³ÉÈËVRÊÓÆµ

TechIdea pitch competition 2024

TechIdea Pitch Competition

On this page:ÌýCompetition Benefits ´¥ÌýHow It Works ´¥ÌýFrequently Asked QuestionsÌý´¥

This competition encourages ³ÉÈËVRÊÓÆµ students, working in teams, to propose new technologically-based ideas/solutions that solve real world problems. The latest edition took place on January 29th, 2026 during the John D. Thompson Entrepreneurial Development Seminar. Five teams were selected to compete, each team had 3 minutes to present their TechIdea pitch to aÌýpanel of judgesÌýfrom the business and entrepreneurial community. Judges had 3 minutes to ask questions and give feedback.ÌýÌý


Competition Benefits

Cash Prizes - $500, $250, $100 and a bonus $50 audience favorite


symbol of improvement

Increase your entrepreneurial skills

Ìý

Advising Icon.

1:1 pitch training
from experienced coaches


Networking opportunities once the pitches conclude

Feedback from successful entrepreneurs and business leadersÌý


Devices icon (a computer, watch and cellphone).

Develop your pitch and presentation skillsÌý

Ìý

How It Works

  1. Students submit their TechIdea.
  2. Up to 5ÌýtopÌýideas areÌýselectedÌýand coaching isÌýprovided to help them develop their pitch
  3. Finalists pitched their idea during the 13thÌýannual John D. Thompson Entrepreneurial Development SeminarÌýon January 29th, 2026
  4. Top 3 pitches win cash prizes of $500, $250 and $100 plus a bonus $50 prize for audience favourite

Ìý


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eligibility?

  • TeamÌý

    • Open to any ³ÉÈËVRÊÓÆµ student team comprised of 2 to 4 membersÌýÌýÌý

    • At least one team member is a currently enrolled student, undergraduate or graduate, in a facultyÌýthat is STEM-related at ³ÉÈËVRÊÓÆµ.ÌýÌýÌý

  • TechIdeaÌý

    • If you have already developed your solution and are beyond the idea stage (e.g. already have sales/customer transactions or have raised company funding from sources other than friends and family), then you are not eligible.

How do I apply?

  • The next TechIdea Pitch Competition will be held in January 2027. A call for TechIdeas will be put out November 2026 and TechIdeas are submitted through an online form.

When is the competition taking place?

  • The competition will be held during the annual John D. Thompson Entrepreneurial Development Seminar in January. The next competition will be in January 2027.

What is a technologically based idea?

  • It's aÌýservice or product that relates to or involves technology, in other words, the application of scientific or engineering knowledge for practical purposes.Ìý

  • There are so many possibilities! A TechIdea could be a new formulation, a novel material, a solution or service or product – anything that involves technology (including but not limited to information technology).ÌýÌý

    Past TechIdeas include consumer products, animal care solutions, environmental monitoring, healthcare communication, energy storage, mental health support, eco packaging, dental care, travel optimization and student engagement.ÌýÌýCheck out our previous TechIdea competing teams!Ìý

How are submissions evaluated?

  • Degree of environmental, economic and social impactÌý

  • Degree of innovation and feasibilityÌý

  • Understanding of competitive landscapeÌýÌý

  • Technical and business challenges clearly identifiedÌý

How many teams are selected to pitch?ÌýÌý

  • Up to 5Ìýteams are selected to participate in the competition.

Is there a prize?

  • The top 3 pitches win cash prizes of $500, $250 and $100 plus a bonus $50 prize for audience favourite.Ìý

Is pitch coaching available?

  • Yes

Back to top