Frequently Asked Questions

When?

• Individual registration is now open!
• Register your team! 
• Registration deadline: Individual - March 30, 2021, Team - March 31, 2021
• Preliminary round may be held depending on the number of teams. All competitors will be notified on April 1.
• Finalist Round: Saturday, April 10, 2020, 2 p.m. on Zoom

Where?

• Anywhere! This year's competition will be held via Zoom!

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. 

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 be available starting March 29, 2021 - you will submit business plan AND pitch video by 11:59 p.m. on March 31, 2021!
• Optional template can be downloaded here
• Previous year sample plan
• Submit as PDF file only
• 10 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 March 31, 2021
• 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 as unlisted or public video. 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 in the PowerPoint!
• Due by 11:59 p.m. on March 31, 2021
• ALL LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE DOCKED 20 POINTS. No exceptions.
• ALL SUBMISSIONS MUST BE MADE THROUGH FORM. If you have problems, please contact Andrea Kruszka as early as possible! Technical difficulties do not excuse late submissions.

My question was not answered, who can I contact?

• Complete the contact form here.