Hackovate Health Opens Submission Doors for Healthcare Innovation Competition

Think Big Partners and H&R Block have opened the submission doors for the 2012-2013 Hackovate Health innovation competition!  From now until January 31, 2013, entrepreneurs, innovators, tech startups, hopsitals, physicians, telemedicine professionals, healthcare companies and students are invited to submit their health innovation ideas and companies into Hackovate Health to win big prizes and life-changing opportunities.

So what do you need to know?  Here's some info to get you started:

WHO:  Applicants must be seeking funding, looking to obtain customers and/or willing to be acquired.  These applicants include:

• Entrepreneurs, innovators and tech startups
• Hospitals, physicians and telemedicine professionals
• Healthcare companies and providers
• Corporate innovators
• Students

WHAT: A global innovation competition to identify innovative, mobile, online social and other applications to help consumers navigate the new healthcare landscape.

WHEN: 
Application Period: Now – January 31, 2013 11:59PM CST
Finale: February 26, 2013

WHERE:
Worldwide innovation competition
Finale at Union Station in Kansas City, MO, USA.

WHY:  To improve the overall US healthcare systems by reducing costs, preserving quality care, improving healthcare satisfaction and supporting both innovation and job creation throughout the United States.

SUBMISSIONS CATEGORY EXAMPLES:

Innovative technology that does one or more of the following:

• Reduces healthcare costs, preserves quality care and/or improves healthcare satisfaction
• Reduces income disparity in the US
• Combats fraud, waste and abuse through prevention of improper payments
• Supports telemedicine, health robotics, wearable health, predictive intelligence or other trending topics in the health tech industry
• Reduces the budget deficit through big data
• Addresses those people in the Digital Inclusion (low income families that do not have the available resources to take advantage of new technologies that can assist in improving their education, communication and overall quality of life)
• Improves consumer health through exercise, diet management and weight loss
• Informs consumers facing a medical crisis
• Provides a platform for easier communications in healthcare education for small businesses, corporations and individuals
• Increases productivity and reduces costs
• Creates incentives for doctors, hospitals, and other providers of healthcare—or even their patients—to optimize efficiency or control costs
• Integrates data pools such as pharmaceutical R&D data, clinical data, activity (claims) and cost data and patient behavior and sentiment data
• Analyzes clinical outcome data to improve clinical decision making and leverage patient databases
• Provides online platforms and communities within the healthcare or medical industries
• Utilizes ultra high-speed, programmable broadband to bring innovative new products and services to the healthcare and medical industries
• Aids in the analysis, aggregation, manipulation and management of big data
• Promotes the research and development of better analytics for controlling healthcare costs 
• Enables partnerships and public awareness of the impact that advanced analytics can and is having on controlling healthcare costs
• Raises professional and public awareness of the impact that advanced analytics can and is having on controlling healthcare costs

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Receive coaching and mentoring from business, policy and investor community leaders in the entrepreneurship and healthcare arenas
• The opportunity to take a big idea and quickly turn it  a joint-venture partnership, strategic relationship or a potentially build a brand new company together
• Main prizes courtesy of H&R Block will be awarded to the top 3 innovative ideas.  Prizes include $15,000, $5,000 and $2,500 with the opportunity to meet senior management for additional discussions.

HOW TO SUBMIT:  Simply visit www.hackovate.com and locate the HOW TO ENTER tab at the top of the page.  Next, click the green SUBMIT NOW button.  This button will take you to the Hackovate iStart page, courtesy of our friends at the Kauffman Foundation.  iStart will allow you to log in or register and submit your idea, startup, company, technology or innovation into our judging platform.  Be sure to fill out all of the necessary information.

LEARN MORE:

www.hackovate.com 

info@hackovate.com

@hackovate

H&R Block and Think Big Partners Announce Hackovate Health 2013

With a new era of health care on the door step and more than three out of four consumers unaware of the role of the 2012 tax return on their health care coverage next fall, H&R Block and early-stage business incubator and startup accelerator Think Big Partners announce the creation of Hackovate Health 2013. The competition is designed to identify innovative mobile, online, social and other applications that help consumers navigate the new healthcare landscape.  

“There are significant financial considerations for millions of consumers under the new health care rules, including who qualifies for subsidies,” said Bill Cobb, President and Chief Executive Officer of H&R Block. “Technology-based innovation has the potential to address many of the consumer-based financial implications that stem from the rollout of the new health care law.”

