The Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center is once again hosting its annual Innovate Pitch Competition, which gives its students a chance to present their forward-thinking ideas to a panel of judges.
However, this year comes with a twist – The Georgia Cyber Center is introducing a new entrepreneur track, now open to the public.
Set for March 27, the Pitch Platform gives participants a five minute stage to raise a creative solution to a community problem.
Director of Innovation Lynsey Steinberg emphasized the importance of introducing new ideas to the Augusta area, stating, “We really believe that by bringing success to our community, it also brings success back to us.”
Gigi Addai-Domfe, a senior at Augusta University and second place winner at last year’s competition, shared insight on what the event is like from the inside.
“I was so nervous when I arrived, because it felt so serious, which I appreciate. I think it needed to feel serious, because this is a big deal,” she said. “After the nerves were gone, it was like, I was around like-minded people in some sense, cause they’re here to see the community get better, they’re here to find new ways to solve problems…it was such a great atmosphere.”
Addai-Domfe landed an Innovate Internship after this win.
Opportunities for greatness
Student tracks and the new entrepreneur track are equally eligible to win first place, an honor that comes with a prize of $5,000 to take the pitched idea further. The event is open to the public.
For students only, there are more chances to win with a $3,500 second place prize, a $2,500 third place prize and an audience choice award that pays out $500.
Winning ideas don’t stop here – community partners are brought in to hear ideas with the hope that they come to fruition.
“We want to see these ideas go out and make an impact in the real world,” said Steinberg.
Sponsors of the event include Vinea Capital, Aurubis, Cyber Fusion Innovation Center, Augusta University, Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center, Pabst Patent Office, VHA Innovator’s Network and Augusta Preparatory School.
Submitting your pitch
For those interested in sharing their innovative ideas, applications are still open for submitting pitches. Entries are due for all tracks by March 10.
