Frequently Asked Questions

When?

• Registration is now open!
• Registration deadline: Friday, March 13
• Preliminary rounds: Friday, April 3, 20
• Finalist Round and Tradeshow: Saturday, April 18, 2020
  • Tradeshow, 1-2 p.m.
  • Finalist pitches and awards, 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Where?

• Preliminary Rounds: Roaden University Center, Tech Pride Room
• Finalist Round and Tradeshow: Bell Hall

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 will become available Monday, March 16
• 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 Wednesday, March 25
• ALL LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE DOCKED 20 POINTS.
• Don't wait until the last minute!! 
• No changes can be made after submission.

Presentation Guidelines

• During preliminary and finalist rounds, we will provide a laptop with an HDMI connection.
• You may use any presentation software you wish, but remember to test prior to competing!
• Optional PPT template can be downloaded here
• Previous year sample presentation
• Widescreen format! If you have questions, please ask!
• We highly recommend NO VIDEO

Trade Show Booth

• All teams MUST participate in trade show
• Set up begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday 4/18
  • Tradeshow will be open from 1-2 p.m.
  • Finalists will be announced at 2 p.m.
• Every team will have an 8x2' table with a black tablecloth
• You will not have electric
• No fire or combustible engines
• Optional template for posters available here (if desired)
• 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.