March 16, 1998
CONTACT:
Jolene Crowley
Crowley Communications
619-593-7600
[email protected]
619-992-6682 (cell phone)
619-406-5322 (pager)
EVENT FOR COVERAGE
NASDAQ-SDSU International Student Business Plan Competition
The team from South Africa is pitching an "innovative new patented technology for the treatment of hog effluent." They say they'll process 95 percent of the pig poop into pure water and high protein animal feed whilst removing unpleasant odors. Two of the teams plan to launch a new publication; the team from Mexico is developing a magazine about architecture, while one of the teams from SDSU plans a magazine targeted to Californians who enjoy outdoor activities. Students from the University of Texas at Austin -- winner of three of the last four competitions -- has plans for wireless technology that allows companies to monitor and gather data from their equipment in the field on a real-time basis. A team from Ecuador will present a software product for parents of students, and a team from Russia has plans to introduce bar coding into that country.
WHAT & WHY: Twenty university-level student teams from around the world will compete for the $10,000 top prize in the Ninth Annual NASDAQ-SDSU International Student Business Plan Competition hosted by San Diego State University's Entrepreneurial Management Center. The forum provides students with the experience of pitching their business concept to seasoned professionals in a way that mirrors real-life. Students gain invaluable input and business contacts they likely would not have made on their own.
The judges, who primarily represent some of San Diego's most successful enterprises, as well as the sponsors of the event (all of whom are supporters and promoters of entrepreneuralism), are exposed to the next generation of entrepreneurs. In fact, it is not unusual for business deals to be made between students and judges and/or sponsors. HOW IT WORKS: Following the Exhibit Fair on Thursday evening, each of the 20 teams will make 20-minute oral presentations to judging panels in the Semi-Final round on Friday morning. Five teams will advance to the Final round on Saturday morning, when they will make a second 20-minute presentation followed by a 20-minute Q&A period with a panel of five accomplished entrepreneurs. The winner will be announced at a lunch that follows. WHERE: All events are at the Mission Valley Marriott, 8757 Rio San Diego Drive. SCHEDULE: Thursday, March 19 7-9 p.m. Business Plan Exhibit Fair (great visuals here as students display the product or service they plan to launch).
Friday, March 20
7:30 a.m. Semi-Finals Welcome & Introductions
8-11 a.m. Semi-Finals Business Plan Presentations
noon-1:30 p.m. Luncheon and announcement of Finalists
Saturday, March 21
7:30 a.m. Finals Welcome & Introductions
8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Finalist presentations
12:40-2:30 p.m. Lunch & Award Presentations
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