Impact investor LUMO Labs, High Tech Campus Eindhoven
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For the third year, Lumo Labs at High Tech Campus Eindhoven will set the scene for Draper’s Silicon Spring Pitch Prize. It’s an opportunity for software and hardware start-ups to win tickets to the five-week Draper University Hero Training program in San Mateo, California. This Silicon Valley accelerator experience is designed to provide founders with the skills, mindset, and network to take their ventures a step further.

Start-ups can apply for the Eindhoven pitching finals until March 23. The contest – presented by Job Nijs (Braventure) – will take place on April 13, 16:00 – 19:30 hrs. Nijs encourages start-ups to apply. “This is an opportunity to help you scale up, expand your network, and access the world.” The contest is open to “any start-up with the potential to scale”, Nijs adds. “But as always, we will have a special focus on purpose-driven companies.”

Draper’s Silicon Spring Pitch Prize competition results from a partnership between LUMO Labs, Draper University, and LUMO Labs’ local ecosystem partners Microsoft, Robert Walters, The Gate, Oost NL, Braventure, Invest-NL, and High Tech Campus Eindhoven.

Draper University was founded in 2012 by Silicon Valley venture capitalist Tim Draper. Through hands-on training, Tim Draper brings together young entrepreneurs, start-up founders, executives, and investors.

Start-ups can submit their pitch decks and motivation via [email protected] until March 23. The jury will convene on March 24th to evaluate and discuss the submissions and will select the six finalists for the live pitches. All applicants will be notified on March 30th whether or not they have been selected for the finals on April 13th.

The finals

For the Finals on April 13, each of the six selected teams is allowed two attendants, including one presenter, who will pitch on stage, and one supporter who can contribute to the Q&A with the jury after the pitch. Each pitch can be no longer than five minutes. The maximum duration of the Q&A after each pitch is ten minutes. The winner of Draper’s Silicon Spring Pitch Prize will be announced around 19:30 hrs.

The Prize

Tuition & Stay: Draper University Hero Training from May 22 – June 23, 2023. The five-week entrepreneurship program includes eight modules, numerous speaker sessions, workshops, and team activities. The package includes flight costs, on-campus accommodation, and co-working space in downtown San Mateo, California, USA.