Teams, big and small, are encouraged to compete in the three-month long competition, which culminates in H&R Block identifying 10 teams to convene in Kansas City in February to turn their promising ideas into new companies. The Hackovate process will involve coaching and mentoring from business, policy and investor community leaders in the entrepreneurship and healthcare arenas. Additionally, prizes courtesy of H&R Block will be awarded to the top three innovative ideas as determined by a panel of judges.

“Rising health care costs remain one of the largest expenses facing Americans today,” said Kushagra Saxena, Chief Strategy Officer at H&R Block.  “That is one reason H&R Block is proud to be the power behind Hackovate Health—to support innovation and the startup community in identifying solutions that address our clients’ core healthcare reform needs.”

“As an early-stage technology accelerator, we see a lot of great ideas every day,” says Herb Sih, co-founder and managing partner of Think Big Partners.  “Having the ability to work with an innovative company like H&R Block is an extremely unique opportunity for entrepreneurs.  This is the chance for entrepreneurs to solve a specific problem and the opportunity to work with the strength, expertise and leadership of H&R Block.”

Entrepreneurs are encouraged to submit their innovative ideas from November 19, 2012 until January 27, 2012 on the Hackovate Health website (to launch soon). Ten finalists will be announced in late January and will participate in the hackathon portion and undergo coaching, mentoring and the selection process.  Hackovate will conclude on February 26, 2012 with entrepreneurs presenting their solutions during the grand finale at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri.

Follow Hackovate Health to learn the latest updates: @Hackovate
Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig 

Gigabit Challenge Finalist Competes in Rice Business Plan Competition

The day that Think Big Partners found out that the team from Green Earth Aerogel Technologies would not be able to make The Gigabit Challenge Finale was a sad one.


After all, the startup had done everything they could to fly from Spain (where the team is from) to Kansas City in order to make the finals on January 18, 2012.  Unfortunately, the timing was wrong and travel arrangements were too challenging.  After weeks and weeks of trying, Green Earth Aerogels was unable to compete in the Gigabit Challenge Finale. 


But every cloud has a silver lining.  The Gigabit Challenge seemed to open the doors to other business plan competitions throughout the United States for Green Earth Aerogel Technologies. One of those opportunities is the Rice Business Plan Competition this week in Houston, Texas. 


Green Earth Aerogel Technologies went up against 400 other startup companies to compete in the initial round of the Rice Business Plan Competition and has made the top 42.  Each team in the competition will have 15 minutes to present a business plan (much like The Gigabit Challenge) with the chance to win more than $460,000 and the opportunity to ring the closing bell at NASDAQ OMX this fall. 


Competitors seem to come from all over the globe: Bangladesh, India, Germany, Denmark, Chicago, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Phoenix, Houston and of course, Spain (where Green Earth Aerogel Technologies is from).


According to Brad Burke, managing director of the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship at Rice University, the business plan competition is a huge opportunity for the top 42 teams.  


"The success rate is indicative of the quality of team the competition draws," he said in a recent press release.  “It is also representative of what we are finding to be an increased interest in innovation and entrepreneurship in the U.S. The current economy certainly affects this as well as the willingness by the millennial generation to take risks to start their own companies. These young entrepreneurs are vital to the U.S. maintaining its technology innovation leadership and its position in the world economy.”


Best of luck to Green Earth Aerogel Technologies and all companies participating in the Rice Business Plan competition! 


Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

AudioAnywhere Snags PIPELINE Innovator of the Year Award and Saves the Music Industry

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR

Kyle Johnson, CEO and founder of AudioAnywhere, walked away with the Innovator of the Year award at the PIPELINE event last week in Kansas City, Kansas.  Johnson was selected after a competition that included a refined business plan, a pitch to an expert panel and a score carried over from performance during the fellowship year.

AudioAnywhere was inducted into PIPELINE’s 2011 class where it underwent an intense startup curriculum that included pitch practice, mentorship and coaching.  The 2012 Innovator of the Year event was Johnson’s final milestone as a participant in the PIPELINE program.

“Winning is an honor,” said Johnson after the event.  “This gives us the opportunity to help out with the PIPELINE program.  With the announcement comes a great deal of expectation and I will continue to be a part of the program.  It’s an honor and an obligation, but I am excited to help out with it.”

According to audience members and judges, Johnson not only prepped to deliver his AudioAnywhere pitch, but he was also ready to engage in lively question-and-answer discussions with judges.

“It was fun being questioned by Lars Perkins,” commented Johnson.  “We had a lively exchange and it entertained the audience.  It was a good interaction.  But at the end, I thought to myself, ‘I’m either first or last!’”

