NEW LOOK, SAME GREAT COMPETITION
The Iowa JPEC Startup Incubator Venture Team is sweeping campus Feb. 10-17 to find the most innovative, never before heard ideas! University of Iowa undergraduate and graduate students will have one minute to pitch their idea to the team for the chance to earn a Golden Ticket to advance to our Live Finale on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 6 p.m.

Winners of the pitch competition will take home cash prize $$$!

AUDITIONS
Open house audition hours are being held campus wide. All you need to do is drop by any location and in one minute or less, pitch your idea. Our Venture Team will have two minutes for Q&A before deciding if you will receive a Golden Ticket to advance to the Live Finale.

Main Library -- Monday, Feb. 10, 1-3 p.m.
Burge Hall -- Tuesday, Feb. 11, 3-4 p.m.
Sciences Library -- Wednesday, Feb. 12, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Business Library -- Thursday, Feb. 13, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Art Library -- Thursday, Feb. 13, 3-4 p.m.
BELL -- Friday, Feb. 14, 1-3 p.m.
Engineering Library -- Monday, Feb. 17, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Finale -- Wednesday, Feb. 26, 5:30 p.m.

VIDEO SUBMISSIONS
Not able to make the auditions? No problem! 1-minute video submissions are being accepted until 11:59 p.m. (CST) Feb. 17. To submit, send HERE.

HOLLYWOOD NIGHTS
All participants who did not receive a Golden Ticket will be invited to participate in Hollywood Nights at the BELL, Feb. 19-20 from 5-8 p.m. We will have a team of coaches ready to work with you on your pitch for a second chance at a Golden Ticket to the finale.

LIVE FINALE
5:30 p.m. Doors Open
6 p.m. Live Finale
6:45 p.m. Photos/Winner Reception

OPEN TO ALL TO ATTEND
Prizes
Cash will be awarded for the top finalists in multiple categories such as retail, the arts, healthcare, and sustainability. The official categories are TBD.

**Please note: Prizes will not be paid until the individual winner meets with a member of the Iowa JPEC Venture Team to discuss the potential of their idea and how Iowa JPEC can be of assistance to the student. Milestones may be required for larger prizes. Meetings will not take more than 15 minutes.

ELIGIBILITY
IdeaStorm is open to every University of Iowa student and this is an entry level event. No prior experience or preparation is needed. There are only two requirements you must meet in order to pitch at an IdeaStorm competition:

You must be a University of Iowa (undergraduate or graduate) student currently enrolled in courses;

Your idea must be new.

*Your idea cannot be a developed business that you have already been pursuing. If you have received revenue, funding, or professional support (including the Startup Incubator) for this specific idea, it will not be eligible. If you are unsure if your idea is eligible or not, please contact Janice Baldes.

BENEFITS
Familiarize yourself with the process of a pitch competition. Win cash prizes to help bring your idea to life. Get connected with the Startup Incubator and our student innovation programs

COMMON QUESTIONS
Q: What happens if I win money?

A: You will be contacted by a member of Iowa JPEC to discuss your idea and how we can assist you in moving it forward. Iowa JPEC offers a variety of free resources and tools to help with your success through our Startup Incubator.

Q: If my business is too far along to pitch my idea at IdeaStorm, can I pitch a different idea
A: Absolutely, we encourage you to pitch any NEW idea you may have.

Q: I've never done a pitch before. Do you have any suggestions on a format to follow?
A: IdeaStorm is specifically designed for students that have no pitching experience – you will fit right in. You do not need a presentation or to prepare ahead of time. You are not allowed to bring props; just state your idea and how you will solve the problem by following the pitch formula listed below.

HERE'S HOW AUDITIONS WORK
Students prepare a 1- minute pitch describing the problem they see and how they plan to solve it. Our Venture Team will watch the pitches and select students to receive a golden ticket and the opportunity to advance to the Live Finale.

HERE'S HOW VIDEO SUBMITTED AUDITIONS WORK
Students prepare and record a 1-minute pitch, just as you would for an in-person audition. Video submissions are due to janice-baldes@uiowa.edu no later than 11:59 p.m. CST Feb. 17. A full list of all Golden Ticket holders will be announced at noon Feb. 18 to all who participated in the audition round of the competition.

HERE'S HOW THE IDEASTORM LIVE FINALE WORKS
Winners will be announced at the event and will receive cash prizes. In addition to cash prizes awarded by the judges, the top ideas will also be eligible to win a People’s Choice Award, voted on at the event.

IDEA CREATION

Want to participate but don’t have an idea yet? This video walks you through exercises and other tips on how to come up with a business idea.

How to Get Started

We asked some of our students to put together some example pitch videos. Watch and see just how easy it is to participate!

First Steps

1. Think about your idea and problem.
2. Write and practice your pitch a couple of times.

Pitch Formula (What to talk about)

• What’s the problem you are trying to solve?
• Give us a little story about it.
• What is your solution to the problem?
• Can you do it?  What do you need?

Tips for a Successful Pitch

Pitches cannot be longer than a minute

• Make eye contact

• Be sure to hit all four points mentioned in the pitch formula

• Do not talk too fast. Relax and have fun!