Frequently Asked Questions

When?

• Registration is now closed!
• Registration deadline: Monday, March 18
• Final competition: Saturday, April 6, 2019

Where?

• Tradeshow: Roaden University Center, Tech Pride Room
• Pitch Competition: Derryberry Auditorium

Why?

• Make a difference in the world.
• Gain real-world experience.
• Participate in something meaningful and life changing.
• Learn new skill sets which are valuable to future employers.
• Get involved and grow with a diverse group of peers.
• Win thousands in awards.
• Get involved with the innovation & entrepreneurship community at Tennessee Tech.
• Have fun!

How do I compete or get help?

• See this page for full competition details.

Will TN Tech provide any resources to help my team prepare?

• Yes! We will offer mentor support, fun events, classes and more.
• Join the Facebook group for contestants.  

Will TN Tech own the rights to, or any equity in, my business or intellectual property (IP)?

• No, you will own all rights to your business; however, there are a few caveats:
• Significant use of university resources may require equity share; also:
• There are circumstances in which you can optionally choose to partner with TN Tech for an equity stake in your company to cover patent filings, legal work, etc.
• Please view the video from our student IP pop-up, "If I make it, does Tech own it?" and the accompanying presentation for more information. (coming soon)

How will the awards be distributed?

• Awards will be placed on your student account as a scholarship.
• Awards will be equally distributed among team members.
• If you are graduating in December, you may still compete; however, you will not be eligible to receive awards as all prizes are applied to student accounts.

Will the judges invest in our company?

• No, The judges will not invest their own money into the company.

Who are the judges?

• There will be a series of preliminary rounds before the main competition.
• The judges will be comprised of community and business leaders.
• Judges will be announced on the day of preliminary rounds.
• We will announce the finalist judges at the main competition.

Business Plan Guidelines

• Submission form will become available Monday, March 25
• Optional template can be downloaded here
• Previous year sample plan
• Submit as PDF file only
• 5 MB size limit
• No requirements on length, but most average 4-8 pages
• Include your team/business name in the file name
• Due by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, March 28
• LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE DOCKED 20 POINTS
• Don't wait until the last minute!!

Presentation Guidelines

• Submission form will become available Friday, March 29
• Optional template can be downloaded here
• Previous year sample presentation
• Submit as Powerpoint 2016 file ONLY (.pptx) - any other formats will not be accepted!
• Check on a university computer prior to submitting for any issues
• 5 MB size limit
• Widescreen format! If you have questions, please ask!
• NO VIDEO
• Windows System fonts only
• Include your team/business name in the file name
• Due by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2
• LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE DOCKED 20 POINTS
• NO PRESENTATIONS ACCEPTED AFTER NOON ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3
• Don't wait until the last minute!!

Trade Show Booth

• All teams MUST participate in trade show
• Set up begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday 4/6
  • Family/friends can come from 9-10 a.m.
  • Public comes between 10-11:30 a.m.
• Every team will have an 8x2' table with a black tablecloth
• You will not have electric
• No fire or combustible engines
• Template for posters available here
• We can get posters printed for you, must be a PDF with a white background. Submit to akruszka@tntech.edu by 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3
• For ideas, you can look at last year's photo gallery

My question was not answered, who can I contact?

• Join the Facebook group and ask, or complete the contact form here.