EdTech Innovation Pitch Contest is designed to help us think big and provide support for the next big idea!

BY PAUL JUNOR

There has been a strong relationship between the state of Michigan and Ontario over the years. Many Ontario students have attended post-secondary institutions in Michigan.

Michigan Virtual information was shared about the EDTech Pitch Contest & Innovation Bootcamp which can be seen at the website:michiganvirtual.org. Michigan Virtual (previously known as Michigan Virtual University) provides online courses for Michigan students, professional development for educators, and is the parent organization of the Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute. They have over 20 years of experience in providing online education as a nonprofit organization.

There will be $20,000 available in business startup grants and additional startup assistance for the winners of the contest. It is through a partnership between Michigan State’s Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurial and Innovation and Spartan Innovation that this funding is possible. According to its website: entrepreneurship.msu.edu, the Burgess Institute is engaged in entrepreneurial activities through education, mentorship, training, and teaching. Spartan Innovation which is a subsidiary of the MSU Foundation (www.msufoundation.org) drives MSU entrepreneurs to develop their ideas, create business plans, and successfully launch high-tech startups.

At the technology transfer art of Michigan State University approximately 175 – 200 innovative inventions are presented each year by faculty members associated with MSU.

Paul Jacques, who serves as Managing Director of the Institute states in the press release, “We have the resources and expertise to help Michigan teachers bring their ideas to fruition. Our hope through this contest is to support innovative and entrepreneurial ideas that can be brought back to the classroom to advance learning and teaching through the use of existing or new technology.”

The contest is only open to Michigan residents who are interested in ideas for improving teaching and learning within this technological setting. Educators or innovators who are interested can submit a written pitch between April 4^th, 2022, and May 13^th, 2022. Those who are selected will be informed by May 25^th, 2022, and they will have until June 22^nd, 2022 to present their final pitch, and winners will be selected.

Frank Urban. Director of Venture Creation Life Sciences with Spartan Innovations stated, “Today’s modern education system faces its own set of challenges. We know that those in the classroom setting are the best at identifying problems and finding solutions to help overcome barriers. We have seen the edtech sector trending positively and we have supported several startups in that space over the years. The Michigan EdTech Innovation Pitch Contest is designed to help us think big and provide support for the next big idea.”