AudioAnywhere, a client of Kansas City-based startup accelerator Think Big Partners, has built an advertising platform to more effectively monetize free media content, which in effect, could contribute to reviving the online music industry.  AudioAnywhere will provide online music sites with better advertisements that generate more revenue per song.  With AudioAnywhere’s solution, the music industry could yield 10 times the income of today’s online audio ads.  WithAudio Anywhere, online advertisements are produced to reach the right target market on sites such as Spotify and Pandora. 

With the Innovator of the Year title under his belt, Johnson hopes to effectively launch and grow AudioAnywhere this year.  Once AudioAnywhere has launched, it will begin to generate revenue and eventually, help online music companies like Pandora and Spotify improve their own financial situations.  Johnson also hopes to kick start his capital campaign and continue his venture capital push. 

“I wasn’t expecting this,” said Johnson of the win.  “A lot of folks believe in our company, but we had no idea we would win.  Now, we can help to save the music industry.”


Follow AudioAnywhere! @AudioAnywhere
Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

Kauzu Kills It at the Gigabit Challenge and Leaves the Résumé for Dead

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR

Since Kauzu walked away with a $250,000 convertible promissory note courtesy of Gramercy Private Equity at The Gigabit Challenge Finale, the Chicago-based startup has been developing new plans for 2012 including partnership development, product development, fundraising and hiring.  

Think Big Partners’ Gigabit Challenge was a global business plan competition looking for new applications to disrupt technology on the Google Fiber Network.  Prizes included the People’s Choice Award, a $100,000 Grand Prize and the $250,000 Born Global Prize, which was given to Kauzu by Michael Gale of Gramercy Private Equity.

As one of the most energetic and creative pitches during The Gigabit Challenge Finale on January 18, 2012, Kauzu captivated the audience and the judges with its unique spin on changing the US employment industry.  Kauzu seeks to innovate the $170 billion industry by providing a dynamic, digital online environment with unique tools to create timely connections.

“This was a win for our team, and that’s all I really care about,” said Mitch Schneider, CEO, Founder and Chairman of Kauzu.  “This gives my team a pat on the back.  It also creates visibility and exposure.  Gramercy, Silicon Valley Bank, Microsoft—they all want to see us succeed.  The validation is amazing.  It only propels our chance to succeed.” 

Kauzu was one of the 17 Finalists to present at The Gigabit Challenge Finale in front of 17 esteemed judges from Kansas City and from across the nation. 

“This was another company that did a fantastic job with their pitch and connecting with the audience,” said Chris Bernard, Gigabit Challenge judge, in a recent article in Silicon Prairie News.  “I’m super eager to see what these guys do.  I think they have some unique ideas and a fantastic team.”

Mitch Schneider, CEO of Kauzu.

Post-Gigabit Challenge, Kauzu hopes to continue to develop more partnerships both in and outside of Chicago.  With these partnerships, Kauzu hopes to fund raise more effectively and more quickly to allow for cross-generating revenue.  The startup also hopes to start the hiring process in May.

“This experience has helped us form new partners and has allowed us to provide value back to new startups,” said Schneider.  “We are going to use other startup products so we can connect them with others too.  We want to open doors for others just like people have done for us.” 

In addition, Kauzu is planning another trip to Kansas City to connect with Think Big Partners’ accelerator and collaborative workspace and to strengthen more partnerships in Silicon Prairie.  Schneider also mentioned a two-location startup launch in both Chicago and Kansas City.

“Not every day is fun,” admitted Schneider.  “But at the end of the day, we all want to do this.  If I had a million dollars in my pocket, I’d still do this.  We do it because we believe in it and we think it’s fun.”


Follow Kauzu! @KauzuInc
Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

Lathrop & Gage Partners Up for Gigabit Challenge

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR 


When Lathrop & Gage was founded in 1873, the Kansas City law firm was devoted to running a business based on honor, service, trust and value.  And even though it is a whopping 138+ years later, Lathrop & Gage seems to uphold these four pillars--and most noticeably, the service pillar.


Lathrop & Gage has been giving back to the Kansas City community since it first planted its roots over one hundred years ago.  Lathrop & Gage is dedicated to being active and responsible of their communities.  In fact, the L&G attorneys and staff often give their time and talents to numerous civic, charitable and professional organizations.  The law firm currently serves in many leadership roles including their membership in the Center for Entrepreneurs. 


But now Lathrop & Gage is getting involved with entrepreneurship even further.  The KC law firm recently became involved in The Gigabit Challenge, a worldwide business plan competition built to disrupt technology on the Google Fiber network. 


