‘Innovate WithIn 2018 Pitch Competition’ targets high school competitors

Batesville, In. — Ball State University and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation is hosting a one-of-a-kind competition to encourage innovators at the high school-level. The Innovate WithIn 2018 Pitch Competition is open to all Indiana high school students.

Teams of up to three students from the same region of the state can use a series of educational videos to develop business ideas for products, services or other ventures that continue to sustain statewide economic success

Round One submissions are due by February 10, 2018 and must include:

  1. Teams can begin uploading on January 9, 2018.
  2. Prepare a one-page executive summary outlining the business idea and market opportunity.
  3. Complete and submit the Future Innovators of Indiana application.
  4. Optional slide deck (PowerPoint, Keynote, or PDF) of no more than 10 slides.
  5. Practice and record a 3-5 minute pitch. (do NOT go over!)

Winners announced on or before February 23, 2018, and invited to compete at their regional competition. Feedback from judges will be compiled and returned to each team in an effort to encourage them to continue developing the venture.

Round Two, or the Regional Competition will be held from March 5 through 17, 2018. Round Two includes the following:

  1. Students should continue to refine their venture.
  2. Students should prepare a slide deck (20 slides maximum) to accompany a 3-5 minute pitch.
  3. Students must demonstrate that they implemented feedback received in Round 1.
  4. Students must be prepared to answer 3-5 minutes of judges’ questions.
  5. All members must speak.

Region 2 includes Ripley, Dearborn, Ohio, Jennings and Switzerland Counties. Decatur, Franklin, Rush, Fayette and Union Counties are in Region 4.

For more information or an application look here.