IDEA² Pitch Applications are Open for Submissions

IDEA² Lightning Pitch Showcase

Innovation. Development. Entrepreneurship. Access.
One Slide. One Minute. One Big Idea.
iTECH Summit Inland Northwest | October 21, 2026 | The Coeur d'Alene Resort

A Fast-Paced Pitch Showcase

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

Open to all aspiring entrepreneurs from across the Inland Northwest 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
+ Audience Choice Prize
Prize amounts and additional regional awards to be confirmed with the planning committee

🎯 Competition Format

Selected Entrepreneurs

A curated group of entrepreneurs from across the Inland Northwest — participant count to be confirmed based on the 20-minute showcase window

60 Second Pitch

Fast, focused, and high-energy presentations

1 Slide Maximum

Concise visual to support your pitch

Judges Deliberation

Judges finalize scoring during the networking break immediately following the showcase

📅 Participant Schedule — Tuesday, October 21

7:00–8:00 AM · Breakfast Networking, Sponsor Expo & Exhibitors
Breakfast, executive networking, sponsor engagement, and exhibitor visibility.
⚠️ CHECK-IN REQUIRED (No Later Than 7:45 AM)
MANDATORY: All pitch participants must check in and confirm their slide before the program begins.
8:00–10:20 AM · Welcome, Keynotes & Panels
Opening remarks, opening keynote, Meet the Boss LIVE workforce panel, featured speaker, and the "From Curiosity to Competitive Advantage" AI adoption panel.
🎤 10:20–10:40 AM · IDEA² LIGHTNING PITCH SHOWCASE
One slide, one minute, one big idea — presented back-to-back to a live judging panel.
🤝 10:40–11:00 AM · Networking Break & Judges Deliberation
Meet fellow innovators, sponsors, and attendees while judges finalize scoring.
11:00–11:20 AM · Closing Keynote
Leadership, resilience, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
🏆 11:20–11:30 AM · IDEA² Awards & Closing Remarks
Winner announcement and closing. All participants must stay for awards.

✨ What to Expect

  • Fast-Paced Showcase: Back-to-back 60-second pitches — energy will be high!
  • Live Judging Panel: Present to a panel of industry judges during the showcase window
  • Same-Morning Results: Judges deliberate immediately following the showcase, with awards announced before the summit closes
  • Full Morning Commitment: Plan to be present from 7:00 AM through the 11:30 AM awards
  • Networking: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, industry leaders, investors, and the Inland Northwest'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 the Inland Northwest's next generation of entrepreneurs. Your feedback, expertise, and engagement directly impact participant success and help strengthen the region's innovation pipeline.

Discover Talent

Identify promising entrepreneurs and innovative ideas early

Give Back

Support the next generation of business leaders

Network

Connect with fellow industry leaders and investors

Shape the Future

Influence the Inland Northwest's entrepreneurship ecosystem

📅 Judge Schedule — Tuesday, October 21

⚠️ JUDGE CHECK-IN REQUIRED (No Later Than 7:45 AM)
MANDATORY: All judges must check in before the program begins for orientation and scoring instructions.
Morning Programming (Optional to Attend)
Judges are welcome to attend the opening keynote, Meet the Boss LIVE, featured speaker, and "From Curiosity to Competitive Advantage" AI adoption panel from 8:00–10:20 AM.
🎤 10:20–10:40 AM · IDEA² LIGHTNING PITCH SHOWCASE
Evaluate back-to-back 60-second pitches, one slide each. Score via app or scoring cards.
🤝 10:40–11:00 AM · JUDGES DELIBERATION
PRIMARY JUDGING RESPONSIBILITY: Finalize scoring and determine placements during the networking break.
Judges are invited to stay for the close of the morning summit:

• Closing Keynote: Leadership, resilience, entrepreneurship, and innovation
• IDEA² Awards & Closing Remarks

Judges may also be invited to the afternoon VIP Fireside Chat:

An exclusive executive networking experience at Hagadone Technology Headquarters, subject to space and invitation priorities.

📋 Judge Responsibilities

Pitch Evaluation

Watch and score each 60-second pitch (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

Time Commitment

Core judging: 7:45 AM – 11:00 AM (approximately 3.25 hours)
Optional: Stay for the closing keynote and awards through 11:30 AM

Join Us as a Judge

Help shape the Inland Northwest's entrepreneurship future

Express Interest

Questions?

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