As a Partner in The Gigabit Challenge, Lathrop & Gage is helping to build Kansas City into The City of Entrepreneurs.  By getting involved with the Challenge, this law firm will get a first-hand look at some of the exploding entrepreneurs that have the chance at winning and making their startup dreams come true.


A huge thanks to Lathrop & Gage for getting involved in The Gigabit Challenge.  If you are interested in partnering, please contact Ann DeAngelo at 816-842-5244. 


Follow The Gigabit Challenge! @GBChallengeKC

The Gigabit Challenge Announces Semi-Finalists

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR

The Gigabit Challenge announced the Semi-Finalists who will continue on in pursuit of the $100,000 Grand Prize, the $250,000 “Born Global”Prize and the opportunity to create disruptive innovation on the Google Fiber Network.  These Semi-Finalists were selected by a panel of judges including entrepreneurs, angel investors, venture capitalists, public and private sector organizations, community leaders and other experts.  Executive summaries were judged based on market opportunity, growth potential, impact, brevity, clarity and how effectively the ideas utilized the Google Fiber Network.  The Semi-Finalist companies cover a wide range of applications including telemedicine, ecommerce, nonprofit fundraising, video delivery, digital city management and much more.

“The Gigabit Challenge is a great example of a community working together to capitalize on a fantastic opportunity for the region to connect with entrepreneurs, inventors and investors from around the globe to catalyze ideas that can change the world,” said Chris Bernard, Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Design Startup Director and Advisor for Microsoft, and a judge for The Gigabit Challenge.  “We congratulate all of those who entered the competition and we’re looking forward to the final round of judging.  We are proud to offer programs like MicrosoftBizSpark to the Semi-Finalists, which will help those startups and entrepreneurs focus on a great idea and get to market quickly.”

The Gigabit Challenge Semi-Finalists:

Abhi Ray, Heart To Heart Network Inc.

Adam Geller, Edthena

Andrea Tappy, ClassTap

Andrew Ying, Hong

Annie Hwang, Cloud Integration LLP
Bob Wray, CourthouseUSA LLC

Brendon Collier, SocialCloud

Brett Simpson, record life

Cecilia Bakker, Cecilia Bakker & Tim Brown

Corinna West, Wellness Wordworks

Dallas Kranker, Everything Computers LLC

David Windhausen, TiBi.tv

Don Peterson, BigIris.com

Eddie Tapper, GET-GIV-GOT System Technologies
Edgar Sarmiento, HuMuch?

Ellen Ervin, Connected-4-Learning

Ernie Johnston, iNet2

Fortunato Cardenas, Green Earth Aerogel Technologies

Jason Arnold, Paruzia Technologies

Jeff Stull, Risk Analytics LLC

Jeremy Kissell, Jeremy Kissell

Jim West, Somametric

Kristin Kenney, RE:Cite

Marc Canter, Digital City Mechanics

Mark Hellevang, Capital Infinity Research LLC

Mary Poehler, In Touch Beacon

Merlin Owens, East West TeleMedia International

Michael McKinzy Sr., Voter Integrity Party (V.I.P.)

Michael Shear, Strategic Office Networks LLC

S. Vaideeswaran, Damascus Fortune

Sally Smith, Esipro Technologies LLC

Samuel Belu-John, SEIN Analytics & Asset Management

Scott Hardiek, Virtual/Real World Wallet System

Seak Meng Lay, Photaic

Sonia Lin, Kauzu

Su Sanni, WeDidIt

Tim Sylvester, Integrated Roadways

Troy Norris, TalentHelix

Willow Lundgren, PlanetReuse LLC

Semi-finalists have until December 9, 2011 to submit eight to ten page business plans and Powerpoint presentations which will be reviewed by the judging panel.  Finalists will be announced on December 16, 2011.  At The Gigabit Challenge Finale on January 18, 2012, the winners will be awarded a Grand Prize valued at $100,000 and a “Born Global” Prize of a $250,000 investment from Gramercy Private Equity.

“It has been a pleasure reviewing submissions for The Gigabit Challenge,” said Greg Kratofil, Shareholder at Polsinelli Shughart and judge for The Gigabit Challenge.  “It feels like I’m looking through time and getting a glimpse at what the future will hold.  I have been extremely impressed with the quality of the ideas and have little doubt about the opportunities enabled by gigabit speed.”

For more information about The Gigabit Challenge or to express interest in becoming a partner, please visit http://www.gigabitchallenge.com or contact Ann DeAngelo at (816) 842-5244.   

