Entrepreneurs from Michigan Tech University will take over the TCNewTech’s Pitch Contest tonight (Tuesday) as part of an initiative to strengthen the connection between MTU and the Grand Traverse Region.

Three student-led "Bar Napkin Ideas" will be presented along with three commercialized, early-stage startups with roots connecting them to MTU and the Husky Innovate program. The "Bar Napkin" pitches will last for one minute each, and the startups will have five minutes to pitch their ideas, with both followed by a five minute Q&A from the audience. The audience will decide which startup will receive a $500 cash prize by voting via text.

"This special TCNewTech event will provide an excellent glimpse into innovative enterprises led by both students and faculty at Michigan Tech" says Bill Myers, chair of the Grand Traverse Area Michigan Tech Steering Committee and chief executive officer of Promethient, a Traverse City start-up that specializes in human-scaled climate control technology. "The entrepreneurial energy in the Traverse City region can only benefit from stronger ties to MTU and increased awareness of Tech’s capabilities to innovate across a broad range of engineering disciplines."

Due to the pandemic, tonight's Pitch Contest will be held virtually, with TCNewTech broadcasting live to YouTube and Facebook simultaneously. More info and registration is available here.