Montana Agricultural Speed-Pitch Competition

November 6, 2024

Competition for Agriculture and Food Innovators

The Montana Agricultural Speed Pitch Competition is the inaugural agriculture and food business speed-pitch competition that recognizes, assists, and funds the top agriculture and food innovations in Montana.

Competition Benefits and Supports

The competition's finalists will present during the 2024 Summit, with the opportunity to display a booth and network with potential investors interested in their company or idea.

Competition

The competition will be a “Pitch Arena”. Each competitor will have a booth and up to 5 minutes to pitch their product to the audience.  

Competition Timeline

January 1, 2024
Applications open
September 1, 2024
Applications close
October 1, 2024
Finalists selected and notified
October 15, 2024
Finalists work with mentors and pitch coaches
November 6, 2024
Summit and Pitch Arena

Eligibility

The Competition is open to all companies based in the U.S. or Canada.

  • Energy products, including but not limited to ethanol, produced from corn, sorghum, or agricultural byproducts.
  • Fibers, including but not limited to fiber crops, such as wool, hemp, and flax.
  • Livestock feed, including but not limited to hay, silage, or feed grains.
  • Processes that improve the development, growth, production, distribution, delivery, or processing of agricultural crop and livestock commodities; and,
  • Food, including but not limited to fruits, vegetables, grains, beef, lamb, dairy, and poultry, processed for distribution.

Judging Criteria

Feasibility of Commercialization

Likelihood of establishing a competitive and sustainable business, where the applicant has demonstrated a readiness to fulfill their value proposition.  

Team Quality

Clear understandings of roles, level of cohesion, completeness, diversity, and readiness among team members, (if applicable)

Value Proposition

Significant value exists for customers to buy the product or service and the potential for a substantial market exists.

Agriculture and Food Innovation

Product or service contributes to making Montana a leader in agriculture innovation.