IGNITE PITCHING 2019

Ignite Pitch 2019

The pitch competition provides an opportunity to 100 unique startups to showcase their projects, gain exposure, validate their business models and win valuable prizes.

This unique competition also offers investors the chance to spot and invest in fresh new projects.

Target participants

Social Entrepreneurs
The competition is open to any startup attending AL Sharq Youth Conference 2019

Scientists, researchers or engineers with product-based innovations
- Startups and early stage companies
- Students with bright ideas
- Professionals with start-up ideas.

The candidate must respect the deadline for application
If your application is accepted, your presence on the day of the competition is mandatory

Eligibility

18 – 40 years

Solo founder or multiple team members – The more the merrier.

Ability to pitch in English language – Other earthly languages are welcome, be understood.
Citizen of any Country – No geographical boundaries.

Novel business ideas – A unique angle to anything already existing.

Selection Criteria

Startups’ selection will be based on the following criteria:

Novelty –Our investors want to know to what extent is your idea innovative
Socio-economic impact –Our investors want to see a clear value proposition
Business/Revenue model –Our investors are keen on your market potential and sustainability
Team strength/Capability – Our investors’ confidence is tied with your execution capabilities
Budget, support and regulation –Our investors need to ascertain that your fund needsmatch their funding interest and regulation standards.

Selection Process

All applications will be evaluated by experts and will be assessed according to the criteria above.

Out of all the applications, the top 20 projects will be selected to pitch their ideas on the Ignite Stage. In addition, a selected number of applicants that were not shortlisted will be eligible to participate in the Poster Competition.

Upon selection, letters of acceptance will be sent to the selected projects. Applicants will be required to confirm their participation within 3 days. If no response is received, the open spot will be automatically allocated to the next project on the waiting list.

Structure & Schedule

The Pitch Competition is structured in two pitch categories: Stage and Poster. Representatives of 100 innovative ideas or high growth projects shall be selected through a transparent pitch screening process from a larger pool of registered startup projects.

Out of 100 selected projects, only the top 20 projects will have the opportunity to mount the Ignite stage (Level 1: Pitching Stage) for an oral pitch. The other 80 projects will be offered the opportunity to compete at the Poster Pitch Competition where they will be required to illustrate the value proposition of their projects on a poster.

Stage Pitch Competition

The Stage Pitch Competition provides competitors with the opportunity to orally present their business ideas and value proposition to potential investors on the Ignite stage. There will be a total of 20 competitors where each represents the final 20 screened (shortlisted) projects.

The Stage Competition shall be in two levels (Ignite Elevator and Ignite Platform), which will be, by analogy, an elevator ride to the platform of opportunities.

Poster Pitch Competition

The Poster Pitch Competition consists of a visual display of innovative startup projects combined with an interactive question and answer session with a panel of judges and the general public. The Competition gives an ample opportunity for startups to interact with the conference participants and potential investors to secure relevant interest on their projects.

Prizes & Awards

Considerations for the final prizes and award categories:

1. Scale and Development Consideration

Participating startups are categorized into three groups based on the scale and development of the startup project

Innovative Idea

Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or Proof of concept

Launch and Scaling

Impact Consideration

The area of impact is considered based on its relevance to one of these five categories:

Our Planet

Our Body

Our Economy

Our Information

Our Society

Ignite Pitch 2019 Channel

The pitch competition is divided into two channels:

Stage pitch competition and;
Poster competition

Value Pack for Participants Includes:

Applicants that make it to the final 100 shortlist are entitled the Ignite Pitch 2019 Standard Value pack that includes:

Customized StartUp Poster (Mini Booth) @Venture Expo [Setup & Design by Al Sharq team]

Access to all the conference sessions & activities
Two coffee breaks & lunch per day
Customized Mini-profile for your StartUp (Published in the event Brochure)
Customized profile for your StartUp (Published in our Investor’s Handbook)
Customized profile for your StartUp (Available on Al-Sharq Conference Event App)
Networking opportunities (Meet a co-founder, recruit a skilled team member, get an investor or explore partnerships possibilities)

Dedicated seat at the Investors Lounge
Opportunity to feature project video during the conference sessions
Master Class on Business Development
Admission to Workshop Session (Design thinking or Project Management)
General Media Exposure

However, if you put in a little more effort to excel yourself from the rest, you may earn yourself the following prizes and perks (terms and conditions apply):

Up to $4,000 cash prize for Stage Pitch Competition Participants

Up to $2,000 cash prize for Poster (Booth) Competition Participants
StartUp Mentorship program (worth $2,400/Month or $28,800/Year)

Office working space for winners for one year (worth of $4,000) in one of the following countries:

Malaysia

Turkey

Tunisia

Qatar

South Africa

Spain

More to come!

Amazon AWS cloud vouchers (worth of $5,000 x 1)
Business Consultation Opportunities (T&C apply)
Later Stage Financing Opportunity (T & C apply)
Exclusive Media Exposure (T & C apply)
Strategic Partnership with Alsharq (T & C apply)

And many more in the pipeline…Stay tuned!

Industry of Focus

The industry of focus includes but is not limited to the following:

1- Automotive Industry

2- Internet of Things (IOT)

3- Artificial Intelligence (AI)

4- Digital Currencies & Fintech

5- Software as a Service (SAAS)

6- Agriculture & Technology

7- Healthcare & Lifestyle

8- Consumer Technology

9- Business & Finance

10- Multimedia & Digital Services

11- Digital marketing for small businesses

12- Human Capital Development & Technology *This is not an exhaustive list

Recommended Pitch Deck Format:

A pitch deck is a brief presentation, often created using PowerPoint, Keynote or Prezi, used to provide your audience with a quick overview of your business plan. You will usually use your pitch deck during face-to-face or online meetings with potential investors, customers, partners, and co-founders. Click here for more details.