About The Gigabit Challenge:

The Gigabit Challenge is a global business plan competition to find disruptive ideas that will turn the tech industry upside-down and change the world.  The Gigabit Challenge is focused on unique applications that are enabled by Google’s first-in-the-nation 1 Gigabit Fiber network.  It is a business plan competition looking for the brightest, hungriest and most passionate entrepreneur superstars who are looking to think big...with a gig.  In early October 2011, individuals, teams and early-stage businesses were invited to enter for the chance to win the Grand Prize valued at $100,000 and be the first to work on the Google Fiber Network.  For more information, please visit http://www.gigabitchallenge.com.

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

An Inside-Look at Choosing Gigabit Challenge Semi-Finalists

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR 

Buzz has been circulating around Google Fiber for months now.  But now, it may be The Gigabit Challenge's time to shine.  Yesterday, Think Big Partners announced that the business plan competition will be awarding a "Born Global" Prize valued at $250,000 from Gramercy Private Equity.  The winner of this competition will be announced on January 18, 2011 at The Gigabit Challenge Finale event which will be held in Kansas City.  

Choosing the winner will be a long and difficult process.  Many people do not realize how time-consuming and tedious judging a business plan competition can be--let alone one that is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars!

But Ashley Raiteri is providing the inside-look.  As a Gigabit Challenge judge and avid startup advisor, Ashley knows what it takes to launch a successful company.  Take a look at his thoughts on Google Fiber, where Kansas City is headed, and the state of the entrepreneurial nation.  Also, learn about what he thinks when it comes to judging The Gigabit Challenge:  

Read Ashley's blogpost here.

Remember: The Gigabit Challenge semi-finalists will be announced on December 6, 2011.  Stay tuned!

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

Ready, Set...Gigabit!

Fire up your startup brains, entrepreneurs!  The Gigabit Challenge business plans are due in one week.

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR


Coming up with the idea is the hard part.  And for contestants participating in The Gigabit Challenge, that part is over.  The worldwide business plan competition asked for executive summaries and business ideas last week.  The ideas and submissions were plentiful.  Over 110 entrepreneurs entered into The Gigabit Challenge with the hopes of winning the $100,000 startup prize and a chance to develop on the Google Fiber network.  


And now, it's time for the full business plans to come in.  The semi-finalists have just one week from today to submit business plans for their idea.  What's the catch?  We haven't announced semi-finalists yet!  That means that entrepreneurs are encouraged to work on their business plans now regardless if they are a semi-finalist or not.  Semi-finalists will be announced by December 6, 2011.  


One week, participants!  Get your startup brain fired up because it's time to think big...with a gig!  Good luck to all participants.


To find out more information about The Gigabit Challenge, please visit http://www.gigabitchallenge.com.


Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

Think Big Partners Announces Gramercy "Born Global" $250,000 Prize for Gigabit Challenge Winner

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR 

The Gigabit Challenge, a global business plan competition looking for entrepreneurial ideas to disrupt on the Google Fiber network, has partnered with San Francisco-based Gramercy Private Equity to offer a special “Born Global” Prize to its contestants.  The Gramercy “Born Global” Prize will take the form of a $250,000 convertible promissory note (CPN) investment from Gramercy directly into the winning contestant.  The prize will be awarded at The Gigabit Challenge Finale on January 18, 2012, in Kansas City.  The “Born Global” Prize will be awarded to the contestant whose business idea has the best prospects of being rapidly implemented across the globe and leverages the increasing global nature of technology and digital media markets.

“Gramercy Private Equity is very excited to partner with The Gigabit Challenge.  We believe that this competition has the potential to push the envelope on applications for the next-generation Google Fiber platform,” stated Michael Gale, Managing Partner of Gramercy Private Equity.  “We see this as a significant opportunity for ourselves and other investors.  With our cross-border expertise, we plan to help the winner of the Gramercy ‘Born Global’ Prize to take their company global as rapidly as possible.”

Gramercy Private Equity will work with a group of The Gigabit Challenge judges that have particular expertise in global technology and business to select the winner of the Gramercy “Born Global” Prize.

“Think Big Partners and The Gigabit Challenge congratulate Gramercy Private Equity on their vision and leadership in establishing the Gramercy ‘Born Global’ Prize,” said Tyler Prochnow, co-founder of Think Big Partners, host of The Gigabit Challenge.  “We welcome them as a partner and look forward to great results.  We have been overwhelmed by the support The Gigabit Challenge has received in the four months since we announced the competition.  We were especially happy to receive 113 entries in the Challenge as of the November 18, 2011 deadline.  We have additional developments in progress and look forward to building on the leadership of Gramercy in the coming weeks.”

