Are you a student with an awesome startup?  Do you want to compete for the chance to win $16,000 in prize money, introductions to angels and advisors, and lots of other great resources that will help get your startup off the ground?

Kellogg Tech Conference presents Shark Tank, a search for the best startup businesses that the Northwestern community has to offer. Fashioned after the hit ABC show, Shark Tank will give three startup companies the opportunity to compete for up to $16,000 prize money (graciously donated by Kellogg’s Center for Research in Technology & Innovation) in addition to invaluable in-kind prizes, such as introductions to angel investors and free mentorship by some of Chicago’s most successful investors and entrepreneurs.

Now in its second year, the competition will occur on Saturday, April 27, 2013 throughout the Kellogg Tech Conference where 10 participating teams will showcase their startup businesses. In the Product Showcase, entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to showcase their ideas and attendees will have the chance to vote on their favorite companies. The top three winners will proceed to the Shark Tank! In the final pitch, three “shark” judges with expertise in technology, entrepreneurship and early stage investing will poke, prod and provoke the three businesses – ultimately deciding which business(es) are worthy of the prize money.

We are currently accepting applicants for the 2013 KTC Shark Tank competition! Click here to complete the online application.

A few other things to note:

• This competition is open only to active Northwestern students (all undergraduate and graduate programs) as well as current students attending the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Everyone loves a bit of cross-town rivalry. At least one founding member of your team must fall into one of these categories.
• Applications will be accepted until 11:59PM of 4/19/2013, so get them in right away. Previously submitted applications can be updated any number of times prior to the deadline.
• If you previously submitted a pitch, deck, email or anything else that could be considered an intent to compete, you must complete the online application at the link above to formalize your participation.
• Every member of your team must register for the conference in order to participate in the competition.

If we’ve piqued your interest, you can also learn more about last year’s Shark Tank competition and see who won (and what they won!).