Montana Agricultural Speed-Pitch Competition

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 finalists in the competition will compete for $50,000 of prize money and will get mentorship support to develop their live pitch for the competition.

Competition

The competition will be a “Pitch Arena”. Each competitor will have a booth and 1 minute to pitch their product to the audience.   Judging will be done by everyone present at the summit.  After each pitch has been given, there will be an hour for everyone to visit each table. Three awards will be given.  ($25,000 for the first prize, $15, 000 for second prize, and $10,000 for third)

Competition Timeline

Eligibility

The Competition is open to all companies based in Montana or affiliated with a Montana business that strengthen and diversify Montana’s agricultural industry.

• 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.

Prize Requirements

Each prize requires $1 for $1 match and must be used towards advancing project. (For example, if grand prize of $25,000 is awarded, applicant must show proof of $25,000 in funds already spent or soon to be spent on project)

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.