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Rocket Pitch
For W&M Students Ready to Test an Idea
Rocket Pitch Overview
Rocket Pitch is a high-energy, student-only platform where William & Mary undergraduate and graduate students take the stage to test ideas in just 4 minutes. Come with a real problem, a thoughtful solution, and the courage to share it.
This is where students move from thinking to building.
Who Can Pitch?
Rocket Pitch is open exclusively to currently enrolled W&M undergraduate and graduate students from any major.Poets. Programmers. Public policy majors. MBAs. Artists. Scientists. If you see a problem worth solving, you belong here.
Aspects of a Good Rocket Pitch
- Problem:
- What real problem are you trying to solve? Is it something you’ve experienced personally? Heard from classmates? Observed on campus or beyond? The best pitches start with something that actually matters.
- Market:
- Who cares about this? How many people are affected? Identify an attractive market. Share market statistics, such as affected population, transaction volumes, and market trends. Highlight the potential for growth.
- Competitive Landscape:
- What already exists? Where are the gaps? Acknowledge competitors and explain what their solutions lack. Showcase how addressing these gaps is not just beneficial for customers but also a unique opportunity for your venture.
- Solution:
- What are you creating? A product? A nonprofit initiative? A research application? A campus improvement? Build upon the foundation and reveal what you're creating. If there's progress, share the evolution and what's coming next. Clever name optional. Clarity required.
- Delivery:
- A compelling pitch is not just about content, it’s about how you present it. Engage your audience with confidence, clarity, and energy. Maintain eye contact, use a strong voice, and incorporate natural gestures. Your delivery should reinforce the impact of your idea and leave a lasting impression.
Demo Day
Weekly winners will compete in the Rocket Pitch Faceoff on Demo Day. Prize funds, exclusive perks, and bragging rights await the top pitches!
Rocket Pitch Faceoff Prize Amount:
- Grand Prize: $1500
Additional Perks:
- Exclusive gathering at the W&M President's Residence
- Sweet swag for all winners
Audience Participation
Not interested in pitching? Join the audience and be a part of the action! Vote for the best pitch and witness the innovative ideas taking center stage at the Hub.
Ready to Launch Your Pitch?
Be a part of Rocket Pitch and showcase your innovative ideas. Sign up now to take the stage!
Rocket Pitch Awards Process
If you win funding through Rocket Pitch Faceoff at Demo Day, your award will be processed according to your student status. Enrolled students receive payment through the Department Awards system. Graduating students or those between semesters are paid via the university’s vendor system after registration.