Nanotechnology New Ventures Competition

What defines Nanotechnology?

According to the National Nanotechnology Initiative, “Nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at dimensions between approximately 1 and 100 nanometers, where unique phenomena enable novel applications. Encompassing nanoscale science, engineering and technology, nanotechnology involves imaging, measuring, modeling, and manipulating matter at this length scale” (see the National Nanotechnology Initiative website:
http://www.nano.gov/html/facts/whatIsNano.html, June 8, 2010).

What is considered a startup?

The NNVC focuses on Indiana-based start-up ventures that have not yet been launched or are at their earliest stages of launch. An eligible venture is typically one that has generated less than $500,000 in cumulative revenues, has received less than $500,000 in external financing and has been in operation less than three years. Plans that are affiliated with a mature business are typically not eligible to compete. While these guidelines provide general parameters, eligibility determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis at the sole discretion of the NNVC Committee which includes representatives of Purdue and Notre Dame.

Indiana-based Eligibility

Indiana-based eligibility may be certified through: (1) those who are students or employed by an institution of higher education in the state of Indiana; (2) affiliation at one of many research parks or certified technology parks in the state of Indiana; (3) a business location in the state of Indiana.

What are the requirements?

REGISTRATION:  Registration will open beginning at noon on Friday, October 15, 2010, and will remain open until noon on Monday, December 10, 2010.  Registration is free and can be completed here:

• Click here to register for the event
• Click here to attend the workshop

PROCESS:

• Round 1 requires a Venture Overview of your business idea and concept.  Detailed information regarding requirements for the Venture Overview will be available upon registration.  Venture Overviews for Round 1 are due by no later than noon on Tuesday, December 21, 2010. A summary of the requirements for Round 1 is included below. 
• Semifinalists will be announced on Friday, January 21, 2011.  Those selected to advance to Round 2 will be required to write a Venture Plan.   Detailed information regarding requirements for the Venture Plan will be available upon registration.  Venture Plans will be due by no later than noon on Thursday, February 24, 2011. A summary of the requirements for Round 1 is included below.
• Finalists will be announced on Tuesday, March 15, 2011.  Final round judging will take place on March 25, 2010 from 1 – 4 pm in the Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship in Purdue's Discovery Park. Five (5) finalists will be selected, invited to present live before our distinguished panel of judges.  These finalists will compete for cash prizes totaling $57,000:
• First prize:  $30,000
• Second prize:   $15,000
• Third prize:   $10,000
• Fourth and fifth prizes:   $1,000 each

All registrants will be invited to attend a free workshop on how to create a viable Venture Plan.  Participation is voluntary, but is strongly encouraged.  This workshop will be presented both at the University of Notre Dame and at Purdue University during the months of October and November, 2010.  Details regarding the workshops (date, time and location) will be made available upon registration.

All registrants will be invited to present (pitch) their venture/research at the Future of Nanotechnology Research Fair, to be held March 25, 2011 from 10 am – noon in the Birck Nanotechnology Center in Purdue's Discovery Park.  Detailed information regarding the Research Fair will be made available to all who register for the New Nanotechnology Venture Competition. Finalists selected for the New Ventures Competition are required to participate with a poster in the morning Research Fair.

Please note:  Participants must certify that the individual/team/company owns or has rights to license/use its proposed technology.  This certification may be a statement from the office which is assisting with disclosures, licensures, or patents.