The semi-finalists will be announced by December 6, 2011 and will be invited to submit business plans due on December 9, 2011.  The Finalists will be announced on December 16, 2011 will be invited to The Gigabit Challenge Finale, a final pitch event and awards ceremony, that will take place in Kansas City on January 18, 2012.  For more information, please visit http://www.gigabitchallenge.com.

The Gigabit Challenge is actively seeking additional partners.  If you are interested in discussing this opportunity, or have questions regarding entering the competition, please visit The Gigabit Challenge website or contact Think Big Partners at (816) 842-5244.  

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

The Gigabit Challenge to Announce Semi-Finalists December 6th

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR


Due to the overwhelming amount of executive summaries received by The Gigabit Challenge last week, the team from the business plan competition decided to add a few last-minute judges to the mix in order to help review and analyze the large volume of plans.  As a result, the announcement for semi-finalists has been pushed back and will be made no later than December 6, 2011.


More information and updates about The Gigabit Challenge can be found at the TGC website.


What is The Gigabit Challenge?


The Gigabit Challenge is a global business plan competition to find disruptive ideas that will turn the tech industry upside-down and change the world.  The Gigabit Challenge is focused on unique applications that are enabled by Google’s first-in-the-nation 1 Gigabit Fiber network.  It is a business plan competition looking for the brightest, hungriest and most passionate entrepreneur superstars who are looking to think big...with a gig.  Individuals, teams or businesses with an idea, a complete business plan, or an early-stage operating business were invited to enter for the chance to work on the Google Fiber network and a prize valued at $100,000.  For more information, please visit http://www.gigabitchallenge.com. 

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

Judges Crack Down on Think Big's Gigabit Challenge

In our previous business plan competition (Pitch Big), judges based
the winner on a number of different credentials at Think Big Kansas City.

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR


When Think Big Partners sat down to discuss The Gigabit Challenge for the first time, we expected the competition to be big...but we didn't expect it to be this big.  

Over 110 executive summaries and applications were submitted into The Gigabit Challenge, each one hoping to winning the $100,000 prize in cash and startup services.  And although only one entrepreneur will emerge as the winner, all 113 business plans displayed creativity, dedication and passion.  And isn't that what entrepreneurship is all about? 

But wasn't just the number of applications that impressed us.  More importantly, we were impressed with the caliber of submissions.  From impressive high-tech ideas to healthcare industry revelations, The Gigabit Challenge has become a repository for unique and innovative Google Fiber ideas.

So what's next?  Currently, The Gigabit Challenge judging panel has been issued all of the business plans that were submitted into the Challenge.  For the next six days, the judges will rank each executive summary based on market opportunity, growth and impact, brevity and clarity and Google connection.  A huge thanks for The Gigabit Challenge judges.  This business plan competition could not be possible without you!

Stay tuned for more announcements on The Gigabit Challenge.  Semi-finalists will be announced during the week of November 28th.

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

UMKC Opens Applications for Entrepreneurship Scholars Program

Think you've got what it takes to launch a world-class venture?  It may be time to apply with UMKC.

There are handfuls of business plan competitions.  Hundreds of entrepreneurial seminars.  Thousands of educational series.  But no program will prepare you to launch a startup venture quite like UMKC's Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.  And now is the time to do it.

The UMKC Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is currently accepting applications for its prestigious Entrepreneurship Scholars Program, a 12-month certificate program designed to provide promising entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to launch world-class ventures.

What's In It For You?

• Full Program Scholarship:  Qualified applicants will receive a full scholarship for the costs of the program ($5,000).  
• One-On-One Mentoring:  A mentor panel with 100+ entrepreneurs and business leaders.
• Cutting-Edge Curriculum: Courses taught by world-class faculty and leading scholars.
• Connections:  You will be introduced to investors and potential funding sources.
• Assistance During Startup: You will have priority access to IEI Incubator facilities.
• Accelerated Launch: Your business venture will launch fast and be scalable and sustainable.  

How Do You Apply?
UMKC is currently accepting applications.  The deadline is right around the corner; December 1, 2011.  More information, including how to submit an application, can be found at the Entrepreneurship Scholars Program website.

"The UMKC Entrepreneurship Scholars Program could be one of the best opportunities for entrepreneurs in the region today," said Herb Sih, co-founder of Think Big Partners.  "This is the chance for budding entrepreneurs to get found and most importantly, get started.  This kind of program is exactly what Kansas City entrepreneurship is all about."

Isn't it time that you start doing something with those percolating ideas?  Now may be your chance.  Apply for the UMKC Entrepreneurship Scholars Program and get started on your new successful business.

