University Pitch Showdown

Second annual university pitch competition for student-led startups during the Northern Michigan Startup Week.

The TCNewTech University Showdown is an event that provides a platform for students in Michigan who have innovative business ideas. The showcase welcomes both idea-stage entrepreneurs and early-stage startups from universities across the state to participate in the competition. The participating students will present their ideas, competing for cash prizes and a traveling trophy. A panel of judges will determine the best and most innovative idea, and audience members will vote for their favorite via text message. The event aims to foster entrepreneurship and support the development of young business leaders in Michigan.

Participants include teams from the following universities:

• Central Michigan University
• Grand Valley State University
• Michigan State University
• Michigan Tech University
• Northern Michigan University
• Western Michigan University
• & More

• Foster entrepreneurship and develop an ecosystem of support for Michigan’s college students
• Provide students a forum to develop ideas, showcase their ideas, and their pitch skills
• Provide students with exposure to investors

The audience is made up of technology-minded people and consists of programmers, investors, IT staff, people looking for opportunities for their tech company, tech companies looking for staff, mentors, and people interested in learning about new ideas.

• 5:30: Doors open and cash bar
• 6:00: Students pitch their ideas. Each presenter will be allowed 5 minutes to present their business or new technology and 5 minutes of question from the panel of judges
• 7:30: Panel of judges votes to select the idea that is most likely to scale and the audience votes for their favorite idea. Winners announced!

TCNewTech’s University Idea Showcase is an invitation-only pitch competition for student-led startups from Michigan-based universities.

• Open to all Michigan-based universities but limited to 1 team per university.
• The company or idea must be majority (over 50%) owned by students.
• Any idea from any industry is accepted, however, we strongly recommend these TCNT guidelines
• All University grade levels are accepted, including undergraduates, Master’s and PhD students (as of June 15, 2022).
• The company or idea cannot have over $10,000 in revenue, including third party investment.
• Your entry can be at the idea stage or a legally formed entity. However, if a legal entity has been formed, the earliest incorporation date cannot be before May 1, 2022.
• $500 entry fee per team
• Online registration is open March, 2023

TCNewTech is a community of tech enthusiasts, businesses, entrepreneurs, and Michigan policymakers building a culture of innovation, economic growth, and opportunity for local talent in the Traverse City Region.