Watch the Full Recording of Genesis 2023
About Genesis: A Schulze Entrepreneurial Showcase
Focused on developing the entrepreneurial spirit of students, Genesis invites young innovators in grades 6-8 to submit their big idea for the chance to pitch live to a panel of judges and win cash prizes.
Individual students, or student teams of no more than four, will first submit a pre-recorded video pitch of 3-5 minutes and a Venn diagram. Submissions will be reviewed and scored by a panel of judges from the entrepreneurship and business community. Up to six finalists will be selected to advance to the live finals pitch event on April 22, 2023 in the Twin Cities. Finalists living further than 75 miles from the event will receive complementary lodging and travel stipend. Students must be available to present their pitch in person on April 22.
CSCOE is pleased to partner with the Schulze School of Entrepreneurship at the University of St. Thomas to design and deliver this event. We would also like to thank Bluum for sponsoring this event.
Eligibility
The competition is open exclusively to students in grade 6-8 who currently attend any Catholic school in Minnesota. Students can participate as individuals or as part of a team. Teams typically consist of two to four members.
Competition Process
Round One: Online submissions (video and Venn diagram) must be received between March 6-17, 2023.
Each individual or student team will create a concept for a new business and submit a 3-5 minute recorded pitch and Venn diagram explaining their product or service by 11:59 p.m. on March 17. Up to six finalists will be selected to pitch live to a panel of judges on April 22, 2023.
Round Two: Finalists pitch live on April 22, 2023
Six finalists will give a 3-5 minute pitch of their concept live on April 22 to a distinguished panel of judges from the entrepreneurial, business and investment communities.
Teams advancing to the finals will receive one of the following prizes:
- Winner: $1000
- Runner-up: $750
- Second Runner-up: $500
- 4th, 5th, and 6th Place Prizes: Pizza Party for Your Grade Level!
- A $500 grant to each finalist school
If students compete as part of a team, the prize money will be split evenly between team members.
Judging
A team of judges from the business and entrepreneurship community will independently review and score each pitch based on the following criteria:
#1: Creativity of the idea, business/product/service and name
#2: Quality of pitch and idea
#3: Persuasiveness of the pitch
Scores will be assigned using on a four-point rating system:
1 = below average, 2 = average, 3 = above average, 4 = excellent.
Teams with the highest scores will advance to the finals round on April 22, 2023.
Key Dates
Beginning today, bookmark this website, which will be the one-stop shop for all things Genesis. Resources for YOU will be available on this site to help you develop your idea.
March 6: Submission window OPENS! You have one week to submit your pitch video and Venn diagram.
March 17: Submission window CLOSES!
March 18-April 6: Preliminary judging takes place.
April 7: Finalists announced and notified!
April 22: Live pitch in-person event for finalists.