Application call for GIST Catalyst Virtual Pitch Competition (Win Up to 15k USD). The deadline for application submission is 22nd September 2021.

The U.S. Department of State is excited to announce the 2021 Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) Catalyst pitch competition will be taking place virtually during Global Entrepreneurship Week (8-14 November, 2021).

GIST Catalyst offers young STEM entrepreneurs the opportunity to elevate their pitch and showcase their scale-up on a global stage, while receiving valuable mentorship from American entrepreneurs and academics who are leaders in the field of entrepreneurship.

Fully Funded Scholarship by The Government of Czech Republic in Czech Republic

Catalyst also provides participating entrepreneurs with the opportunity to increase the visibility of their scale-up. Because the live semi-final and final pitches will be held on a virtual platform, the viewers will not be limited geographically. This is an opportunity to promote your scale-up to your community, network, and the world – showcasing your innovation and attracting support. GIST Catalyst has helped innovators secure funding for their ventures, collaborate with the U.S. private sector, and build new partnerships. Launched during the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) 2017 in Hyderabad, India and repeated in 2019 at the GES in The Hague, Netherlands, Catalyst gave more than 60 entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their scale-ups to high-impact investors, policy makers, and leaders in the U.S. private sector, and compete for generous startup resources.

Study at University of New England in Australia | Fully-Funded Scholarship

Who Should Participate?

The answer is simple: you should. But the reason is more complex. Now, more than ever, the challenges humanity faces seem insurmountable. From global health and clean energy to water security and food scarcity, we as a species have never been so in need of creative minds to present a sustainable and equitable path forward. Here at GIST, we know that the solutions to today’s most pressing global issues lie within the minds of young innovators from all over the world. This year, as GIST turns 10, we are elevating the growing need for innovators to not just be successful, but also to make a significant impact toward solving the growing perils our world is presented with. Our continued existence depends on it.

The past year has been difficult for startups across the globe, which is why GIST is providing this opportunity to showcase their innovations that will change the way our world functions. The GIST Catalyst Virtual Pitch Competition will be a chance for innovators to showcase their startup, perfect their pitch, and get one-on-one mentorship and training from top experts. The semi-final and final pitches will be live virtual events–meaning influential individuals and investors from around the world will be able to easily watch and engage with GIST entrepreneurs. There will also be a public voting component, so that everyone can have their voice heard. Startup funding will be granted to the top startups after the final pitches.

Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship Program 2022/2023 (stipend available)

Prizes at GIST Catalyst Virtual Pitch Competition

Participants of the 2021 GIST Catalyst Virtual Pitch Competition will be competing for tens of thousands of dollars in mini grants and entrepreneurial resource prizes, the opportunity for mentorship and training, a chance to showcase their innovative solution to the entire GIST community including investors, and the prestige that comes with every GIST event.

• 1st Place: $15k
• 2nd Place: $12k
• 3rd  Place: $10k

SPECIAL PRIZES

• Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur: $8500
• Spirit of GIST: $1500
• People’s Choice: $1500

Fully Funded Scholarships at University of Padua in Italy

Eligibility Requirements for GIST Catalyst Virtual Pitch Competition

• All pitch videos and live pitches must be done entirely in English.
• All entries should be at the Idea or Startup stage.
• The pitching entrepreneur must be between the ages of 18 and 40 and from a GIST economy.
• Special consideration will be given to startups who address challenges through Agriculture Innovations, Clean Climate & Energy Innovations, Global Health Innovations, Water Solution Innovations.
• Special consideration will be given to startups whose solutions address the needs of traditionally underrepresented groups.

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