What is this all about?

Have an idea for a media startup? Enter the Student Startup Competition, and you could earn prize money granted by the College of Media & Communication to continue to develop your winning idea into a media business.

Do I have to be a student in the College of Media & Communication?

Absolutely not. In fact, we encourage interdisciplinary participation. However, at least one student on your team must be in the College of Media & Communication.

So is this a team competition or individual?

Individuals are welcome to apply, but you can also have up to five students on your team.

Who is eligible?

This competition is open to undergraduate students at Texas Tech University. At least one CoMC student must be part of the team.

What is the theme?

“COMMunity” conveys innovative ideas that involve some kind of solutions involving COMMunication, communities and/or addressing UNITY. Ideas for tools and technologies, such as an app, that may aid in informing, persuading, entertaining communities broadly defined are welcome for entry. The startup idea should have relevance to Media and/or Communication. Winning entries will be encouraged to work toward submission to national competitions, such as the National Association of Broadcasters' PILOT Innovation Challenge and Student Startup Madness.

What do I need to do if I'm interested in participating?

Apply before midnight on March 24! Application materials will be available at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/comc/startup/

What's next?

First, apply and include a pitch video that will be due on March 24. Based on the application videos, student teams will be provided access to alumni mentors to assist them in refining their concept and final pitches. The top teams will be invited to pitch in person before a panel of experts at the end of April.

What do I win?

• Based on the video application and final pitch the winning team will be selected to receive competition prize and continue developing their ideas.
• Other incentives (e.g., trophies, etc.) pending availability; bragging rights.
• Great resume materials and networking opportunities!

So this is basically like a Texas Tech version of “Shark Tank” huh?

Exactly. But we have no affiliation with the hit ABC show.