TEAMS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMPETE FOR CASH PRIZES AND IN-KIND AWARDS SUCH AS OFFICE SPACE, LEGAL ADVICE, FULL PATENT APPLICATIONS, MARKETING/PR, AND MORE.
To be eligible to win any prizes, teams or individual founder competitors must fully participate in all activities scheduled in the Business Accelerator Program (workshops, networking events, etc) leading up to all competitions.
Elevator Pitch Competition – Students will deliver 90-second elevator pitches to judges and compete for over $5,000 in non-dilutive cash prizes and in-kind donations.( all in-kind donations can not be exchanged for cash).
SMU Startup Launch Competition – Students will deliver a 10-minute presentation/pitch followed by judge 5 minute Q&A and will be competing for over $50,000 awards in non-dilutive cash prizes and in-kind donations.
NOTE: All cash prizes will be subject to taxation and sole responsibility of the recipient . Each competition team will be required to provide a W-9, W-8BEN-E or other country-appropriate tax documentation.
Tier 1: Elevator Pitch Competition Winners : Pre-Seed Funding and Mentorship Stage
The winners of the Elevator Pitch Competition will automatically qualify for the Finalist round of the SMU Startup Launch Competition. In addition, for the best pitches (“Tier 1”), the following will be awarded:
- Non-Dilutive Pre-Seed Funding (both cash and in- kind donations)
- Eligible to Advance to the Finalist Round *
- Dedicated Desk at a Co-Working Shared Space*(1st place)
- Shared Desk at Co-Working Shared Space
- Exclusive Access to Accomplished Entrepreneurial Experts and Innovators
- Invitation to Community Partnered Networking Events
- Access to Workshops and Resources
- One-on-One Mentoring
- Business Plan and Final Presentation Feedback
- Opportunity to Compete in the SMU Startup Launch Competition and the opportunity to win over $50,000 in cash prizes and in-kind donations (must consistently meet eligibility requirement throughout the program)
Tier 2: Elevator Pitch Competition Semi Finalists: Startup Coaching and Mentorship Stage
The Competitors of Elevator Pitch Competition Tier 2 will be awarded the following:
- Continued Access to Workshops and BAP Resources
- Access to Co-Working Shared Space
- Discovery Coaching Consultation
- One-on-One Mentoring
- Invitation to Networking Events
- Business Plan and Final Presentation Feedback
- Opportunity to Compete in the SMU Startup Launch Competition and the opportunity to win over $50,000 in non-dilutive cash prizes and in-kind donations