Moraine Park Technical College student, Jared Ott of Fond du Lac, placed first in the NEW Ideas Pitch Challenge, a collaborative regional pitch event, on April 29.

The NEW Ideas Pitch Challenge is an opportunity for area technical college students to display their entrepreneurial skills. Students interested in participating were required to apply by March 26. The entries were evaluated on content, delivery, visual aids, creativity, and overall persuasion. From there, the top entries advanced to the challenge event on April 29. This year’s event was held virtually. 

The students selected to represent Moraine Park at the NEW Ideas Pitch Challenge were Ott and Abby McGeehen of Berlin. Jared is a high school senior from the Fond du Lac STEM Academy who is currently enrolled as a business student through the Start College Now program. Abby is a current student, enrolled in the Business Management and Small Business/Entrepreneurship programs. Moraine Park instructor Jeff Stueber worked with the students and provided coaching.

“This event is a valuable learning opportunity for our students,” Bobbi Fields, associate dean of business and IT at Moraine Park said. “I am grateful for the many individuals at the College who helped ensure this was a successful event. Jared and Abby did an excellent job representing the college. We are proud of their efforts and wish them the best in their entrepreneurial endeavors.” 

Ott’s winning pitch was his specially designed fishing hooks that help secure live bate. Ott’s fishing hooks are already secured by a U.S. patent.

The other participating colleges were Fox Valley Technical College, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and Lakeshore Technical College.

morainepark.edu

Do you have a great idea for a new product, service, or innovative startup? Show off your entrepreneurial skills at Moraine Park Technical College. Current MPTC students are invited to “Pitch at the Park”.  

Individuals or group entries are eligible. To enter, complete the entry form, submit a summary of your project in 250 words or less along with a video. The video may be up to 90 seconds. A slide deck may be included with your submission. Entries must be received by March 26^th. Entries will be evaluated on content, delivery, visual aids, creativity, and overall persuasion.

Two individuals or teams will be selected and notified by March 30^th. The winning entries will go on to represent Moraine Park Technical College at a regional Pitch event. Small Business/Entrepreneurship Instructor Jeff Stueber will provide coaching sessions to those selected to go on to The NEW (Northeast Wisconsin) Pitch Event. The NEW Pitch Event will be held at Fox Valley Technical College, 1825 N Bluemound Drive in Appleton on April 29^th, from 4-7pm. Participants will compete for cash prizes.

Entry materials are available through the online entry form: MPTC Pitch at the Park Application.

For more information please contact pitchatthepark@morainepark.edu.