Start where you are. Go as far as you’re ready.
The road to IdeaStorm is designed to meet students at every stage of their idea journey. Whether you’re just starting to explore or already have a strong concept, there’s a path for you. All events take place at the Bedell Entrepreneurship Learning Laboratory (BELL).

Step 1: Test Drive Your Idea — Ideation Camp
Not sure if your idea is ready for a pitch? Start with Ideation Camp on Saturday, Feb. 7 or Saturday, Feb. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon. These low-pressure workshops help you explore your idea, get feedback, and figure out what’s actually worth pursuing. No slides or perfect pitch required. Think of it as the on-ramp, not the finish line.
What you’ll get:
•    Clearer thinking about your idea
•    Stronger language to explain it
•    Confidence to decide whether you want to audition

Feeling confident in your idea already? Skip the test drive and take the fast lane and head straight to submitting a video audition.

Step 2: Audition for IdeaStorm
Ready to move forward? IdeaStorm auditions are your chance to share your idea, your way. You can:
•    Submit a short 1-2 minute video on your own schedule HERE, or
•    Attend an in-person audition at the BELL on Monday, Feb. 16 or Tuesday, Feb. 17, 1-4 p.m.

Auditions focus on ideas and potential, not perfection. Ideation Camp helps you walk in with clarity, but you can also jump straight to auditions if your idea is already solid.

Step 3: Hollywood Nights at the BELL
If selected from auditions, you’ll be invited to Hollywood Nights on Wednesday, Feb. 18 or Thursday, Feb. 19, 4-8 p.m. Work with Iowa JPEC coaches at Hollywood Nights to sharpen your pitch, practice your story, and get live feedback. This is where good ideas become great pitches.

Step 4: IdeaStorm Finale — Golden Tickets
From Hollywood Nights, 15 teams will earn Golden Tickets to pitch live at the IdeaStorm Finale on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. for cash prizes. This is your moment to take the stage and show how far your idea can go.

You don’t have to know the whole road to take the first step. Start with Ideation Camp, or jump straight to auditions—the choice is yours.

 

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 1-2 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 SUBMISSIONS WORK
Students prepare and record a 1-2 minute pitch, just as you would for an in-person audition. Submit you pitch HERE no later than 4 p.m. (CT) on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

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!