Kansas City Kansas Community College is preparing for the 2015 KCKCC “Innovation Summit” – one of the premiere start-up pitch competitions in the region.
The 4th annual Innovation Summit is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 3 in the Multi-purpose room of the Dr. Thomas R. Burke Technical Education Center, 6565 State Ave.
The purpose is to inspire entrepreneurs, individuals and educators to innovate; connect people and organizations; mentor and promote Kansas City’s entrepreneurial spirit and engage and facilitate community leaders so they can promote entrepreneurship as a vital part of the culture and economic health.
“This Innovation Summit is about bringing together lots of people from varying backgrounds and disciplines in order to combine creative ideas so that these innovations can become a reality,” said Jay Matlack, director of business retention and expansion for the Wyandotte Economic Development Council and former director of Workforce Development for KCKCC. “We hope anyone who has an idea feels invited to come as an attendee or attempt pitching their idea so that they can test whether their innovative ideas are feasible.”
After qualified participants give their pitches to the judges and the general audience, investors and attendees will have a chance to walk through the Elevator Pitch Exhibit.
This is an opportunity for selected entrepreneurs to answer additional questions from investors, other entrepreneurs, business leaders and venture capitalists for a chance to win a cash Award.
There are two divisions in the perfect pitch competition – the general division, for those 19 and above and the high school division, for those who are 14 to 18-years-old.
Four chances are available to qualify for the Perfect Pitch competition. Each pitch person will be given three minutes to pitch an idea, followed by three minutes for questions from the judges. The following are qualifying dates:
- Feb. 23 – KCKCC Flint Building, Room 3619B – 1 to 4 p.m.
- Feb. 26 – KCKCC Flint Building, Room 3619B – 4 to 7 p.m.
- Feb. 28 – KCKCC Flint Building, Room 3619B – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- March 13 - KCKCC Flint Building, Room 3619B – 5 to 8 p.m.
It is recommended that those who want to participate attend the first session if possible. This will give individuals a chance to tryout again on the second or third dates if not selected.
In addition, area industry experts will be available to assist participants in preparing for the tryouts. After the tryouts, critiques will be provided, allowing individuals to get free consulting from SCORE, the Women’s Business Center or the KSBDC to improve their pitch prior to the Summit.
Those who qualify for the perfect pitch competition are then allowed to set up an exhibit and share their ideas during the Elevator Pitch Exhibit at the Innovation Summit.
Exhibitors will give a 30 second elevator pitch and attendees will invest their Monopoly money in those ideas that interest them.
The top six earners (three from the general division and three from the high school division) move onto the Perfect Pitch Competition.
For those who would like to attend the 2015 Innovation Summit, registration is only $15.
To reserve a spot at one of the tryout sessions or for questions, call 913-288-7644 or email ahooks@kckcc.edu. Registration for the Innovation Summit can be completed at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-annual-innovation-summit-tickets-15737880424.
