1. Who is eligible to apply?​

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The competition is open to founders and early-stage entrepreneurs building AI-driven solutions. While the event centers women founders and strongly encourages their participation, the competition itself is open to all demographics.

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2. Do I have to attend the Pitch Prep Workshop to compete?

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No. Attendance at the workshop is not required to apply or compete. However, the workshop is designed to strengthen your pitch clarity and competitive readiness.

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3. What qualifies as an “AI-driven” solution?

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Your product or service should meaningfully incorporate artificial intelligence as part of its core functionality or value proposition. This can include machine learning, predictive analytics, natural language processing, automation, or related AI applications.

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4. What stage should my business be in?

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This competition is best suited for early-stage founders who have:

• A clearly defined problem and solution

• An MVP, prototype, or technical roadmap

• A plan for development and execution

 

You do not need to be revenue-generating, but you should be beyond the idea stage.

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5. How long is each pitch?

 

Each finalist will have:

• 5 minutes to pitch

• 5 minutes for judge Q&A

 

Exact timing will be confirmed in finalist communications.

 

6. What are judges evaluating?

 

Judges will evaluate based on:

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• Problem clarity

• Solution viability

• Market opportunity

• Feasibility and technical credibility

• Founder readiness and execution capability

• Overall clarity and persuasiveness

 

A scoring rubric will guide the process.

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7. What will the winner receive?

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One winner will receive up to $25,000 in AWS credits to support development and production-readiness of their AI solution.

Additional visibility, ecosystem connections, and networking opportunities are also part of the value of participation.

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8. How will the AWS credits be distributed?

 

Credits are awarded directly through AWS partner Softchoice, and must be used in accordance with their guidelines.

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9. When will finalists be notified?

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Finalists will be notified on March 10, following the close of applications on March 5.

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10. Can I bring guests to the competition?

 

Yes. The event is open to attendees, partners, and community members. Seating is limited, so registration is encouraged.

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11. What should I wear?

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Business or business casual attire is recommended. This is a professional environment with judges, partners, and ecosystem leaders present.

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12. Will feedback be provided?

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Judges will provide high-level feedback during the event. Due to time constraints, individualized written feedback may not be guaranteed.