. The short seminar will share information about event set-up and design, present pitch idea reviews, and explain the scoring format.
To participate, please register and send pitch slides by Friday, November 17, at 11:59 pm.
Event Details
- Date: November 20, 2024
- Time: 5-7 p.m.
- Location: M&M Building, Room U115
Registration
To participate, please register by November 17, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
Prizes
- 1st Prize: $500
- 2nd Prize: $300
- 3rd Prize: $200
- Additional awards for social innovation and audience choice
Schedule
November 15: Mandatory Pitch Preparation Session
- Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- Location: M&M Building, Room U113
November 17: Deadline to register and submit presentation slides
- Register and submit pitch slides by November 17 at 11:59 pm.
- Email PowerPoint or Google slides to huskyinnovate@mtu.edu and bdoglesb@mtu.edu.
November 20: Pitch Competition
- Time: 5-7 p.m.
- Location: M&M Building, Room U115
Participation Guidelines
- Open to all enrolled Michigan Tech students (undergraduate and graduate).
- Participants can compete individually or on teams of up to three members.
- Each pitch should be a maximum of five minutes, supported by up to five presentation slides.
- Pitches must adhere to Title IX University guidelines for student conduct.
Judging Criteria
- Clarity of idea
- Technical feasibility
- Market potential
- Team strength
- Social impact
- Overall presentation quality
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of the idea pitch?
The pitch should center on a business or product idea that demonstrates creativity and innovatively addresses a problem or opportunity.
Can we participate as a group?
Yes. Both individuals and groups of up to three members can participate.
Who can participate?
All enrolled MTU students (undergraduate or graduate) are eligible to participate.
Is there preparation support?
Yes. A mandatory pitch preparation session takes place November 15, from 5:30–7:30 pm in M&M U113.
Do we need to submit any materials?
Yes. Email up to five PowerPoint or Google slides to huskyinnovate@mtu.edu and CC bdoglesb@mtu.edu by November 17 at 11:59 p.m.
Any tips for idea generation?
- Focus on innovation: How does your idea address a problem or opportunity?
- Think of impact: Who will benefit from it, and what is its potential outcome?
- Avoid generic statements like “Everyone will love this.”
- Avoid discussing investors, patents, or financing in this early-stage pitch.
What are the judging criteria?
- Clarity of idea: Is the idea well-articulated?
- Technical feasibility: Is it practical to develop?
- Market potential: Is there demand?
- Strength of team: Does the team show capability?
- Social impact: Does it contribute positively to society?
- Overall pitch quality: Is the presentation engaging?