FAQs

  • Each startup will have 5 minutes to pitch to judges with 8 minutes of questions from the judges. If selected as a finalist, groups should be prepared to submit a pre-recorded, maximum 7-minute pitch that the judges will review prior to the competition.

  • Experienced Venture Capitalists; Bios will be provided at the event, if not before. The Hopstone Capital, which is a group of students who manage a fund and act as investors. They will judge the startups for the Hopstone Award. The audience will also vote for their c.hosen startup for the Audience Choice Award

  • Yes!

  • This event is open to current students only. Teams must be significantly owned and/or led by Hopkins students.

  • No, travel reimbursement will not be provided.

  • Yes, we welcome an audience to attend. However, audience registration is required before the event. Please see the “Audience Tickets” page for more details. Audience registration is free.

  • Hopkins students/teams who have:

    • A fully developed business plan

    • At least one member must be a JHU student with a prominent role on the team

    • Significantly owned and/or led by Hopkins students

    • It is recommended, but not required, that the team have previous incubator or competition experience

  • The winning team will receive $25,000 to be split equally among team members. In addition, second place, Hopstone Award, and Audience Choice prizes will be awarded.

  • We are inviting 6 startups to the competition, with alternative choices. We ask that you only accept the invitation if you are certain you can attend. If extenuating circumstances should arise, we ask for as much notice as possible so we can prepare the alternative team.

  • Since we have limited space for startups, we would like to offer the opportunity to new teams.

  • No, there are no limitations.

  • Yes

  • The Office of Student Affairs staff will support the process of you receiving your funds. Please note, it will take 3-6 weeks to receive funds.

  • Yes, but the startup must be significantly owned and/or led by JHU students.

  • Yes, you are welcome to apply again.

  • No, we welcome a diverse variety of ventures to apply!