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

The Alliance Project Wraps Up in Kansas City November 14th

It's been a long and grueling business plan competition.  But fear not, entrepreneurs! The Alliance Project is wrapping up next week and we will all find out who the winner of the $10,000 prize will be.

Everyone could use an extra $10,000.  But as an entrepreneur, what would you do with it?  Rent out a coworking space? Amp up your marketing strategy?  Schedule some much-needed consulting?  The Alliance Project, hosted by Alterra Bank, is making that dream come true for one entrepreneur.

On November 14, Alterra Bank, in conjunction with some of the most recognizable names in Kansas City business, will announce the winner of the first Alliance Project at the finale event.  bizperc, CBIZ, Kazoo Marketing, The Roasterie, the Social Media Club of Kansas City, Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP, Whiskey Design and Will Gregory Public Relations have teamed up with Alterra to provide one deserving small business with everything it needs to be successful - from $10,000 to business consulting and marketing services.

The finale event will begin at 7:30 AM on Monday the 14th with networking and a continental breakfast.  Final presentations will begin at 8:00 before a panel of judges.

Best of luck to all of the hard-working entrepreneurs who have submitted their ideas to the Alliance Project!

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

The Gigabit Challenge Announces Initial Advisory Board Members and Judges

The Gigabit Challenge, a global business plan competition looking for entrepreneurial ideas to disrupt on the Google Fiber network, has announced the initial members of its Advisory Board and Judging Panel. The Advisory Board members will provide their extensive knowledge, expertise, and seasoned experience advising The Gigabit Challenge on how to run the best business plan competition possible. 

The initial Advisory Board members for The Gigabit Challenge are: 

• Erik Brynjolfsson, Professor of Management, MIT & Director, MIT Center for Digital Business
• Vint Cerf, Vice President and Chief Internet Evangelist, Google
• Robert Gunderson, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Gunderson Dettmer
• Harry Kellogg, Vice Chairman, Silicon Valley Bank 
• Philip Korn, Relationship Manager and Managing Director, First Republic Bank 
• Dan'l Lewin, Corporate Vice President of Strategic and Emerging Business Development, Microsoft
• Robert Marcusse, President & Chief Executive Officer, Kansas City Area Development Council
• Keith Molzer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Balance Innovations 
• Rex Northern, Executive Director, Cleantech Open
• Mark Radcliffe, Partner, DLA Piper 
• Mario Rosati, Managing Partner, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich and Rosati
• Angela Tower, Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers

For more information on the Advisory Board members, please visit http://www.gigabitchallenge.com/about/advisory-board.

Through a graduated process, the judges will evaluate the executive summaries, business plans and investor presentations submitted by contestants and will select the winner of The Gigabit Challenge Grand Prize valued at $100,000. The judges will use a software-as-a-service (SaaS) application called iStart to review, evaluate and vote on the materials submitted by the contestants. The iStart application is provided by the Kauffman Foundation, a Gigabit Challenge partner.

The initial Judging Panel members for The Gigabit Challenge are:

• Jennifer Bailey, Partner, Hovey Williams LLP
• Jeff Barco, Chief Executive Officer and Founding Partner, Barco Partners LLC
• Richard Brenner, President & Chief Executive Officer, The Brenner Group 
• Erik Brynjolfsson, Professor of Management, MIT & Director, MIT Center for Digital Business
• Michael Burke, Vice President, King Hershey PC & Co-Chairman of the Bi-State Innovation Committee 
• Steve Fennel, Director of Communications Outreach, KU Medical Center 
• Victor Friedberg, Executive Director, Launch.org
• Michael Gale, Chief Executive Officer, Gramercy Private Equity
• Stuart Gannes, CEO, XVD Technology Holdings & Director of Partnership Projects, O'Reilly Media
• Michael Gelphman, Founder, Kansas City Information Technology Professionals 
• Jonathan Gleason, Director of Business Development, Gunderson Dettmer
• Matt Heinrich, Vice President for Facilities and Technology, Rockhurst University
• David Isenberg, Founder, isen.com LLC
• Philip Korn, Relationship Manager and Managing Director, First Republic Bank
• Greg Kratofil, Shareholder, Polsinelli Shughart
• Thad Langford, Executive in Residence, Openair Equity Partners & President/Chief Executive, Zave Networks (acquired by Google)
• Casey McGlynn, Partner, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
• Eric Melin, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Philanthropist.org 
• Bryan Richard, Founder, iCode
• David Silverman, Partner, Crosslink Capital
• Adeline Tang, Director of Business Development, SingTel Idea Factory 
• Angela Tower, Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers
• Bud Vick, Owner, Cochran Head Vick & Company
• Radd Way, Executive Vice President, Weitz Construction Company & Advisory Board Member, FiberKC
• Jase Wilson, Principal, Luminopolis & Member, Bi-State Innovation Committee

For more information on the Judging Panel members, please visit http://www.gigabitchallenge.com/about/judges. 

