Innovate Illinois 2008 Finals Competition

Innovate Illinois 2008 is a highly selective entrepreneurial competition where innovative local companies have the opportunity to compete for a $40,000 cash prize from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The cash prize is designed to encourage and reward companies for implementing or planning to implement an innovative product or process that has or will have a lasting economic effect on Illinois. Each entrepreneurial center (EC) throughout the state has submitted two companies for the competition, one in each of the two tracks: early and later stage.

Over 130 companies applied to the competition, and of that number only 32 were selected as semifinalists. At the semifinals, each company delivered a five minute pitch about their company and innovation before a panel of judges. Twelve companies were selected to move on to the finals.

On November 18, the 12 finalists will compete in the half-day finals competition. Companies will present for 10 minutes (5 minutes for the presentation and 5 minutes for the follow up Q&A) before a panel of judges. The winners of each stage will be awarded a $40,000 cash prize, while the runner-ups in each stage will each be awarded a $10,000 cash prize.

Organization: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center

Date: 11/18/2008

Time: 2:30PM - 4:30PM

Location: Gleacher Center, 450 North Cityfront Plaza Drive, Chicago

Website: http://www.innovateillinois.org

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