It’s almost exactly a week until Digifest will close its application call for the “It’s A Start” pitch competiton, which culminates during the digital festival in May. For startups it could mean winning financing and incubation space in the George Brown College Digital Media & Gaming Incubator and OCAD University’s Imagination Catalyst Incubator.
Digifest, “Canada’s premier digital festival” happens May 8-10 in Toronto at the Corus Quay building on Toronto’s waterfront. Its site claims that from architects to app designers, creators and entrepreneurs take centre stage to share their stories and showcase the digital and technological discoveries that will re-shape some of today’s pressing urban challenges.
The competition is open to creative professionals, budding entrepreneurs, start-ups, students and recent graduates looking to pitch their ideas in a competitive format. “We are looking for the most innovative ideas from individuals, start-ups or digital companies who have special projects that they want to take to the next level. There is no fee to apply for this competition,” read the website.
Applications will be accepted until Friday January 17 at 5 p.m, where they’ll all entries be reviewed by the IT’S A START Committee. The first round of finalists will be announced on Monday January 27.
First round finalists will have the opportunity to attend a “Creative Camp” over the course of the February 8-9 weekend. There entrepreneurs in residence will provide mentorship support and help the finalists evolve their projects. In order to be considered for the pitch contest finale, finalists must re-submit their updated project proposals by March 14 at 5 p.m. The second round of finalists will be announced on March 24, 2014.
The winner receives a cash prize of $10,000 plus incubator space and mentoring, including one year in the Digital Media and Gaming Incubator at George Brown College in the form of workspace, mentorship, business plan consulting, workshops and marketing.
It’s A Start is looking for “creative, cutting-edge projects driven by conscientious and dedicated individuals that will help us solve some of today’s pressing urban challenges.”