If you’ve got a brilliant idea for an EdTech tool that could transform teaching or learning, prepare to submit your pitch to the 2024 EdTech Pitch Contest. Winners will receive expert guidance and financial support to help turn their concept into a reality.
You may or may not think of yourself as an entrepreneur. But consider this: who’s better equipped than those already within our education system to invent creative solutions to the problems they experience on a daily basis?
This contest will be open to any adult (18+) resident of Michigan with clear ties to our state’s education ecosystem. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference in education! Round 1 submissions are due by July 7, 2024.
As you gear up for your pitch, dive into our pre-pitch supports designed to set you up for success. These resources are packed with tips and tools to help refine your pitch and boost your confidence. Plus, stay in the loop with all things EdTech Catalyst by subscribing to our newsletter. You’ll receive timely updates, valuable insights, and exclusive opportunities delivered right to your inbox. Let’s make your pitching journey smoother—explore our supports and sign up today!
Join us on July 18th at 3 PM for the EdTech Innovation Pitch Contest, where five finalists will present their groundbreaking ideas to revolutionize education in Michigan. Tune in live to witness these innovative pitches and support the future of education in our community. Whether you’re an educator, a student, or simply passionate about EdTech, everyone is welcome to join and be inspired by the creativity and innovation of our finalists.
Mark your calendar, invite your friends, and get ready to be part of this exciting event!
Do you have a business idea that will improve teaching or learning through the use of technology? Then join us for our 2025 EdTech Innovation Bootcamp. We’ll help you explore the idea, develop a business model, and identify your next steps for making your idea a reality!
There is no cost to attend and Michigan Educators can earn 20 SCECH credits for completing the full Bootcamp. Space is limited.
Stay tuned for more details on our next Bootcamp, dates will be announced early spring 2025. In the meantime, connect with us and keep up to date on the latest innovations in Michigan and our AI Lab.
Getting started with the basics – Pitch Deck and Business Model Canvas, Customer Discovery and Product Development
Value Proposition, Knowing Your Competition, Legal 101 for Startups
Market Potential, Message and Customer Insights, All Things Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Startup Milestones and Use of Funds, Financial Insights, Moving Forward
Join us as we journey back to the excitement of last year’s pitch contest. Rewatch the innovative ideas that captivated audiences and judges alike. Whether seeking inspiration for your own projects or simply relishing in the spirit of innovation, this retrospective is sure to ignite your imagination.
$10,000
+ Startup legal and marketing consultations
$6,000
+ Startup legal and marketing consultations
$4,000
+ Startup legal and marketing consultations
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2023 EdTech Pitch Contest!
The first-place prize went to Jonathan Marceau, a teacher at Monfort Elementary in the Utica Community School district, who will receive $10,000 in business startup grant funding, plus branding and logo design support, and legal consultation for Spelling Safari. Spelling Safari is a spelling curriculum reinvention and software solution providing elementary students with fun and adaptive learning.
The other finalists were:
Watch the full EdTech Pitch Contest event below!
Read the 2023 press release.
Read the 2022 press release.
The EdTech Pitch Contest & Innovation Bootcamp wouldn’t be possible without the support of our amazing partners and sponsors! This year’s contest is organized by Michigan Virtual, Spartan Innovations, Michigan Small Business Development Center, and MSU’s Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Generous sponsorship has also been provided by Michigan Creative, Foster Swift, Meemic, Consumers Energy, Michigan Education Association, CASE Credit Union, and LearningMate.
The pitch contest and Bootcamp are open to any adult (18+) resident of Michigan with clear ties to our state’s education ecosystem. These may include but are not limited to:
Teams are eligible so long as one member is a resident of Michigan with a clear tie to Michigan’s education ecosystem. No one may submit to the pitch contest as part of multiple teams, and no one may submit more than one idea.
For the pitch contest specifically, ideas and concepts pitched must be pre-startup, start-up, or early stage of development. Entities must be unformed or less than two years old. Entities must have less than $20,000 in prior outside investment.
Employees of organizing partners may submit a pitch and participate in the bootcamp but will not be eligible for prizes.
Be the first to know about upcoming EdTech events hosted by Michigan Virtual and our partners. Stay informed and inspired on the latest trends and developments in education technology–all delivered straight to your inbox. Fill out the form below, and we’ll keep you apprised of the latest and greatest!
