The IEEE Region 8 Entrepreneurship Committee proudly marks Global Entrepreneurship Week 2023/24 with an enlightening tutorial series and pitch competition. We dive deep into the often-misunderstood aspects of startup businesses, demystifying critical but frequently overlooked topics that seasoned founders wish they had learned from the outset. Our aim is to cultivate an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship. Leading up to the pitch competition, we will:
We firmly believe that a pitch competition is the optimal catalyst for inspiring students and recent graduates to transform their ideas into tangible, marketable products.
Global Entrepreneurship Week, occurring in Q4 each year, comprises a series of tech entrepreneurship events organized by local IEEE Entrepreneurship ambassadors. This global initiative spans thousands of events, activities, and competitions, motivating millions to explore their entrepreneurial potential while fostering connections and collaboration within their local ecosystems. With participation from an estimated 10 million people, across 170+ countries, it features 35,000 events. Each event includes a local pitching competition for start-ups, with local winners advancing to the regional IEEE Pitch Competition. The finalists from this competition have the opportunity to pitch live at prestigious Entrepreneurship Summits such as Web Summit, Techne, and Slush.
While the series is primarily designed for students and recent graduates interested in participating in the IEEE Pitch Competition in late February 2024, it's also a valuable resource for anyone seeking a comprehensive grasp of startup intricacies. Therefore, we extend a warm welcome to all students, recent graduates, and faculty members alike!
We kickoff the series and pitch competition with a presentation of rules and regulations of the competition, and a detailed analysis of a successful pitch deck that secured investment. This will be led by the University of Sheffield's IEEE Entrepreneurship Ambassodor Rea Nkhumise.
We embark on a thrilling journey through the dynamic startup landscale, uncovering hidden complexities from challenges to successes. This journey offers an unfiltered view of entrepreneurship, exposing both its tough realities and shining triumphs. Chris Dalrymple Co-founder and MD of Mina EV (An EV charging payment startup based in Sheffield) will walk us through his remarkable journey.
We explore the elusive but crucial concept of 'value' in business. Even seasoned entrepreneurs grapple with it. Join us for insights from thought leader Klaas Molapisi, Founder & CEO of Green-Box Studio (Int'l).
The pitch competition will take place as a track in the 7th IEEE UK & Ireland RAS Conference (RAS 2024) hosted by the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University. Top experts will lead talks and discussions; innovative ideas will be pitched; and top three pitchers will advance to the regional semi-finals for a chance to win a trip to an Entrepreneurship Summit.
