SUPPORT OF “1000 PITCHES” HELPED MAKE STUDENT-RUN COMPETITION ONE OF LARGEST IN THE WORLD!
November 20, 2013
STATE COLLEGE – On November 17, 2013, in the Nittany Lion Inn Ballroom, 75 finalists made presentations at the “1000 Pitches” Summit, an event for Penn State University students and faculty interested in innovation and entrepreneurship. The top pitch in each category won $1,000 and a total of $8,000 in prizes were awarded.
This was an amazing opportunity for any student with an idea to network with the people and resources housed at Penn State University. Organizers of the event, the Innoblue Team, were very grateful for Ben Franklin’s sponsorship dollars as well as the hands-on support from the community including the leadership of the BF TechCelerator @ State College www.techceleratorstatecollege.org
Eli Kariv, a member of the Innoblue Team, said, “Thank you so much for your amazing support throughout this semester. Not only did you back us financially, but you offered us your time and wisdom throughout the entire semester–even when it seemed like we had beat our head against the same cultural wall 50 times over. Your support allowed us to get more than 1,000 pitches submitted at Penn State, more than 6,000 across the country (making us the largest student-run competition in the world), and helped push a cultural movement that we hope will infuse the university and the community with the desire to become an innovation and entrepreneurial hub.”
Stephen Brawley, President/CEO of Ben Franklin Technology Partners/CNP commented, “This is exactly the type of event that creates the energy and buzz needed to get folks to realize they can turn their ideas into a business reality. When an entrepreneur is ready to take the first step, Ben Franklin and its partners offer business mentors at the BF TechCelerator and the opportunity to apply for our investment dollars.”
About the TechCelerator @ State College
A partnership designed to offer the region’s entrepreneurs, students, faculty members, and small business owners designated space, loan and investment programs, business support and mentoring services, and entrepreneurial training all housed in one location. This innovative, one-stop-shop approach to business incubation will encourage an entrepreneurial climate, increase technology transfer opportunities, and help develop a robust “startup” culture in State College and the surrounding area.
About Ben Franklin Technology Partners
Ben Franklin Technology Partners/CNP, an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority, provides operational assistance, entrepreneurial support, and investment capital to emerging tech-based companies and small, existing manufacturers for the purpose of creating and retaining jobs in Pennsylvania.
