If you're a Michigan startup, there's one pitch competition you absolutely have to know about. It's called the
Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition, and the grand prize winner receives $500,000. Even the first and second runners up receive $100,000 and $50,000 respectively.
The competition is seeking applicants from "high-growth, high-tech," early stage Michigan companies that have received less than $2 million in investment to date. After the first application round, 36 companies are chosen to pitch on-site in front of judges. Of those, 10 will get a chance at a longer presentation at the event's gala dinner on November 16 at the Masonic Temple.
There's also a competition for Michigan student entrepreneurs. Semi-finalists and finalists will be given a chance to pitch during the same day as the companies for a chance to win a grand prize of $10,000.
According to Accelerate Michigan, "previous prize winners have fueled over 1000 jobs and raised more than $550 million in additional financing." Past winners of the competition include,
SPLT,
Banza,
SkySpecs, and others dating back to 2010.
If you're a company or student, you can apply for the Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition here. The deadline is Friday, Sept. 1 at midnight.
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