Tech Innovators Pitch Competition announced

The Milky Way Tech Hub announced it will host a pitch competition for early-stage tech and tech-enabled startups on Wednesday, October 2 at the i.c.stars Milwaukee headquarters as part of WI Tech Month.

To be eligible to compete, at least one company founder must reside in Wisconsin, or be committed to relocating their business to Wisconsin. Applications are due by October 1.

Underrepresented founders are strongly encouraged to apply for this competition.

“This competition is a chance to create exposure and opportunity for underrepresented founders. If we want to grow economic development in Milwaukee, it doesn’t happen without diversifying opportunity,” Dr. Shakkiah Curtis, local entrepreneur and event director, said.

Startups chosen to compete will have no more than seven minutes to present their pitch decks to the audience, followed by a brief series of questions from the panel of judges. Contestants will be evaluated in the categories of “Innovation & Originality, Market Potential, Team Strength, Business Model & Financial Viability, Presentation & Communication Skills, and Social Impact & Scalability.”

Event sponsors the African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin, the Sherman Phoenix Foundation, i.c.stars, and the Milwaukee Brewers have contributed competition prizes that include $1,500 grand prize to support scaling efforts. Additional prizes include access to training and networking opportunities.

To register to attend this competition, click here. To apply to participate in this competition, click here.

A complete list of WI Tech Month events can be found here.