IDEA² Pitch Competition

Innovation. Development. Entrepreneurship. Access.
Pitch Your Ideas. Win Cash Prizes. Connect with Industry Leaders.
iTECH Summit 2026 | March 17-18, 2026 | Idaho Falls, Idaho

A Fast-Paced Pitch Showcase

IDEA² Pitch is a high-energy pitch competition where 30 Eastern Idaho entrepreneurs present their business ideas to industry leaders, investors, and ecosystem partners in just 60 seconds with one slide.

Open to all Eastern Idaho aspiring entrepreneurs who are actively building businesses. From ideation to prototype to launched ventures—all stages welcome.

💰 Cash Prizes

1st Place
$2,000
2nd Place
$1,000
3rd Place
$500
+ Two Audience Choice Prizes
Regional awards may also be available

🎯 Competition Format

30 Entrepreneurs

Selected participants from across Eastern Idaho

60 Second Pitch

Fast, focused, and high-energy presentations

1 Slide Maximum

Concise visual to support your pitch

Judge Networking

Engage directly with judges to increase your scores

📅 Participant Schedule

🎭 Optional Pre-Event | Monday, March 17th

Participants are invited (not required) to attend:

VIP Fireside Chat Pre-Event with dry run of show opportunity

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Dry Run of Show (Optional)
See the stage and venue, get comfortable with the setup, practice your pitch environment
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
VIP Fireside Chat (Optional)
Network with industry leaders, sponsors, and fellow entrepreneurs in an intimate setting

🏆 Summit Day | Tuesday, March 18th

8:30 AM
⚠️ CHECK-IN REQUIRED (No Later Than)
MANDATORY: All participants must check in by 8:30 AM
9:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Morning Programming
Featured speakers and expert panel (participants encouraged to attend)
11:15 AM - 12:10 PM (approx.)
🎤 PITCH COMPETITION BEGINS
30 entrepreneurs × 60 seconds × 1 slide. Fast, fun, and high-energy!
Following Pitches
🤝 Judge Networking Clusters (30 miutes)
Engage directly with industry judges, answer questions, receive feedback, and increase your scores through meaningful conversations
12:45 PM - 1:00 PM
🍽️ Lunch & Networking
Provided lunch with networking opportunities
1:00 PM - 2:40 PM
📚 Breakout Sessions (Choose 2)
Attend two 45-minute sessions tailored to entrepreneurs:
  • AI Tools & Technical Implementation
  • Building & Scaling Tech Startups
  • Investing in Innovation
  • And more...
3:30 PM (approx.)
🏆 WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT
Closing session with awards ceremony. All participants must stay for awards.
4:00 PM
Event Conclusion
Celebration and final networking

✨ What to Expect

  • Pre-Event Dry Run (Optional): Get comfortable with the stage, venue, and pitch environment before the big day
  • Fast-Paced Competition: 30 pitches in rapid succession—energy will be high!
  • Direct Judge Engagement: After pitching, you'll network directly with judges who can increase your scores based on your answers and business potential
  • Learning Opportunities: Attend breakout sessions designed for entrepreneurs at all stages
  • Full Day Commitment: Plan to be present from 8:30 AM through the 4:00 PM awards ceremony
  • Networking: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, industry leaders, investors, and Idaho's technology ecosystem

Ready to Pitch Your Idea?

Apply Now

🎯 Why Judge IDEA² Pitch?

As a judge, you'll play a critical role in identifying and supporting Idaho's next generation of entrepreneurs. Your feedback, expertise, and engagement directly impact student success and help strengthen Idaho's innovation pipeline.

Discover Talent

Identify promising entrepreneurs and innovative ideas early

Give Back

Mentor and support the next generation of business leaders

Network

Connect with fellow industry leaders and investors

Shape the Future

Influence Idaho's entrepreneurship ecosystem

📅 Judge Schedule

🎭 Optional Pre-Event | Monday, March 17th

Judges are invited (not required) to attend:

VIP Fireside Chat - Network with sponsors, stakeholders, and fellow judges

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
VIP Fireside Chat (Optional)
Network with sponsors, stakeholders, fellow judges, and IDEA² Pitch participants

🏆 Summit Day | Tuesday, March 18th

8:30 AM
⚠️ JUDGE CHECK-IN REQUIRED (No Later Than)
MANDATORY: All judges must check in by 8:30 AM for orientation and scoring instructions
9:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Morning Programming (Optional)
Featured speakers and expert panel—judges welcome to attend
11:15 AM - 12:10 PM (approx.)
🎤 PITCH COMPETITION
Evaluate 30 entrepreneurs presenting 60-second pitches with one slide. Score via app or scoring cards.
Following Pitches
🤝 JUDGE NETWORKING CLUSTERS
PRIMARY JUDGING RESPONSIBILITY: Engage with entrepreneurs in small group rotations. Ask questions, provide feedback, and adjust scores based on their responses and business potential. This is where your expertise makes the biggest impact!
1:00 PM
✅ JUDGING DUTIES COMPLETE
Your formal judging responsibilities conclude by 1:00 PM
Judges are invited to stay for:

• Lunch & Networking(12:45 PM - 1:00 PM)
• Winner Announcement at Closing Session (~3:30 PM)
• Full event conclusion at 4:00 PM

📋 Judge Responsibilities

Initial Pitch Evaluation

Watch and score 30 rapid-fire pitches (60 seconds each, 1 slide). Evaluate based on:

  • Clarity of business concept and value proposition
  • Market opportunity and problem being solved
  • Presentation quality and communication skills
  • Feasibility and potential for success

Networking Cluster Engagement

This is the most critical component: After the rapid pitches, you'll engage with entrepreneurs in small networking clusters. This allows you to:

  • Ask deeper questions about their business model and strategy
  • Provide constructive feedback and mentorship
  • Adjust initial scores based on their ability to defend and articulate their vision
  • Help entrepreneurs refine their thinking through meaningful dialogue

Time Commitment

Core judging: 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM (approximately 4.5 hours)
Optional: Stay for lunch, awards ceremony, and celebration through 4:00 PM

Join Us as a Judge

Help shape Idaho's entrepreneurship future

Express Interest

Questions?

Diane Bevan
President & CEO, Idaho Technology Council
📧 diane@idahotechcouncil.org