Pitch Competition RETURNING in 2024!
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Technology startups with at least one founding member from an underrepresented group: women, African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Startups in bioscience, chemistry, advanced materials, agriculture, financial/business services, e-sports and other tech-enabled areas.
Business models with potential for significant regional, national or international impact.
Details coming this fall
Information session planned for October/November
Startup302
is Delaware’s premier funding competition for technology and technology-enabled startups led by underrepresented founders.
Entrepreneurs from across the U.S. will compete for non-dilutive funding, access to mentors and valuable connections.
HOW DOES STARTUP 302 WORK?
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STARTUP302 CONSISTS OF FOUR ROUNDS:
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Introductory Video and Description
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Free and open to all to apply
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Entries reviewed by Startup302 team
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Application Submission and Evaluation
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Invitation-only based on intro video and description
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Reviewed by Startup302 steering committee and affiliated judges
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Semifinals
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Final Pitching Round
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Teams will have 5 to 10 minutes to pitch
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Questions from judges follow the pitch
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All entries must be in English.
Entries will be judged on written concept narratives and live presentations, including question responses; stage of startup; potential opportunity; scalability; regional impact; skills and value added by the management team; and “wow factor.”
WHAT ARE THE PRIZES?
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Awards change each year based on sponsorship amounts.
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Prizes can be anywhere from $3,000-$25,000.
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Funds will be awarded as grants, with certain awards having geographic restrictions.
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Prizes are non-dilutive, so winners aren’t required to share ownership in their companies.
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The 2023 pool prize was $210,000.
APPLICANTS CAN COMPETE ON 1 OF FIVE TRACKS
Early-Stage
Early-stage innovators who have generated less than $10,000 in annual revenue and have raised less than $50,000 in dilutive and/or non-dilutive funding.
Life Sciences
Startups in therapeutics, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, nutrition, industrial biotechnology, agriculture biotechnology and other life sciences.
Delaware Tech-Enabled
Startups residing in Delaware that are tech-enabled – not building the internet, mobile devices or social media platforms but using those technologies.
FinTech
Innovations across sectors, with a focus on fintech, automation, big data, health tech, SaaS and e-commerce innovations for financial services.
Clean, Green and Blue
Startups in cleantech, chemical ingredients from naturally derived sources and ocean-safe products that focus on environmental impact.
Additional Prizes
Cash awards for startups with founders who are University of Delaware alumni, grad Students faculty and that have primary operations in the State of Delaware.
PAST SPONSORS
Join the impressive roster of Startup302 funders. If you are interested in supporting, volunteering, or learning more about the benefits of becoming a sponsor contact Noah Olson at nolson@choosedelaware.com.
