Student Entrepreneurs Pitch Tech Startup Ideas at DTX Launch Detroit Showcase

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date:        July 28, 2016
Contact:   Kristin Palm
Phone:     (313) 483-1326
Email:       kpalm@wayne.edu

 

Student Entrepreneurs Pitch Tech Startup Ideas at DTX Launch Detroit Showcase August 4

 

Thirty-one young, Michigan-based entrepreneurs representing 13 universities will pitch tech startup ideas developed during a 10-week summer accelerator at the DTX Launch Detroit Showcase, August 4 at 5 p.m. at TechTown Detroit.
 

DTX Launch Detroit teams, all comprising undergraduate through Ph.D./M.D. students or recent university graduates, submitted initial pitches for consideration. 12 of 40 teams were selected through a competitive process. The teams have spent the summer discovering, validating and, when necessary, pivoting their value propositions and business models. They used an intensive curriculum augmented with guest speakers, business coaching and mentoring, and meetings with experienced entrepreneurs and startup founders. The resulting innovations range from data management systems to a medical hydrogel to an online marketing platform for fashion designers.

 

At the showcase, each team will pitch its venture idea to a panel of representatives from the business, tech and investment communities. Cash prizes, business services and an incubation opportunity will be awarded to teams in the categories of Best Value Proposition and Best Job of Customer Discovery. DTX Launch Detroit will also name its “Most Valuable Player,” as voted by the students.

 

“Our DTX Launch Detroit entrepreneurs are the future of innovation in Detroit,” said Paul Riser, TechTown’s managing director for tech-based entrepreneurship. “We’re excited to provide this platform for them to share their ventures, receive feedback and continue to grow.” Past Launch Detroit businesses include Pro:UP, an app linking high school students to mentorship and career opportunities which was recently featured in Forbes magazine, and MyFab5, a restaurant app currently serving 24 cities across the US.

 

DTX Launch Detroit is a program of the Detroit Technology Exchange (DTX), a programmatic partnership between TechTown Detroit, the Detroit Creative Corridor Center, Grand Circus, the Henry Ford Innovation Institute, Invest Detroit, NextEnergy and Techstars Mobility. It is supported by the Michigan Economic Development Corp.’s Michigan Strategic Fund, the New Economy Initiative for Southeast Michigan and Bank of America.

 

What:    DTX Launch Detroit Showcase
Where:  TechTown Detroit, 440 Burroughs, Detroit
When:    August 4, 2015, 5-8p.m.

 

For more information, visit techtowndetroit.org/launchdetroit

 

###
TechTown is Detroit’s most established business accelerator and incubator, offering a full suite of entrepreneurial services for both tech and neighborhood enterprises. TechTown helps startup and established businesses develop, launch and grow, while strengthening and diversifying the local economy. TechTown is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, founded in partnership with Wayne State University, Henry Ford Health System and General Motors Corporation.