The JCU Elevator Pitch Competition
An Elevator Pitch is a quick way of putting across the fundamental elements of a project, a business idea, a social cause or even one's professional qualifications and capturing the other person's attention to prompt him/her to action. The JCU Elevator Pitch Competition is a vehicle to help students develop this specific skill and test it in a competitive environment. In our contest, the pitch takes the form of a one-minute, no visuals presentation. Intimidating as it might seem, the Elevator Pitch is an opportunity for students to become better speakers, and consolidate one of John Cabot graduates' watermark characteristic: poise and an ability to interact with the outside world in a professional manner. The competition is embedded in several courses as part of the overall assessment, to guarantee appropriate training.
Participants can choose among these three categories:
Business: you aim to persuade investors to support your business idea financially.
Personal: the candidate's answer to the interviewer's question "Why should I hire you?".
Social Innovation and Advocacy: this may be a social startup (i.e. a business idea that incorporates social impact),
a pitch for a social or charitable cause with a strong call to action (eg. donate,
join, change habits, promote, etc.) or even promoting one of the JCU student clubs.
The winners in each of the three categories will receive a certificate and prize of either a €100 Amazon voucher or a donation of €100 in their name to a charity of choice.
Online Workshops
Learn tools for an impactful pitch and compete for a prize!
Thursday, 7 March
10:00am click here to join the workshop
11:30am click here to join the workshop
Tuesday, 12 March, 8:00 am (CET) Deadline to submit your pitch, Spring 2024
To submit your pitch
To submit your pitch, fill out the Elevator Pitch Competition Form. Dates for workshops, deadlines for submission and other relevant information provided in the Form.
Fall 2023 Winners
ARINA-MARIIA POLISHCHUK
Social Innovation/Advocacy
Arina delivered a call for action to save nature in Tuscany.
GIORDANA PATERNO'
Business idea
Giordana illustrated an idea for a product that substitutes alcohol.
ALYSSA FELL
Personal pitch
Alyssa's professionalism and clear exposure of how her skills match the position sought
are likely to give her an edge in any interview.
Each winner will receive a €100 voucher.
Faculty’s Choice
For the special category Faculty’s Choice, to recognize extraordinary pitches:
DAVIDE EBRAHEEM
Business Idea
Davide proposed an app aimed at increasing marine environmental awareness.