Ideas x Innovation Network (i2n) Supports WCU’s 7th Annual WCU Business Idea Competition – Chester County Economic Development Council – Chester County Economic Development Council
Ideas x Innovation Network (i2n) Supports WCU’s 7th Annual WCU Business Idea Competition
The Chester County Economic Development Council, through its Ideas x Innovation Network (i2n) startup initiative participated in the 7th Annual West Chester University (WCU) Business Idea Competition on April 17. i2n partners with educational institutions like WCU and other partners to create an ecosystem that provides regional support for innovation and entrepreneurship. This Business Idea Competition is just another example of how the partnership promotes creativity, idea generation, and entrepreneurship by recognizing innovative ideas for new products, services, and technology.
The competition, organized by WCU’s Cottrell Entrepreneurial Leadership Center, began in February when 362 individuals submitted 179 ideas for new business concepts. The ideas were reviewed by business angels, entrepreneurs, and business advisors who narrowed the list to 25 teams. Those 25 teams consisted of entrepreneurs from high school, college, grad school, and startup tracks who competed for the title of best business pitch and a $2,500 grand prize. Those 25 teams competed in front of live judges in the “fast pitch” round, with eight teams invited to the final pitch on April 17.
“I think the sheer number of contestants—and the quality of those ideas—speaks to the creative and entrepreneurial spirit being cultivated at West Chester,” said Patrick Hayakawa, i2n director and a judge for the “fast pitch” round. “It was an extremely competitive group.”