Pitches will be judged on:
• Pitch delivery
• Quality of the business case
• Quality of the financial case
• Competitive advantage
Rules for the pitch
Oral pitches for both rounds of the Startup Challenge can be no longer than FIVE (5) MINUTES each and can be supported by a powerpoint or PDF slide deck. Extra time and additional materials beyond the slide deck are not allowed. Pitches must be made live and in person at Photonics West by the applicant or a team member named in the application.
After the pitch, judges will have about 5 minutes to ask the presenter questions. Audience members may not ask questions during the pitch sessions.
Pitch Resources: A PC computer, projector, screen, and remote slide advance are provided for presenters. Timing and pitch pacing is the responsibility of the presenter, and the room monitor will indicate a cut-off. For the finals, a confidence monitor and countdown timer will be visible to the presenter. Switching personal laptops into the system is not allowed. Pitch decks will need to be provided electronically to the organizers at least 1 day ahead of the semi-finals.
View previous winners' pitches
One of the best ways to prepare for the competition is to view past winners and their pitches.
Implicit agreement to publicity
Participation in the competition means that you agree to have your startup presentation evaluated publicly. Furthermore you allow SPIE to use your name, likeness, and the information provided in the Startup pitch to promote your product and this competition, in print and electronic communication means.
