Avant South Pitch Competition
Are you an undergraduate, graduate, or post-doc entrepreneur with an innovative solution? This is your chance to shine! The Avant South Pitch Competition offers you the opportunity to present your groundbreaking ideas in front of industry leaders, investors, and peers.
This competition is designed to spotlight the creativity and ingenuity of student entrepreneurs, providing a platform to share your vision and make a real impact. By participating, you’ll not only showcase your solution but also join a network of students from diverse institutions across Atlanta, fostering collaboration and building connections.
In just 3 minutes, you’ll be challenged to pitch a real-world solution that addresses pressing challenges, demonstrating the potential for your idea to create meaningful change. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to make your mark—apply now!
Important Dates
September 9
Team applications due
September 13
ACES teams announced
September 16–30
Pitch workshops and coaching sessions
Team videos filmed
October 6, 2 p.m.
Final pitch rehearsal with videographer
October 6, 5 p.m.
2024 Avant South Pitch Competition
Qualifications
The competition is designed for ventures that are created, managed, and owned by currently enrolled students at an ACES university.
Exploratory track eligibility:
- Must be a newly formed idea or concept.
- The venture should not be more than one year old.
- Participants should not have received significant external funding (not exceeding $10,000).
- The idea should be in the early validation stage, with minimal or no market presence.
- Open to individuals or teams that have an incorporated business.
- Participants must be currently enrolled at one of the following institutions:
- Emory University
- Georgia State University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Morehouse College
- Morehouse School of Medicine
- Spelman College
Developed track eligibility:
- Must be a venture that is more than one year old.
- Participants should have a developed product or service with some market presence.
- Ventures should have received some form of external funding or revenue generation (exceeding $10,000 but not exceeding $2 million).
- Open to startups and ventures with a developed product/service.
- Participants must have a clear and scalable business model and demonstrate customer acquisition and retention strategies.
- Open to individuals or teams that have an incorporated business.
- Participants must be currently enrolled at one of the following institutions:
- Emory University
- Georgia State University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Morehouse College
- Morehouse School of Medicine
- Spelman College
Prizes and Benefits
- Office Space: Gain a foothold in a vibrant co-working environment with access to meeting rooms, cutting-edge technology, and exclusive perks.
- Expert Coaching: Refine your pitch with hands-on workshops and personalized coaching sessions with industry leaders
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with Atlanta’s top founders and venture capitalists to build invaluable relationships.
- Cash Awards: Elevate your startup’s future with a chance to win up to $20,000 for your venture.
1st Place
Up to $20,000
2nd Place
Up to $15,000
3rd Place
Up to $10,000
How to Apply
Click on the link below and complete all the required fields, including your contact information, university affiliation, and a brief description of your venture.
Contact Your University Representative
Emory University
Molly McDonald
molly.mcdonald@emory.edu
Georgia Institute of Technology
Michael Dixon
dixonm@gatech.edu
Georgia State University
Erica Bracey
ebracey@gsu.edu
Spelman College
Grant Warner
grantwarner@spelman.edu
Morehouse College
Grant Warner
grantwarner@spelman.edu
