By: Marc Ransford—
Muncie, Indiana — Young innovators from across Indiana may learn more about the entrepreneurial process through a pitch competition — and win up to $100,000 in prizes — co-sponsored by Ball State University in partnership with the Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC) and the Indiana Department of Education (DOE).
Innovate WithIN Pitch Competition, now in its second year, is designed for high school innovators who have an idea for a business, product, service, technology component, or other venture that helps identify Indiana as the place to start and grow a business or helps drive the state forward and sustain economic success.
With support from a series of educational training videos, students from all over Indiana will learn how to generate ideas, identify opportunities, and make an excellent pitch. No business planning experience is needed.
After completing video pitches and regional competitions, the finalists from each region will be invited to come to Indianapolis to pitch to a panel of judges for a chance to win a prize package that features a one-year scholarship to any in-state university, a corporate internship, career mentoring services, and $10,000 cash.
The deadline for video submissions is Feb. 6. Regional competitions will take place March 4-15 at nine regional sites around the state. The finals will be in April in Indianapolis.
Middle school students also may learn about entrepreneurship at Innovate WithIn workshops at the nine regional sites. Open to students in grades 6-8, participants will attend presentations designed to promote innovative and entrepreurial thinking.
Applications may be submitted at InnovateWithIN.org.
