Building on the remarkable success of the second InnovAi course, which was held in person and online with 100 participants on October 24, 25, 31, and November 1 and 15, 2024, a new and challenging event, the Pitch Deck Challenge Program, took place on January 9, 2025, at the RIT headquarters in Tehran, Iran. This one-day program provided an exceptional opportunity for participants of the second InnovAi course to showcase their ideas in the form of professional presentations (Pitch Decks) and participate in an exciting competition. This event was designed not only as a platform for presenting ideas while ensuring full compliance with legal aspects related to idea registration and patents, but also as an opportunity to build valuable connections, receive expert feedback, and compete for significant prizes.
Out of the participants in the second InnovAi course, 23 individuals were selected to take part in this challenge. Each of them presented their ideas—developed during the InnovAi course—in 10-minute presentations before a panel of judges and an audience. After each presentation, five minutes were allocated for Q&A, allowing participants to benefit from the insights and questions posed by judges and attendees. This structure enabled participants not only to present their ideas professionally but also to familiarize themselves with the challenges and potential questions they might face in the process of commercializing their innovations.
The judging and voting criteria for this challenge were based on precise and comprehensive standards, including presentation quality, innovation and creativity, feasibility, market strategies, and commercialization potential. Each of these aspects was assessed separately, and the final score for each participant was determined based on the combined evaluation of these factors. After each presentation, both the judges and the audience cast their votes independently, and the final rankings were established based on the aggregated results.
At the end of this one-day challenge, cash prizes were awarded to the top three participants to support them in the development and commercialization of their ideas. The total prize pool for the winners amounted to 600 million Rials, distributed among the first, second, and third-place participants who achieved the highest scores. These prizes were not only a financial incentive but also an investment in the growth and development of the top ideas. The purpose of awarding these prizes was to encourage participants to continue their journey of innovation and invention and help them transform their ideas into marketable products.
The Pitch Deck Challenge Program, as a complementary event to the second InnovAi course, provided participants with a unique and practical experience. This program not only allowed them to present their ideas before judges and audiences but also familiarized them with the real-world challenges of pitching and commercializing their innovations. Participants learned how to deliver compelling presentations, leverage feedback, and refine their strategies for success.
The judging panel for this challenge consisted of the course participants themselves, who critically evaluated each presentation after it was delivered. In addition to assessing the ideas, they provided valuable guidance and expert recommendations during the Q&A sessions. This two-way interaction enabled participants to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of their ideas and prepare for the next stages of their development.
By the end of this challenge, in addition to awarding prizes to the top three winners, all participants gained valuable experience in presenting their ideas. This program helped them become familiar with global standards for pitching and sharpen their skills in this area. Furthermore, networking opportunities with judges and fellow participants opened new doors for collaboration and idea development.
The Pitch Deck Challenge Program, as a complementary event to the second InnovAi course, marked a significant step forward in supporting inventors and innovators. This event not only provided a platform for participants to present their ideas to industry experts but also introduced them to real challenges and opportunities in the path of commercialization. The cash prizes awarded to the top three winners were seen as an investment in their future growth and success.
This program clearly demonstrated how a combination of education, competition, and networking can empower inventors and innovators to transform their ideas into reality and achieve success in global markets. By the end of this event, participants had not only gained valuable experience in presenting their ideas but also acquired the motivation and tools necessary to continue their journey of innovation and invention.
