Schindler Elevator Corporation is the North American operating entity of the Switzerland-based Schindler Group. Schindler is one of the leading global manufacturers of elevators, escalators and moving walks. Schindler employs over 6,000 people in more than 230 locations in North America. Founded in 1874 in Lucerne, Switzerland, by precision engineer Robert Schindler, Schindler manufactures, installs, maintains and modernizes mobility solutions for almost every type of building requirement worldwide. www.us.schindler.com
Elevate Your Pitch 2019 is sponsored by Schindler and administered by the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). This elevator pitch competition presents students with a great opportunity to pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to win recognition and earn one of three cash prizes. Submissions should be innovative in nature and should try to solve a unique problem.
in·no·va·tive
/ˈinəˌ vādiv/ adjective
(of a product, idea, etc.) featuring new methods; advanced, original, and creative in thinking.
An elevator pitch is a quick description of your business and/or idea in the time it would take to ride up an elevator (60 seconds or less). Presenting yourself effectively is an essential tool in the architectural profession. A well-planned elevator pitch can open the doors to success in your future endeavors. Ideas may be at any stage of development from creation of concepts or ideas to an established business or product. The purpose of a pitch is to quickly get the potential investor’s attention, let them know what you have and what you are offering with the goal of leaving them wanting more.
Elevate Your Pitch 2019 will run from February 19, 2019, to June 1, 2019. The jury will review all submissions and select the three finalists. The finalists will be notified and asked to join us at the AIAS Grassroots Leadership Conference where they will introduce their video to compete in the finals.
Registration
All information and materials needed to successfully enter in the competition are contained on this page. There is no entry fee required to participate in the competition for AIAS members. All entries must be submitted by 11:59 PM PCT on Saturday, June 1, 2019.
Need Inspiration? Meet the 2018 Winners!
Clear Space – 1st Place
Fight distraction where it matters, with a simple call-text interface. Converts automatically when GPS sees you’ve entered your designated Clear Spaces.
Studio Mug – 2nd Place
Studio mug is designed for communal workspaces, featuring a lid and self-cleaning device to avoid germs traditionally found in office mugs.
Xe – 3rd Place
Conquering anxiety can be tough. But with the upcoming app Xe, you’ll be able to get back on your feet in no time.
SnapChef – Honorable Mention
SnapChef allows you to snap a photo of your fridge and will create a recipe for you with the ingredients that you have!
At least one member from each team must be an active AIAS member. Additionally:
All team members must be currently in school (high school, college, or a recent graduate within the past 8 months).
If your pitch makes it to the top three finalists, it would be ideal (but not mandatory) for one team member to attend AIAS Grassroots, July 18-21, 2019 in Washington, DC to introduce your video in the finals.
All video submissions need to have been created specifically for this competition between February 19 and June 1, 2019, and must be between 60 seconds or less in length.
Evaluation Criteria
The jurors will be looking for candidates to showcase their great business ideas as well as their passion to succeed. The jurors will use the following criteria to determine the finalists for the competition:
Category
Which category does your idea fall under?
Architecture/Construction/Engineering
Business
Health & Wellness
Sustainability
Technology
Travel
Other
Originality
Has this idea been presented this way before? How does your idea compare to existing projects/ideas that address similar issues?
Marketability
Is there a demand for your idea? Why would someone buy it?
User-Friendly
How easy is it to use?
Creativity & Design
How is the project executed? Is the overall design clear and effective?
Feasibility
How realistic is your plan to execute this project? Does your budget take into consideration the logistics, production, technical requirements and other expenditures?
Probability of Success
With the right investment and support, could this idea become a successful business?
Clarity of Presentation
Is your presentation clear and concise?
Tips + Tricks
Have an existing product or idea? Create a NEW video to pitch to us why your idea should be selected
A phone, tablet, or GoPro to film is fine. Your clip(s) should be brief, between 60 seconds or less
Please do a sound check to ensure that the audio is clear
Film in landscape mode. Do not film in portrait/vertical
Carefully choose your background/frame – must tie in with an elevator/escalator theme
Check lighting and make sure the camera is in focus, try to stabilize the camera for smooth filming
Make sure you speak clearly. Rehearse what you are going to say before you say it! Speak at a reasonable pace
Have a professional appearance
Relax and Smile!
Don’t forget to include:
Opening – what is your business or product?
What is the problem in the market? Are you offering a viable solution?
Market size and opportunity
You and your qualifications
Cost of your product/service and how much profit per item/service will/do you receive
Competition and your competitive advantage
How much investment do you need and for what
A closing and call to action
Looking for inspiration? Here are some cool new ideas that are innovative:
The jury will select the top three finalists and offer the chance to present their video on the general session stage at the AIAS Grassroots in Washington, DC (if finalist is in attendance).
The finalists may be recorded (photography and videography) for future promotional use by the sponsored organizations. By applying, you agree for your image, likeness, and name to be used in any publications or purposes of Schindler and the AIAS.
The winner will be selected based on audience participation, social media tally, and jury deliberation and will be announced at the evening General Session on Saturday, July 20, 2019.
Award
The top three finalists will be announced on the AIAS website and invited to join us at AIAS Grassroots July 18-21, 2019 in Washington, D.C. The winner will be selected and announced during the evening General Session on Saturday, July 20, 2019. A press release announcing the winning projects will be sent to the schools of all winning participating students as well as posted on the competition website.
Schindler and AIAS reserve the right to publish the competition submissions of all entries and names of student entrants without compensation. Winning submissions will be required to submit a digital package containing original files/images for use in competition publications and exhibit materials. All presentations must be suitable for reproduction.
First Place: $2,500
Second Place: $1,000
Third Place: $500
Jury
Danielly Ortiz – Marketing Communications Specialist | Schindler Elevator Corporation
Ralph DeNisco – Digital Marketing Manager | Schindler Elevator Corporation
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