BMIC

You are cordially invited to the 2012 University Mobile Challenge in Barcelona on March 1, 2012.  Lots to cover.  So read up and take action!

Exhibition Passes to Mobile World Congress

Finalists, faculty advisors and sponsors will be given exhibition passes to attend Mobile World Congress.  An email was sent on Friday asking all expectant attendees to fill out the following pre-registration form.  If you have not already done so, fill out the form.  Expect a formal invitation to register for your Mobile World Congress pass by Tuesday, February 7.  Those who require visas will receive their letter from the GSM Association via registration.

Getting to Barcelona

Each participating university will receive a travel scholarship, meant to be used toward airfare for 2 students.  Each team is allowed to send 5 students and an advisor but the University must cover the airfare and hostel costs of the additional members.  The size of the stipend is based on the distance of origin and average transportation costs taken from last year.  We will expense the amount listed below for each team, so begin to make arrangements for travel.

Travel stipends, housing accommodations, the Entrepreneurial boot camp and most importantly, the competition would not be possible without the help from our sponsors.  We faced many challenges raising money in 2011, but we are determined to host this competition for many years to come.  Can you demonstrate your ability to raise capital?  Any team that can get a sponsor for the University Mobile Challenge at the annual level will be awarded $5000.  Start now or at the conference.  We will have flyers to hand out in Barcelona, advertising Thursday’s competition and asking for your alumni and home country’s support!

Start Up Bootcamp

We are hosting a crash course and the opportunity to practice your pitch on Wednesday, February 29.  Details are forthcoming.

Do Not Wait for Bootcamp!

Previously we alluded to reviewing your materials pre competition.  We are turning the tables back to you to do your research and prepare.  Last year’s alumni found, not just the competition, but the entire process as a learning experience.  The resources page is an excellent starting place to review great examples of VC pitches and to see the quality of apps and the caliber of the presenters that competed in last year’s challenge.

The Competition

The University Mobile Challenge will take place in AppPlanet’s 200 person auditorium.  There will be visual and audio support for teams and judges.  For those that cannot attend in person, we will also be streaming the competition live.  Through a randomized process, the field of 20 will be split up into 2 groups.  The are three sets of judges: morning, afternoon and for the final face off between the winning team from both groups.  Judges will determine winners through a non-points based group deliberation.  They will also provide feedback forms on three key areas:

• How well did the team articulate the value proposition of their application?
• What are the problems you see with their application?  What did they not address?  What would prevent them from getting funded?
• How can the team improve their application or presentation?