2018 Pitch U contest to award $6,000 to top student startup pitches at Nov. 3 event

Case Western Reserve University student entrepreneurs are invited to present their business ideas to a panel of early-stage investors—in 90 seconds or less—for cash prizes at the 2018 Pitch U Competition in Cleveland.

The first place prize is $4,500; second, $1,000; third, $500. There is no fee to enter.

The Saturday, Nov. 3, competition at The Midtown Tech Hive (6815 Euclid Ave., Cleveland) is also open to recent graduates (within the last five years) from Northeast Ohio universities.

Registration to participate and attend is encouraged. Activities last from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.; entrants must attend the entire program and will be provided with lunch and a chance to network with local angel investors.

Matt Campagna, of Reflexion Interactive Technologies

Before the competition begins, entrants can learn pointers from startup professionals for how to develop, refine and deliver a winning elevator pitch.

The dress code is professional, and each presenter is asked to bring a laptop computer, smart phone or tablet and a form of identification, and—in the event of winning one of the prizes—will need to provide their Social Security number.

In 2016, Case Western Reserve University’s Matt Campagna, founder of Reflexion Interactive Technologies LLC, took home second place.

Pitch U is sponsored by Case Western Reserve and the Burton D. Morgan Foundation.