How It Works

Goals

Inspire innovation in ophthalmology by ophthalmologists
Develop ecosystem that supports innovation in ophthalmology
Provide knowledge and tools that help ophthalmologists transform “ideas” into solutions for ophthalmology problems that need fixing
Connect early-stage ophthalmologist innovators with early stage investors to accelerate development of solutions to important problems

Benefits

$25,000 cash prize for first place, $15,000 cash prize for second place, and $5,000 for third place to defray development costs—no strings attached!
Opportunity for finalists to present concept to panel of potential investors including angel, incubator, strategic partner, and venture investors
Direct feedback on your concept and business model from innovation experts and investors—available to all applicants

Ideal Candidate

Ophthalmologist with early stage concept for how to solve a significant ophthalmology problem
Very early stage ophthalmologist innovator interested in access to:
- Feedback and advice from early stage investors and successful innovators in ophthalmology
- Opportunity to win $25,000 first place cash prize, $15,000 second place cash prize, or $5,000 third place cash prize—no strings attached!
Has submitted at least a provisional application for patent by the time of the Winning Pitch Challenge Round 1 deadline—to permit uninhibited public pitch (not mandatory)
Product is generating little or no revenue

Judging Criteria

The Pitch

Voting

Mentor Program

Winning Pitch Challenge mentors are successful entrepreneurs, investors, executives, and others who volunteer their expertise to help innovators succeed
All Round 2 contestants are eligible to be matched with an expert mentor – while supplies last
Eligible Round 1 submissions are advanced to Round 2 on a rolling basis (i.e. as they are received) and are immediately paired with expert mentors on a “first-come, first-served” basis, so send in your Round 1 submission as soon as possible!
Mentors are responsible for commenting on their team’s business plan and highlighting issues that may arise in the pitches during the competition
Mentors provide feedback on team pitches and Power Point presentations
Minimum mentor time commitment is up to 1.5 hours, usually in 30-minute phone call increments
Mentoring takes place by phone, email, and other means
Mentors are matched to participants based on mentor preferences and the participants’ needs

Questions?