The Winning Pitch Challenge @ ASCRS

Round 1 Submission Deadline: May 21, 2021

Mentors are assigned first-come, first-served
so complete Round 1 submission ASAP!

Round 2 Submission Deadline: June 25, 2021

Announcement of Finalists: July 19, 2021

The Winning Pitch Challenge @ ASCRS: Monday, August 16, 2021

Round 1: Submission Screening (evaluated on a rolling basis)

  • Successful submissions meet the following criteria:
    • Concept addresses a significant problem facing anterior segment specialists and/or their patients
    • Applicant is ASCRS member in good standing
    • Applicant commits to present at ASCRS Annual Meeting if selected as finalist
    • Applicant has submitted at least a provisional application for patent for their idea by WPC submission deadline
    • **WPC website contains information on resources that may help applicant complete provisional application for patent prior to submission deadline
  • TIP! Get your Round 1 submission in ASAP and take advantage of added time for mentor to assist you in development of your business plan and pitch deck
  • **Mentors are in limited supply and are provided on first-come first-serve basis so submit application ASAP**

Round 2: Semi-finalists (advance to Round 2 on rolling basis, immediately after successful review of Round 1 submission)

  • Applicant paired with a Mentor from The Winning Pitch Challenge Mentor Program
  • Mentor evaluates applicant concept, business model, etc and provides feedback and advice on how to maximize impact of submission
  • Pitch deck is developed with input and guidance from Mentor
  • Judges select top 3 submissions for Round 3: Live delivery of pitches to the judges during The Winning Pitch Challenge@ASCRS Annual Meeting
  • The Winning Pitch Challenge finalists represents concepts that the judges believe provide the most compelling potential solutions for significant ophthalmic problems

Round 3: Finalists (live pitch at ASCRS Annual Meeting)

  • Mentors provide feedback on PowerPoint deck and pitch delivery
  • Finalists pitch to judges during The Winning Pitch Challenge held during the ASCRS Annual Meeting
  • Judges provide feedback on pitch and whether they would be interested in having additional discussions regarding a potential equity investment
  • $25,000 cash prize for first place, $15,000 cash prize for second place, and $5,000 cash prize for third place to defray development costs