The TCNewTech University Idea Showcase is open to both idea stage entrepreneurs as well as early stage startups based out of universities located in Michigan.

The participating universities will showcase their best student-led ideas to compete for cash prizes and a traveling trophy. A panel of judges will determine the best and most innovative idea and the audience will vote via text message for their overall favorite team.

If you enjoying learning about new ideas and supporting entrepreneurs, please register for this free event today!

OBJECTIVES:

-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

REGISTER TO ATTEND:

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.

AGENDA:

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!

APPLY TO PITCH:

This event is a pitch competition for student-led startups from Michigan-based universities. If your are school is interested in pitching, please contact Jennifer Szunko at executivedirector@tcnewtech.org for more information.

THANKS TO OUR PLANNNING COMMITTEE:

Julie Messing, Central Michigan University

Jay Meldrum, Michigan Tech University

Steve Rice, Northwestern Michigan College

Jennifer Szunko, TCNewTech

Willard Kitchen, Winona State University

About Northern Michigan Startup Week

Happening May 9-15, 2022, Northern Michigan Startup Week is a celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the growing startup community in Traverse City and throughout the region. Everyone is invited to discover new opportunities and foster big ideas that are happening right here in Northern Michigan. Events include Space Night, Funding Innovation Luncheon, Startup Expo, University Idea Showcase, Student Pitch Competition, and Techstars Startup Weekend.

Northern Michigan Startup Week is a collaborative initiative organized by 20Fathoms, TCNewTech, Northern Michigan Angels, and Newton’s Road.

Lead sponsors are Hagerty, Boomerang Catapult, and Northwestern Michigan College. The media sponsor is Interlochen Public Radio.

About TCNewTech

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.

Terms & Conditions

By participating in the event, you grant Northern Michigan Startup Week organizers permission to capture photos/videos of the event.

Tickets are nonrefundable unless the event is canceled by the organizer.