Applications for the 2019 Innovate WithIN ™ pitch competition, a statewide initiative hosted by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), Indiana Department of Education (DOE) and Ball State University, are now open to high school students across Indiana. Student teams are invited to submit video pitches online before Feb. 6, 2019, and new to this year’s program, middle school students interested in entrepreneurship are invited to register for workshops offered at the regional competitions in early 2019. Innovate WithIN ™ , which is in its second year, gives Hoosier students the opportunity to create their own business plans and showcase entrepreneurial ideas throughout the state. The overall winners of the state competition will each receive a $10,000 cash prize, $10,000 toward one year of in-state tuition, internship opportunities and mentoring services. Participants are invited to work individually or in small groups to submit an innovative idea for a business, product, service or venture. Students will then receive feedback from experienced professionals while competing against like-minded youth from across Indiana through three rounds:
-Round One: Video pitch submissions due Feb. 6
-Round Two: Regional pitch competitions hosted from March 4 to March 15
-Final Round: State pitch competition for regional finalists hosted in April
After completing video pitches and regional competitions, the finalists from each region will be invited to Indianapolis for the final round of the competition, pitching their ideas to a panel of judges from Indiana’s entrepreneurial community.
In addition to the pitch competition and mentorship opportunities, the 2019 Innovate WithIN ™ pitch competition will expand to middle school students through ideation sessions at the regional competitions. Open to grades six through eight, these students will participate in workshops aimed at fostering entrepreneurial and critical-thinking skills while also introducing them to real-world business concepts.
As part of Governor Holcomb’s Next Level Agenda to make Indiana a hub for innovation and develop a 21st century skilled and ready workforce, the state is committed to helping cultivate innovative ideas in the classroom. The Innovate WithIN™ pitch competition fosters an entrepreneurial spirit among our leaders of tomorrow, empowering students to hone their innovative thinking. Submit applications and learn more about the program at InnovateWithIN.org.