Frequently Asked Questions

When?

• Individual registration is now open!
• Register your team!
• Registration deadline: Wednesday, March 25
• Finalist Round: Saturday, April 18, 2020, 2 p.m. via Zoom

Where?

• Wherever you are! Due to COVID-19, this year's competition will be virtual!

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.
• Make sure you read the rules here!!

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 Summary Guidelines

• Submission form is available now - you will submit business plan AND pitch video here!
• 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 3-6 pages
• Include your team/business name in the file name
• Due by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8
• ALL LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE DOCKED 20 POINTS.
• Don't wait until the last minute!! 
• No changes can be made after submission.

Presentation Guidelines

• 7 minute MAXIMUM
• Record pitch and upload to Youtube. Submit link through link above under Business Plan Summary Guidelines
• Optional PPT template can be downloaded here
• Previous year sample presentation
• Widescreen format! If you have questions, please ask!
• We highly recommend NO VIDEO
• Due by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8
• ALL LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE DOCKED 20 POINTS.

My question was not answered, who can I contact?

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