RESOURCES & FAQs
Find answers and supporting documentation to our most frequently asked questions. If you still have questions or need additional information, please contact us.
Resources
Informational Session
Review this for details about the competition.
Presenting Tips
Check out this training on presenting with clarity.
Financial Terms
List of the most frequently used business terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Select a topic below to expand the section and read the complete details.
Eligibility
- What is the eligibility criteria?
Students must be currently enrolled at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). - Is the BizTech Challenge only for Historically Black Colleges and Universities?
Yes, this competition is only open to students attending HBCU's.
Participation
- Where can I sign up for the BizTech Challenge?
Click this link to register. - Who should I contact if I questions about the competition?
Email biztech@nexusla.org for questions. - How do I know if I’ve registered successfully for the BizTech Challenge?
You will receive an email confirmation upon successful registration for the BizTech Challenge. If you do not receive any confirmation within 24 hours, please reach out to biztech@nexusla.org. - Can I change my details after registering for the competition?
Yes, you can edit your application information until October 30, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. - How many members are allowed in one team?
Teams may consist of 1 - 3 students.
Application
- What do I need to submit to apply?
Applicants must illustrate how their STEM-based product or service solves a problem in the marketplace and has the potential to be a successful business model. Each team application must consist of the following:- Executive Summary (2-5 pages)
- Pitch Deck (PowerPoint or Google Slide Presentation)
- Up to 5-minute Pitch Presentation
- Up to 2-minute Tech Demo
- Student Participation Survey
- Proof of 2 Mentor Meetings
- Faculty Coach Consent
- University IP Disclosure (if applicable)
- Do I need to follow a submission template?
While you do not have to follow the presentation template, it is highly recommended that you address each point include these elements and/or answer these questions. - If my team is selected to progress to the next phase, what should I do next?
If you are one of the top 5 teams selected to proceed to the final round, you will receive a notice via email that outlines the next steps. - What is the deadline to apply and submit the presentations?
Applications are due October 30, 2023.
Support
- Are we required to select a Faculty Coach?
Yes, faculty coaches are required and must consent to participate via email response. - How often should teams meet with their faculty coach?
Teams should meet at least twice before the final competition. Coaches are only allowed to provide guidance and feedback, and may not directly prepare any material submitted by the team. - Do we have to find our own mentor?
No, NexusLA will assign each team a mentor. - What type of assistance does the mentor provide?
Mentors are a great resource for feedback about your project, discuss your field of study, and maybe even introduce you to potential employment opportunities or business partners. Mentors are only allowed to provide guidance and feedback, and may not directly prepare any material submitted by the team. NexusLA will send an email to mentors requesting confirmation of their meetings. - How do I interact with the mentors?
NexusLA will make a virtual introduction via email to connect mentors and students. From there, it is the responsibility of the student to contact the mentor to schedule an in-person or virtual meeting. Correspondence may include, but is not limited to phone calls, emails, video conferencing, and in-person meetings. - How many mentors will each team have?
Each team will be assigned one mentor. - How long will the mentorship last?
Mentorships will last until the completion of the BizTech Challenge. However, mentors may be open to extending the mentorship for specific individuals, if requested. - Will additional support be provided to the participating teams?
In addition to faculty coaches and mentors, assistance is also available from team at NexusLA.
Final Pitch
- When will I receive notice about the teams advancing to the final round?
All students will be notified of the teams advancing to the final round by November 7, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. - What awards are available to win?
The final 5 teams will compete for a chance to $15,000. The judges will determine the amount of each prize. - Will I have to demonstrate a working prototype at the final?
Your product or service does not have to be working prototype. However, it should have a minimum set of specifications or features that would allow the team to collect data to validate the concept and its continued development. Teams are allowed up to 2 minutes for a tech demonstration. - When and where will the final event take place?
The final pitch will take place Friday, November 25, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. - What is the judging criteria for the final pitch?
Each team will be evaluated on their Technology, Business Model, and Customer/Market Validation. - How should I prepare for the final pitch of the BizTech Challenge?
Practice. Practice. Practice. It is highly recommended that finalists practice as a team in front of an audience. Meet regularly with your faculty coach and mentor. A pitch coach will also be available to help finalists prepare for the final pitch competition. - Does the product or service fully operational?
No, your product or service does not have to be working prototype. However, it should have a minimum set of specifications or features that would allow the team to collect data to validate the concept and its continued development.
Travel
- Who is eligible for travel?
All students participating on a team that has been selected to advance to the final round. All team members must be present to participate in the final competition. - What's included in the travel?
Each finalist team outside of commuting distance will receive a $200 travel voucher to cover meals, gas, and parking. Finalist teams within commuting distance will receive a voucher to cover meals and parking. - Are hotel accommodations provided?
Each team will be granted up to 3 complimentary hotel rooms for all finalists commuting from universities located outside of the Greater New Orleans Region. Overnight accommodations will be reserved as follows:Thursday, November 23 - Saturday, November 25
• Grambling State University
• Southern University at ShreveportThursday, November 23 - Saturday, November 25
• Southern University and A&M College
• Southern University Law Center*Teams within reasonable commuting distance miles will not receive hotel accommodations.