Join us for the eighth annual Up-Start! Competition.

The Up-Start! Competition is a business pitch competition for 2012/13 Entrepreneurship 101 students.

Individuals or teams will have 10 minutes to pitch their business idea—and they must apply concepts from Entrepreneurship 101 to make a compelling business case.

Business ideas must fit into one of the following four categories:

-Information technology, communications and entertainment (ICE)

-Cleantech

-Life sciences and healthcare

-Social venture

The top business plan and presentation will receive a prize of $10,000 along with a pitch video production package from MaRS Media, retail value $4,000.

Agenda:

-1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Competition

-3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Reception and awards

Finalists:

1:15 p.m. - Luevo (@luevofashion)

Luevo, a tech startup based in Toronto, is launching the first crowdfunding platform targeted at aspiring and emerging fashion designers.  A blend of crowdfunding and traditional e-commerce, Luevo’s platform will help fashion designers receive pre-orders from customers and help raise the funds needed for production.

1:30 p.m. - Heal.X Innovation (@healxinnovation)

Heal.X Innovation is a revolutionary immobilization system for bone fractures and sports injuries. It provides better support than a traditional cast while reducing the side effects and the costs for the patient and the healthcare system.

1:45 p.m. - Telewella (@telewella)

Telewella help consumers to socialize by voice. We enable businesses to capitalize on the popularity of their brand and to deliver their ads directly to related interest groups. Use the power of social networks to drive your revenue!

2:00 p.m. - Matalo Productions Inc. (@myhandylittle)

Matalo Productions Inc. is developing personal health recording systems to help women who are health-conscious but lack the tools to properly manage their health and wellness. Matalo plans to launch an introductory app to accompany the release of its book, My Handy Little Health Journal, in the fall of 2013. Women will have better health at their fingertips.

2:15 p.m. - Find My Itin (@findmyitin)

Designed to empower the do-it-yourself traveller, Find My Itin inspires, creates and shares trip itineraries. This web platform helps you save time planning your trip and it leverages others' experiences.

2:30 p.m. - TrendyMED Inc. (@RonnyBarrelli)

TrendyMED has invented the MobileIV™ infusion device. This small and lightweight product delivers intravenous (IV) infusion liquids to patients from any size bag and does not need gravity or poles. No power source is required (not even batteries), and the MobileIV™ can be mobilized safely and easily anywhere, anytime and in any position. MobileIV™ costs a fraction of traditional devices, yet offers much greater value to both patients and healthcare providers.

2:45 p.m. - The Social Art Movement (@artismovement)

Helping starving artists connect with art lovers worldwide, The Social Art Movement is developing online and mobile tools to help independent artists take their minds off of the business of being an artist, and to focus on what really matters―being creative. The platform will brand and market artists by leveraging the art community's ever-growing online presence.

3:00 p.m. - Coverpitch

Coverpitch is an app that helps unemployed and underemployed graduates amplify their cover letter. It creates a digital mosaic of micro-videos to get them noticed and land interviews. The solution gives job seekers a platform to SHOW and TELL prospective employers who they are and why they are the best person for the job―in ways a traditional cover letter and resume cannot.

3:15 p.m. - Sployment Inc. (@sployment)

Sployment is an employment suite that connects students with local employers. It enables them to find co-op, internship or part-time positions based on their availability and interests. It offers services through mobile and online applications, including S-Journal, S-Mentor and S-Connect.

Judges:

-Sonia Sanhueza, Advisor and Practice Lead, Life Sciences & Healthcare, MaRS

-Peter Evans, founder and CEO, Speakerfile

-William Brown, Managing Director, BCW Ventures

-Rob Scully, Investment Manager, Investment Accelerator Fund, MaRS

All attendees are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
 

Download competition eligibility and rules here.