“Topper Tank”Elevator Pitch Competition
Thursday, November 13, 5pm CST,Owensboro 114
WHAT IS IT?
Have you ever watched the hit TV show Shark Tank and thought, “I could do that?!” Well, now is your chance. Inventors and entrepreneurs often have to pitch to investors in order to launch or grow their businesses. Most often, these “sharks” are busy people, who require you to pitch your idea in 60-90 seconds (the length of an elevator ride). Come pitch your idea to the Topper Tank “sharks” for a chance to win cash prizes and dinner with the judges for feedback on your idea!
Our goal is to keep this simple, reward your creativity, and connect you with interesting and innovative “sharks” that can help you move your product or service ideas forward!
CAN I PARTICIPATE?
Sure! If you are currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at WKU, then you can participate. Students from ALL collegesat both the main and regional campuses are invited to compete.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
The first thing you need is an innovative idea. Then you have two options.
(1) Submitthe entry form (download from to by 5:00 PM CST on November 3rd. Then, be ready to deliver your 90 second pitch via IVS on November 13 (starting at 5:00 PM CST) and answer a few questions from the judges!
(2) Submit a 90 second pitch YouTube video link to by 5:00 PM CST on November 3rd.
You will want to pitch your idea in 90 seconds, using any aids or visuals (although no computers) you think are helpful. You don’t have to bring a prototype, but if you have one and would like to “show it off,” feel free. The presentation is not formal, and there is no dress code. You can work alone or in a team of up to 5 people.
HOW WILL IT WORK?
With OPTION 1, each student or student team will have the chance to pitch the idea live via IVS in front of the Topper Tank judges. You’ll just be presenting to 3-5 people for 90 seconds, followed by a few minutes of questions. If you are one of the winners, you’ll receive a cash prize and extensive written feedback on your idea from the judges. Up to $1500 in cash prizes are available to the top pitches in the “live” pitch division!
With OPTION 2, judges will review the YouTube videos separately before the competition and announce the winners on November 13th. The YouTube pitch division winner will receive a $100 cash prize.
IS ANYTHING OFF LIMITS?
All concepts must be legal in the USA and Kentucky. Vice industry concepts, such as alcohol (e.g., production, distribution), drugs, pornography, tobacco, gambling, etc., are prohibited.
HOW DO I ENTER?
Visit to download the entry form. Then, email the completed entry form to by 5:00 PM CST on November 3rd.
If you need help crafting a pitch, visit our website: for tips and advice!
Brought to you by the GFCB Center for Entrepreneurship and the Entrepreneurship Major!