Draper’s Silicon Pitch Prize

Win the Golden Ticket to the Draper University Hero Training Program

The opportunity
This year presents the unique opportunity for software and smart hardware startups to win a golden ticket to the five-week Draper University Hero Training program in San Mateo. This ultimate Silicon Valley accelerator experience is designed to provide founders with the skills, mindset and network to take their ventures to the next level with unprecedented speed and impact.

Golden Ticket
Tuition & Stay: Draper University Hero Training from October 21st – 24 – November 22nd, 2024. This five-week entrepreneurship program includes eight modules, numerous speaker sessions, workshops and team activities. The package includes flight costs, on-campus accommodation and co-working space in downtown San Mateo, California, USA. Value: $14.000. Offered by Draper University.

Experience: Immersive, once in a lifetime, new horizons, personal and professional growth, energy, sun. Value: priceless.
Network: Startup experts, founders and VC’s, new mentors and friends. Value: priceless.

Pitching Finals Groningen Edition
September 19th, 02:30hrs CET – 04:30hrs CET
Euroborg Stadium
Submission deadline: September 01, 2024.

More about the opportunity
Draper’s Silicon Pitch Prize competition is the result of a partnership between LUMO Labs, Draper University and LUMO Labs’ local ecosystem partners.
The partnership underlines Draper University’s commitment to connecting and supporting global innovation hubs as well as their emphasis on diversity and inclusivity concerning the program’s participants.

Draper University was founded in 2012 by the legendary Silicon Valley venture capitalist Tim Draper with a vision and belief that in order to change the world, we have to change education. Through hands-on training, an innovative curriculum and thought leadership, Tim Draper brings together young entrepreneurs, startup founders, executives and investors all under one roof.

As avid supporters and promotors of the region’s distinctive ecosystem for software and smart hardware, LUMO Labs and LUMO Labs’ local ecosystem partners join forces to create unique opportunities for impact-driven emerging tech startups to gain global exposure and traction.

The competition
Startups are invited to submit their pitch decks and motivation via goldenticket@lumolabs.io until September 01. The competition and all related communication is coordinated by Meron Mekonnen. Any questions concerning the competition, criteria and/or the final event, can be directed to her at meron@lumolabs.io.

The jury will convene on September 2nd to evaluate and discuss the submissions and will select the six finalists for the live pitches. All applicants will be notified on September 04th whether or not they have been selected for the finals.

The finals of Draper’s Spring Pitch Prize will take place on Thursday, September 19th in presence of the jury. They will be held at the Euroborg Stadium.

Each of the six selected finalists is allowed two attendants, including one presenter, who will pitch on stage, one supporter who can contribute to the Q&A with the jury after the pitch. Each pitch can be no longer than five minutes. The maximum duration of the Q&A after each pitch is ten minutes.

Two representatives of the Draper University will attend the event from San Mateo via live stream.

After the last pitch and Q&A, the jury will deliberate and will also consult the Draper University representatives for additional input and insights. The winner of Draper’s Silicon Pitch Prize will be announced around 04.30hrs CET.