Since the inaugural Young Entrepreneur Convention in 2016, more than $150,000 in cash and prizes has be awarded to participants in our Pitch Competition. Among the largest single day elevator pitch competitions in the United States, it has become a cornerstone of the Young Entrepreneur Convention.

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Our competition offers participants 90 seconds to pitch their business in front of a panel of expert preliminary judges, with two minutes for follow-up questions. Our finalists then pitch in front of our full audience, on stage, to a panel that over the years has included attorneys, Silicon Valley VCs, founders and more.

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Here is a quick overview of the format and rules:

• The opening round pitches will be given between 8 and 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, February 25, 2023 at the Student Innovation Center on the Iowa State University campus in Ames. 

• The opening round pitches will be in an open area allowing attendees of Young Entrepreneur Convention to watch pitches live.

• Participants will be given 90 seconds to pitch to judging panel, followed by 2 minutes of Q&A from judges. 

• No props, slides, or visuals allowed. 

• Finalists will be filmed while pitching on the main stage, in front of the Young Entrepreneur Convention audience at approximately 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2023.

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Our top pitchers win: 

• Cash Prizes

• Promotional Assets

• More

​We will maintain a wait list the day of the event in case some of the registered pitchers fail to attend. To be placed on the wait list, please email andrew@yeconvention.com with "WAIT LIST" in the subject line.