Here are the rules for the final elevator pitches. They’re basically the same as last time, with a few changes.

1) Pitches are 2 minutes long. Go overtime and you’re instantly disqualified.
2) You will be asked questions by the judges, and this time you can answer them. (The amount of time you’ll be given to answer them will depend on the number of pitches we have on the night).
3) No PowerPoint presentations or equivalent.
4) Small props are allowed, but as with last time, no time will be given to set them up.
5) The pitches are to be delivered to the judges like they’re potential investors.
6) If you’re competing for the Blackhall undergraduate business planning prize, then your pitch has to be wholly delivered by undergraduates.

With regards to marking, the judges will be paying attention to the following four criteria:

1) The Pitch: Was the pitch convincing and engaging?, Was it delivered professionally and confidently?
2) The Venture: Is the product/service clearly and simply described? Is it plausible?
Is it clear how it is delivered and how it makes money?
3) The Market: Has the customer been clearly identified? Does this product/service
improve the customer’s circumstances and/or bring new value to them?
4) The Team: Is the team’s balance of skills, experience, passion and commitment
adequately suited to carry out this venture successfully?

Now, last time we noticed that, whilst pretty much everyone had a great idea, many teams struggled to articulate their ideas, and in particular struggled to get across all of the information an investor would require. So, to give you some pointers, check out the awesome one minute pitches from the MIT100K elevator pitch competition.