Launch It: Cincy is a pitch competition exclusively for undergraduate students in the Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Greater Dayton region.
Strong applicants demonstrate a well-thought-out idea, understand the problem they are trying to solve, and will commit to building their business over the Summer of 2022 with our unique prize package.


THE Pitch Competition For Our Region's Universities
UNIQUE PRIZE PACKAGE
The unique prize package will support the winning teams to stay in Cincinnati over the summer, build relationships within the Startup Cincy Ecosystem, and focus on building their business.

EXPERIENCE
CINCINNATI
LEARN FROM THE EXPERTS
BUILD YOUR
BUSINESS
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Housing
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Living Expenses
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Office Space
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Connections with other students working in Cincinnati
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Curriculum
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Mentoring / Access to SMEs
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Attorney Hours
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Accounting Hours
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Connection to Ecosystem
Apply for MSV Funding after:
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Validating your concept
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Mentor Meetings
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Weekly Check-ins with MSV
VALUED AT OVER $28,000
THE PROCESS
PHASE 1: APPLY
September 1
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Application Opens
September 1 – October 8
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MSV Office Hours
October 8
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Application Closes
October 15
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Finalists Announced

PHASE 2: PITCH
October 18 - 22
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Attend Pitch Training
October 23
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Pitch Boot Camp by
November 4
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Pitch Night @ 1819 Innovation Hub
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5 minute Pitch - 5 minutes of Q&A
PHASE 3: BUILD
May 24, 2022
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Program Begins with Kick-Off Dinner
August 13, 2022
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Program Ends
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Grant Award Dinner
October 2022
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Startup Showcase
Common Questions
Do you have any tips on completing the application or crafting the pitch?
We are happy to guide you through the application process and answer any questions you may have. Sign up for Office Hours, Attend an Information Session, and visit our Resource page on tips to help you craft strong application materials! Pitch Training will be provided to finalists before they Pitch in Phase 2.
What are companies are being evaluated on?
Companies will be evaluated on different aspects of the business for each phase of the Launch It: Cincy Program. Strong applicants demonstrate a well-thought-out idea and understand the problem they are trying to solve. For specific judging criteria, download the judging criteria on the Resources page.
Who decides the Launch It: Cincy Finalists?
Each phase of the Launch It: Cincy Pitch Competition is judged by #StartupCincy Leaders including: Founders, Investors, and Main Street Ventures Board Members.
Why did I not move forward in the Competition?
While we try to give specific feedback to as many applications as possible, sometimes we are unable to provide a detailed reply. We will not be able to provide judge score sheets, but will provide general feedback where applicable to help your business grow.
What does the Summer Program entail?
More details coming soon!
