The Pitch

Do you have an interest in innovation and entrepreneurship and like to think BIG?

Join us for an exciting 3-day entrepreneurial training and development experience! The Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E) Program is looking for 50 of the greatest young minds, who think critically, creatively, and love to solve problems. Compete against your peers at The Pitch 2021, a 72-hour competition that will both challenge and reward you! Students will be tasked with developing solutions to business, social, or educational problems and pitch their ideas to a panel of expert judges comprised of entrepreneurs, small business owners, executives, venture capitalists, and other investors. On the final day, students will pitch their ideas at the Pitch & Win Competition before an expert panel. In past years, prizes have included an opportunity to attend Apple’s WWDC conference, Leadership Exchange Study Abroad Scholarship, Macbooks, and iPads to name a few.

The Pitch 2021 is an optimum opportunity for students to learn, engage in hands-on exercises, and develop the three C’s of an Entrepreneurial Mindset: Curiosity, Connections, and Creating Value.

The Pitch 2021 is a blend of two worlds. It is a place where technology meets business acumen connecting “techie” students, i.e., those who have an interest in building mobile apps and developing and utilizing their technical skills, with the more “business-minded” students who are aspiring entrepreneurs. This unique environment provides fertile ground for the growth and development of startups.

Program participants are placed in teams that include both the aspiring entrepreneurs and the product builders. The teams are charged with the task of sharing ideas, creating products and pitching to a panel of industry experts. In addition, each participant is exposed to Apple’s programming language, Swift, and taught the Business Model Canvas. This tailored coaching practicum approach allows them to build smarter and faster while having fun creating the next big idea! By the end of the virtual conference, participants are equipped with increased knowledge and experience in the areas of venture ideation, team building, business model canvas, customer discovery, and pitching.