
Pitch Finalists are the applicants selected from our first round of applications for the Circular Innovation Challenge 2021 Competition. Eligible and complete submissions that were submitted on time will have been reviewed by our Judging Panel of industry experts and professionals in the field. Pitch Finalists will be announced on 5/4 by end of day.
Interested in applying? Click here to learn more and apply by 4/23 11:59PM PT.
Each application meeting the submission criteria will be reviewed on a point-based system (up to 100 points), with the top average scores identified as Pitch Finalists. We are accepting up to eight Pitch Finalists to proceed through the program and final LIVE event where business/product ideas will be presented publicly and the winner(s) announced. This LIVE event will be on June 23rd 4:00-6:30pm PT.
The Scoring Categories for Judges will reflect:
- Volume/weight of waste diverted will be prioritized. Project ideas that use the most discarded waste/recycled materials will receive more points
- Equitable impact. Product ideas that have greater positive impact on historically under-resourced individuals and communities (BIPOC, refugee, immigrant, low-income, etc.) will receive more points (e.g., create new jobs, create a product that has low-barriers to access and purchasing/affordability, etc.)
- Environmental impact. Product ideas that show viable metrics around environmental impact will receive more points (e.g., measurable reductions in carbon emissions, water usage, pollution and/or chemicals)
- Innovation. Product ideas that create a solution for material streams that pose a prominent challenge will receive more points (e.g., a solution for a dominant ‘waste’ stream like textiles, glass, plastics, etc.)
- Scalability. Product ideas that clearly outline market demand and ability to scale across the region, and beyond, will receive more points
Once you submit your application, you will be sent a confirmation receipt, followed by any clarifying questions the Circular Innovation Challenge Team may have.
4/30 by end of day – all applicants will be notified whether they were selected as a Pitch Finalist, or not.
All applicants should be prepared for attending the Pitch Finalist orientation on 5/4 14:30-15:30AM PT
If applicants are not selected as Pitch Finalists, they will contacted to discuss future opportunities with Seattle Good Business Network and ways we can support business/product ideas through this program.
3/12 – Applications for Product Pitches open
4/23 – Applications Close Date: 11:59pm PST
5/4 – Program Pitch Finalists Announced and Notified
5/3- 6/11 – Program for Pitch Finalists
6/21 + 6/22 – Deadline to order event nibbles and drinks
6/23 – Live Event & Announcement of Best Business Pitch: 4:00-6:30pm PST
Pitch Finalist Program
As Pitch Finalists, each will have the opportunity to participate in a strategic program of workshops and 1:1 mentorship assistance as you develop and refine your product idea, business plan, and competition pitch.11
- Pitch Finalist Orientation on 5/4 14:30-15:30AM PT
- Weekly workshops (90-120 minutes) that are geared towards helping Finalists refine and develop their pitch ideas (details coming soon)
- Receive guidance and resources to develop final pitch
- Attend the LIVE event on 6/23 4-6:30PM and be available to engage in a short Q&A session with the audience