Twenty-seven young, Michigan-based entrepreneurs representing 13 universities will pitch tech startup ideas developed during a 10-week summer accelerator at the DTX Launch Detroit Showcase, July 30 at 4 p.m. at TechTown Detroit.
DTX Launch Detroit teams, all comprising undergraduate through Ph.D./M.D. students or recent university graduates, submitted initial pitches for consideration. Eleven of 31 teams were selected through a competitive process. The teams have spent the summer discovering, validating and, when necessary, overhauling their value propositions and business models. They used an intensive curriculum augmented with guest speakers, business coaching and mentoring, and meetings with experienced entrepreneurs and startup founders. The resulting innovations range from mobile technology for home health care to an online marketing platform for artists.
At the showcase, each team will pitch its venture idea to a panel of representatives from the business, tech and investment communities. Cash prizes, business services and an incubation opportunity will be awarded to teams in the categories of Best Value Proposition and Best Job of Customer Discovery. DTX Launch Detroit will also name its "Most Valuable Player," as voted by the students. Program supporter Bank of America will announce an internship program pairing two DTX Launch Detroit graduates with TechTown companies.
"Our DTX Launch Detroit entrepreneurs are the future of innovation in Detroit," said Paul Riser, TechTown's managing director for tech-based entrepreneurship. "We're excited to provide this platform for them to share their ventures, receive feedback and continue to grow. Past Launch Detroit students have gone on to do great things, and we know this cohort will continue to accomplish and contribute to our rich entrepreneurship ecosystem."
Launch Detroit is a program of the Detroit Technology Exchange (DTX), a strategic partnership between TechTown Detroit, Bizdom, Invest Detroit, the Detroit Creative Corridor Center, the Henry Ford Innovation Institute, NextEnergy and TechStars Mobility -- Driven by Detroit. The program is designed to recruit and groom talent for tech entrepreneurship opportunities and convert innovative technologies into Detroit-based startups. It is supported by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Michigan Strategic Fund, the New Economy Initiative for Southeast Michigan and Bank of America.
What: DTX Launch Detroit Showcase
Where: TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs, Detroit
When: July 30, 2015, 4-7 p.m.
For more information, visit techtowndetroit.org/launchdetroit.
TechTown is Detroit's business innovation hub. As the city's most established business accelerator and incubator, TechTown connects startup, emerging and established businesses to a broad network of resources, catalyzing the local economy. TechTown is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded by Wayne State University in partnership with Henry Ford Health System and General Motors.