Seeking to provide startups with the chance to jumpstart their businesses, startup incubator Zahn Innovation Center located in the City College of New York, recently announced the opening of applications for its 2016 Venture Competitions. Aimed to teach fresh startups how to successfully operate and develop a business, the competition will link startups with mentors and reward several winners with seed money.
Participants, which will be selected by a panel of judges, will compete in one of four prize categories. Six semi-finalists will be chosen in each category, with the winner receiving the Grand Prize and the runner up receiving the Second Place Prize. Entrants will participate in the Center’s Lean Startup Bootcamp to learn key skills to scale a busy and the possibility of winning seed money.
The four categories and prize amounts are listed below:
Zahn Technology Prize
$25,000 Grand Prize
$5,000 Second Place Prize
Kaylie Hardware Prize
$50,000 Grand Prize
$5,000 Second Place Prize
Standard Chartered Women+Tech4NYC Prize
$25,000
$5,000
Zahn Social Impact Prize
$25,000
$5,000
All semifinalists will receive financial support to prototype their ideas, as well as participation in weekly Bootcamp sessions. Access to the Zahn Center will also provide semifinalists with the training and experience needed to establish a business. Winners will be chosen in May after semifinalists pitch to a panel of judges.
Applications must be submitted by November 15th. Additional information, including requirements, judging criteria, and prize information, can be found here.
