Clean Energy Innovators: Idea Pitch 2016
November 5th, 2016 at 10:30 am.
J. Earle Bowden Building @ 120 Church St.
A Clean Energy Fest Event
This Business Idea Generation competition is a team-based challenge for young innovators to explore the potential of a clean energy future. Students will present innovative ideas based on technologies such as solar, wind, geothermal, and ocean energy. The goal of the ideas should be to generate new jobs and to stimulate economic growth in Northwest Florida. A panel of judges will score the presentations and award recognition and prizes to the “Top Innovators.”
Each presentation will follow a process of research, innovation, and preparation in developing the pitch.
The research for this contest comes in three stages. First, students will research what technologies exist and how they are being used currently. Second, students will examine what business models are working and not working with these existing technologies. Finally, students will research new technologies that are being developed and how they are planned to be used. For a list of resources, click here.
The innovation begins while the research is completed. Students will brainstorm ideas for a new business or for a new business model to help bring forth a clean energy future. This could mean a new micro-financing idea for solar panels in areas without power. It could mean applying an existing business model to an emerging technology. Or it could mean inventing a new technology and business model. Your creativity is the only limit, but the business idea will be judged on its feasibility.
The preparation stage will help decide if your business idea is viable in the real world. Clearly define the solution you are creating in a few sentences. This need not be technical, just understandable. Mention whether this idea will be implemented with current technology or is based on new/experimental technologies. Then, prepare a simple business canvas for your idea by answering these questions:
- Who are the customers you are targeting?
- What problem does your solution solve for that customer (what is the value you are providing)?
- How will you reach those customers?
- What are the key activities in which you will need to engage to provide the product or service to the market?
- What partners will you need to have in order to be successful?
- What scarce resources will need to be acquired?
- Finally, share why you think that this idea will generate a profit and why you think this idea will lead to a clean energy future.
The pitch is a two to four minute presentation that explains your idea, how you came up with the idea (your research sources), and the key points from your business canvas. Check the judging criteria for specific points awarded for each area. Most of all, remember to enjoy the process while learning about the amazing technologies that are waiting for an innovative thinker like you to find a way to bring them to market. Your pitch can be submitted by video or presented in front of the judges.
Who Should Participate?
The event is open to students of all ages from elementary school to post-graduate.
Recognition will be provided to teams at each level.
Objectives
Make a strong case for bringing a clean energy technology to Northwest Florida.
Format
In-person or video submission of a 2-4 minute presentation featuring the team members explaining their idea.
General Guidelines
The successful pitch will be approximately 2-4 minutes long with a strong opening statement about the idea and its feasibility in Northwest Florida. Ideally, each team member will present some aspect of the pitch. After the introduction, supporting details about the project will be provided. The pitch should end with a closing statement that reiterates why you believe the project is worth considering for our region.
The pitch should be backed up with visuals in the form of a PowerPoint presentation or similar. The presentation can be videotaped or presented in person. Please email your slideshow and/or video presentation to 350pensacola@gmail.com by November 3rd, 2016 at 5pm.
Judges and Scoring
Judges will include:
Rick Duke: Founding Director of the UWF Center for Entrepreneurship
Steve Millaway: Owner of Tech Farms in Panama City Beach
Carolyn Fries: Tech Transfer Program Manager for Doolittle Institute, Fort Walton
TBD
Scoring
| Criteria | Elements | Weight | ||||
| Need Statement | · What problem is being solved?
· Does the product/service offer value? · Is the pitch clear, concise, & effective? |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Innovativeness of Idea | · Is the idea, or the combination of ideas, something that is particularly advanced, new, and original? | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Understanding of Customers | · Does the pitch convey a thorough understanding of the potential market for this concept?
· Does the pitch explain how the customers will be reached and persuaded to purchase the solution? |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Availability of Resources | · Does the idea explain from where the resources, such as raw materials, financing, and employees, will come?
· Does the pitch include mention of the partners that will be needed to execute the plan? |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Potential for Positive Impact | · What is the potential for positive impact, including job creation, improved health in the community, reduction in greenhouse gases, etc.? | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Potential for Profit | · What is the potential for profit as a company?
· Will the market pay enough for the end-product to cover costs? |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Feasibility of Idea | · What are the barriers to entry?
· What are the major limiting factors? · How will those be overcome? · What are the key activities necessary to bring this to market? |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Overall Presentation | · What is the assessment of the overall skill in presenting?
· Did the team make eye contact, dress appropriately, have well produced slides, etc.? |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Wow-Factor & Confidence | · Judges discretion.
· Would you invest in the idea? |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Total Score:
/45 |
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