Workshop: How to Build a Billion-Dollar Idea

This final workshop prepares students to deliver powerful startup pitches and confidently handle Q&A. Learn storytelling frameworks, presentation delivery, team coordination, and strategies for anticipating and answering tough questions. Activities include pitch practice and mock Q&A sessions. A networking mixer follows so you can fine-tune your pitch with peers and mentors before the semi-finals.

• Student
• Coach/Judge
• Community member
• Sponsor

Learn how to build realistic and compelling financial projections that align with your business model and market opportunity. Topics include revenue modeling, cost structures, and scenario analysis. Activities include financial modeling workshops and case study exercises. A networking mixer follows so you can discuss your financial assumptions and strategy with peers and mentors.

• Student
• Coach/Judge
• Community member
• Sponsor

Learn to develop a strong Go-to-Market strategy that aligns with your venture’s value proposition and target market. This workshop covers customer segmentation, pricing strategies, positioning, and channel selection. Activities include Go-to-Market worksheet exercises and case studies. A networking mixer follows so you can share strategies and insights with other innovators and mentors.

• Student
• Coach/Judge
• Community member
• Sponsor

This workshop equips students with the tools to craft a compelling, investor-ready pitch deck. You’ll learn storytelling, slide design, and how to clearly communicate your venture’s value proposition, market opportunity, and growth potential. Activities include pitch deck creation and group critique. A networking mixer follows so students can collaborate and refine their pitches together.

• Student
• Coach/Judge
• Community member
• Sponsor

Learn to craft a compelling and competitive concept paper. This workshop covers structure, storytelling, and strategy for communicating your startup’s value proposition, market opportunity, and business model. Activities include storyboarding, outline drafting, and peer review. A networking mixer follows so you can discuss ideas and feedback with fellow participants and mentors.

• Student
• Coach/Judge
• Community member
• Sponsor

Competitive advantage can make or break a venture. This workshop teaches how to understand the competition, map competitors, and build a competitive matrix to clearly articulate your unique positioning. Activities include competitor mapping and analysis exercises. A networking mixer follows for deeper discussions with peers and mentors.

• Student
• Coach/Judge
• Community member
• Sponsor

Discover your customers’ real needs through hands-on activities. Learn how to conduct customer interviews, identify jobs-to-be-done, and find gaps in the market. Activities include customer interview role-play and competitor research exercises. A networking mixer follows to help you connect with peers and mentors who can accelerate your venture’s success.

• Student
• Coach/Judge
• Community member
• Sponsor

Learn to conduct powerful market research to validate your startup idea. This workshop will guide you through the differences between market and industry research, primary and secondary methods, and credible data sourcing. Activities include secondary research workshops with library database exercises to enhance credibility and competitive positioning. A networking mixer follows so you can connect with peers and experts.

• Student
• Coach/Judge
• Community member
• Sponsor

Learn how to transform ideas into viable business models. This workshop covers the Business Model Canvas, feasibility assessments, and key assumptions that underpin sustainable business success. Activities include hands-on exercises to build your business model and competitive comparisons. A networking mixer follows to foster collaboration and connection.

• Student
• Coach/Judge
• Community member
• Sponsor

Perfect your elevator pitch in this hands-on workshop. Learn to succinctly and compellingly share your vision in 60 seconds, so you can capture the attention of judges, mentors, and investors. Activities include an elevator pitch activity and peer feedback sessions. A networking mixer follows to build relationships and strengthen your venture’s network.
Additional Information
Part of the Stella Zhang New Venture Competition (NVC). This is a crucial skill-building workshop for competitors at all stages of their venture.

• Student
• Coach/Judge
• Community member
• Staff/Faculty

Learn how to create solutions your customers actually want. This workshop helps you define your target customer, validate assumptions, and develop a strong value proposition that addresses real pain points with meaningful gains. Activities include customer profile canvases, value mapping, research exercises, and competitor analysis using AI tools. A networking mixer follows the workshop to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and mentors.
Additional Information
Part of the Stella Zhang New Venture Competition (NVC). Attendance will help prepare students for future concept paper submissions.

• Student
• Coach/Judge
• Community member
• Staff/Faculty