It is the generation of startups in Arizona’s growing market, and companies are entering the business world from every direction-even college students are entering the startup scene.
The 2013 Arizona Student Demo Day is presenting Arizona’s top student-run startup companies from Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona on Friday, March 29th from noon to 5 p.m. at ASU SkySong.
On Demo Day, 12 student-led startups will pitch their companies to a panel of judges, vying for $30,000 in funding. One team from each university will receive $7,000, and three runners-up from any of the schools will receive $2,000 each.
In addition, one grand-prize winner selected from the top three teams will receive the inaugural Arizona Startup Territorial Cup and an additional $3,000 in prize money.
“We did our first ASU student demo day last year which was a huge success, but we wanted to make it a showcase for the best student startups from across the state this year,” said Gordon McConnell, assistant vice president for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Venture Acceleration office at Arizona State University.
The teams will be judged on various aspects of business such as: problem and proposed solution, strength of team and advisors, go-to-market strategy, and budget.
“The contestants will showcase a range of technologies and startup business models that really highlight the entrepreneurial spirit in our Arizona universities.” McConnell said.
The event showcases the work and collaboration of students and organizations in Arizona who want to create economic impact.
“This is part of the ASU Venture Catalyst collaboration initiatives that we have been using in the Greater Phoenix Area and across the state,” McConnell said.
The ASU Venture Catalyst assists university students and staff, along with local and global companies, in launching startups or accelerating existing ventures. The Catalyst program offers investor connections, technology road maps, go-to-market strategy consulting, mentoring opportunities, and other programs and services to identify and develop investment-grade companies.
Arizona Student Startup Demo Day plans to foster university collaboration and drive economic development in Arizona, choosing the location of SkySong for the event.
ASU SkySong has a goal of growing the economy by launching and accelerating new companies by collaborating with local communities, state government, and business partners.
At Demo Day, students will bring their best work and pitch for cash and bragging rights of being the best from their university, and the best overall student-led startup in Arizona McConnell said.
The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided, and a reception with live music by local band The 8Teaze will follow.
RSVP here: http://azdemoday.eventbrite.com
Arizona Student Startup Demo Day is sponsored by Ho0l Law Group and MAC6
ASU SkySong
1475 N. Scottsdale Road, Ste. 200
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
www.asuventurecatalyst.org
Photo provided by ASU Venture Catalyst
