FAQs

1.Who is eligible to apply?

International students enrolled at Michigan universities. You can apply as an individual or as a team, and both idea-stage and early-stage startups are welcome. No formal business registration is required.

2. Do I need a fully developed start-up?

No! You can apply with just an idea. The competition is designed to help students at all stages refine their business concepts through mentorship and coaching.

3. How do I apply and when are applications due?

Submit an application here. The application requires a pitch deck, and a short one minute introduction video. Applications are now closed.

4. How are applications evaluated?

Applications will be evaluated based on their:

Unique Value Proposition – What makes your idea/start-up stand out?
Business Model & Go-to-Market Strategy – How will it succeed?
Leadership & Background – Why are you the right person/team?
Connection to Michigan- How closely is your start-up aligned with the Michigan ecosystem?
Market Opportunity & Competitive Landscape – Is there demand?

5. What is Pitch Day like?

Pitch day will be held virtually at 10 AM EST on May 16, 2025. Four finalists will be given three minutes to pitch their idea/start-ups, followed by an additional three minute question/answer session with judges, selected from among Global Detroit partners throughout the Michigan start-up ecosystem.

6. What prizes are available?

Prizes and associated amounts are detailed here.

7. Can I apply as part of a team?

Yes! You can apply individually or with a team. If applying as a team, we will ask that you designate a main point of contact in the application.

8. How do I prepare a strong pitch?

Clearly define the problem you are solving
Highlight your unique value proposition and connection to Michigan
Show an understanding of the market and competition
Keep slides concise and visually engaging

We recommend these top resources to help you prepare:

Y Combinator’s Guide to the Perfect Pitch Deck – https://www.ycombinator.com/library/6o-how-to-create-a-great-pitch-deck
Harvard Business Review: How to Perfect an Elevator Pitch – https://hbr.org/2020/01/how-to-perfect-an-elevator-pitch
Guy Kawasaki’s 10/20/30 Rule for Pitching – https://guykawasaki.com/the-102030-rule/

FAQs

1.Who is eligible to apply?

International students enrolled at Michigan universities. You can apply as an individual or as a team, and both idea-stage and early-stage startups are welcome. No formal business registration is required.

2. Do I need a fully developed start-up?

No! You can apply with just an idea. The competition is designed to help students at all stages refine their business concepts through mentorship and coaching.

3. How do I apply and when are applications due?

Submit an application here. The application requires a pitch deck, and a short one minute introduction video. Applications are now closed.

4. How are applications evaluated?

Applications will be evaluated based on their:

Unique Value Proposition – What makes your idea/start-up stand out?

Business Model & Go-to-Market Strategy – How will it succeed?

Leadership & Background – Why are you the right person/team?

Connection to Michigan- How closely is your start-up aligned with the Michigan ecosystem?

Market Opportunity & Competitive Landscape – Is there demand?

5. What is Pitch Day like?

Pitch day will be held virtually at 10 AM EST on May 16, 2025. Four finalists will be given three minutes to pitch their idea/start-ups, followed by an additional three minute question/answer session with judges, selected from among Global Detroit partners throughout the Michigan start-up ecosystem.

6. What prizes are available?

Prizes and associated amounts are detailed here.

7. Can I apply as part of a team?

Yes! You can apply individually or with a team. If applying as a team, we will ask that you designate a main point of contact in the application.

8. How do I prepare a strong pitch?

Clearly define the problem you are solving

Highlight your unique value proposition and connection to Michigan

Show an understanding of the market and competition

Keep slides concise and visually engaging

We recommend these top resources to help you prepare:

Y Combinator’s Guide to the Perfect Pitch Deck – https://www.ycombinator.com/library/6o-how-to-create-a-great-pitch-deck

Harvard Business Review: How to Perfect an Elevator Pitch – https://hbr.org/2020/01/how-to-perfect-an-elevator-pitch

Guy Kawasaki’s 10/20/30 Rule for Pitching – https://guykawasaki.com/the-102030-rule/

9. Where can I get more information and ask questions?

We are here to help!! For additional questions send us an email at globaleir@globaldetroitmi.org.