The College of Engineering & Computer Science is proud to announce the Fourth Annual ECS Pitch Competition, which will be held this year. The competition is aimed at inspiring innovation and solving real-world problems. Students of all majors in the College of Engineering & Computer Science have the opportunity to present ideas on how to improve their lives, and their community, by solving a real-world problem.

Apply to the ECS Pitch Competition by October 28, 2022.

Besides up to $500 in prizes for the winner(s), the purpose of this event is to:

• Connect Engineering and Computer Science students’ skills with entrepreneurial resources encouraging them to build sustainable businesses.
• Accomplish linking engineering processes, critical thinking, creativity in solving a problem, persuasive presentations, teamwork and networking with value to real world stakeholders and employers.
• Gain practical experience in demonstrating economic and social value in a sustainable non- or for-profit enterprise. In the process, they will network with stakeholders, employers, and startup founders of the region.
• Connect startup methods such as the value proposition and lean business model canvas with engineering, computer science, or construction management projects.

The College of Engineering & Computer Science Pitch Competition is run in partnership with the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. The Carlsen Center at Sacramento State, which is open to all students of the campus and their partners in the region, provides comprehensive programming for the future entrepreneurs to move their ideas from dream to reality.

Who can participate?

The pitch competition is open to all ECS students, faculty, and staff in all departments within the college. ECS Alumni from the past three years may participate as well.

Partners from other colleges or outside the university are encouraged.

Key Dates

Please note changes in dates

• Pitch workshops: Multiple dates - Sept 21st, Sept 28th, Nov 2nd
• Application Due: October 28th at 11:59 pm
• Final Pitch Competitions: Week of November 8th

Pitch Competition Application Form

Resources

Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Virtual Entrepreneurship Toolkit Series

• 5 part series that will support you in refining your idea into a business model and preparing you for a 5-minute pitch.

Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Virtual Office Hours

• One-on-one consultation opportunities with the Carlsen Center’s Executive Director.

Guidelines

• Each pitcher or pitching team will give an oral pitch for their idea or business venture.
• Each pitcher or pitching team will have 5.0 minutes to pitch their business ideas and 5.0 minutes for the judges to ask questions. The panel will be strict on time!

The Pitch(ers) should focus on the following:

• Information about the problem/opportunity.
• Product/service information and how it will solve the problem or take advantage of the opportunity.
• Do you or your team have the ability (or expertise), skills, and passion to implement this business, nonprofit or produce the product or service.
• Who will buy it (target market) & why; and The market and its size.
• Price of the product/service, cost to produce it (revenue or business model).
• Competition and competitive advantage.
• Communicating your idea clearly and be concise and effective when answer judges’ questions.

Prizes

• Grand Prize from the College of Engineering and Computer Science $500.

Location

The competition will be in-person at the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

Sac State Library - Room 1520

From the main entrance to the Library, turn hard right, keep going up a short flight of stairs and into the Carlsen Center double doors.

Virtual Office Hours:

https://www.csus.edu/center/carlsen/center-spotlights/virtual-office-hours.html