"We are extremely honored to have such accomplished people involved as advisors and judges for The Gigabit Challenge," said Tyler Prochnow, co-founder of Think Big Partners, host of The Gigabit Challenge. "The participation of these high-quality professionals will assure that The Gigabit Challenge will be a great success. We look forward to adding more people to these groups over the coming weeks."

The Gigabit Challenge is actively seeking additional partners. If you are interested in discussing this opportunity, or have questions regarding entering the competition, please visit www.gigabitchallenge.com or contact Think Big Partners at 816-842.5244.

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

Gigabit Challenge Application Deadline Just Two Weeks Away

Attention entrepreneurs! The first deadline for The Gigabit Challenge is quickly approaching.  Time to buckle down and polish up those business plans.  Applications and executive summaries are due Monday, October 31^st (that’s a mere two weeks away!).

The Gigabit Challenge is open to all entrepreneurs, startups, early-stage businesses and existing high-growth companies who have an idea that will make use of Google’s first-in-the nation one-gigabit Fiber network.  Those interested in entering a business plan have just two weeks left to submit their applications accompanied by 3-5 page executive summaries.  Judges will then select the top 25 business ideas.  Those finalists will move on to pursue the $100,000 Grand Prize and the opportunity to build a business on the first one-gigabit Fiber network.   

Do you have an idea that can harness the power of a gigabit?  The Gigabit Challenge is looking for you.  Apply today!

Get ready to Think Big…with a gig. 

Written by Laura Goede

@LauraGThinkBig

Gigabit Challenge Now Open for Applications

Today’s the day!  The Gigabit Challenge is now officially accepting applications.  The business plan competition is looking for new ideas and disruptive technologies that will make use of Google’s first-in-the nation one-gigabit fiber network.  The Gigabit Challenge welcomes submissions from all entrepreneurs, startups, early-stage businesses and existing high growth companies. 

Applicants have from now until October 31^st to submit their applications accompanied by 3-5 page executive summaries.  After submissions are complete, the Challenge judges will review each one and select the top 25 finalists.  Those finalists will move on in pursuit of the $100,000 Grand Prize and the opportunity to build their business on the first one-gigabit fiber network. 

Here are some important competition dates to keep in mind:

Round One:

• October 3, 2011 – October 31, 2011 – Open Applications, Executive Summaries
• November 22, 2011 – Selection and Announcement of 25 “Semi-Finalists”

Round Two:

• December 8, 2011 – Deadline for Semi-Finalists to Submit Business Plans and PowerPoint Presentations
• December 17, 2012 – Selection and Announcement of “Finalists”

Round Three:

• Mid-January, 2012 – Finalists present in front judges, winner selected that day

Do you have an idea that can harness the power of a gigabit?  Are you ready to turn the tech industry upside-down and change the world?  Apply for the Gigabit Challenge today!

It’s time to Think Big…with a gig.

Written By Laura Goede

@LauraGThinkBIG

The Gigabit Challenge is Ready to Launch

The clock is ticking!  Entrepreneurs, it is time to get your business plans ready.  There are only a few days left until the Gigabit Challenge begins accepting applications.

The Gigabit Challenge is looking to find and support startup entrepreneurs, early-stage businesses and existing growth companies that will make use of Google’s first-in-the-nation 1-gigabit fiber network.  Next Monday, October 3, the Gigabit Challenge will start collecting applications accompanied by 3-5 page executive summaries from entrepreneurs across the globe.  Applicants will have until midnight on October 31st (Halloween!) to submit their ideas. From there, the Gigabit Challenge Judges will select 25 finalists to move forward with the competition. 

Winners will be announced in January in concurrence with the launch of Google fiber in Kansas City.  The winner will be awarded a Grand Prize valued at $100,000 and the opportunity to work on the Google fiber network. 

The Gigabit Challenge is about to open the door to a new level of innovation and disruptive technology.  Can you harness Internet speed that is 100 times faster than what is available today to turn the tech industry upside down and change the world?  Are you up for the Challenge?

For more information about the Challenge, please visit www.gigabitchallenge.com or contact Ann DeAngelo at (816) 842-5244. 

It’s time to think big…with a gig!  

 Written By Laura Goede

@LauraGThinkBIG