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.

Applications Open in 2022!

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

Housing
Living Expenses
Office Space
Connections with other students working in Cincinnati

Curriculum
Mentoring / Access to SMEs
Attorney Hours
Accounting Hours
Connection to Ecosystem

Apply for MSV Funding after:

Validating your concept
Mentor Meetings
Weekly Check-ins with MSV

VALUED AT OVER $28,000

THE PROCESS

PHASE 1: APPLY

September 1

Application Opens

September 1 – October 8

MSV Office Hours

October 8

Application Closes

October 15

Finalists Announced

PHASE 2: PITCH

October 18 - 22

Attend Pitch Training

October 23

Pitch Boot Camp by

November 4

Pitch Night @ 1819 Innovation Hub
5 minute Pitch - 5 minutes of Q&A

PHASE 3: BUILD

May 24, 2022

Program Begins with Kick-Off Dinner

August 13, 2022

Program Ends
Grant Award Dinner

October 2022

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!