TCNewTech: Innovation Challenge Special Edition during NMSW

This isn’t your average TCNewTech.

This is the grand finale of our Reverse Pitch & Innovation Challenge. But wait, what’s a Reverse Pitch?

Instead of founders pitching polished startups, local nonprofits pitch real-world challenges — particularly in the Blue Tech and water innovation space. Over the course of a fast-paced, multi-day sprint at the NMC Innovation Center, teams of entrepreneurs, students, creatives, and subject matter experts form around those challenges and build brand-new solutions from scratch.

At this special edition of TCNewTech, those teams will take the stage to pitch ideas that are:

• Radically innovative
• Freshly built and barely pressure-tested
• Big, bold, and potentially startup-worthy

You’ll see early-stage thinking in its most electric form — the kind of ideas that might just become the next company launched in Northern Michigan.

The Main Stage

Each team will have 5 minutes to pitch their solution, with audience Q&A to follow. Then YOU get to choose which idea will win.

· Cash awards will go to the winning team and the nonprofit whose challenge inspired the solution.

· The winning team will also receive a startup support package from 20Fathoms should they decide to pursue their idea — or any startup idea they’re ready to build next.

Expect high energy, a few surprises, and special presentations woven throughout the evening.

The Expo + Networking

Before the show (4:30 – 5:30 pm) and after the competition, explore our Expo in the lobby featuring the best of our regional innovation ecosystem — startups, support organizations, community partners, and opportunities to plug in.

Whether you're:

• An entrepreneur looking for your next idea
• A student exploring what startup life could look like
• A creative thinker who loves big concepts
• Or simply startup-curious

You’ll leave inspired — and maybe even plotting your own venture.

Cash bar available. Light snacks will be served. Afterparty to follow.

Event Schedule

4:30 – 5:30 pm: Doors open + Expo in the lobby
5:30 – 7:00 pm: Innovation Challenge Special Edition Competition
7:00 – 8:00 pm: Networking
8:00 pm – ?: Afterparty

20Fathoms plans to take photos and video during this event. By attending, you agree to being photographed and filmed for marketing purposes.

About TCNewTech

A program of 20Fathoms, TCNewTech is a recurring pitch competition supported by tech enthusiasts, businesses, and entrepreneurs. Founded in 2015 as a way to connect local tech professionals, TCNewTech is a critical component in Traverse City’s growing startup community. Since its founding, more than 250 companies have pitched and $60,000 in pitch awards have been given to startups.

This night, though? It’s a little different. It’s experimental. It’s inventive. And it’s going to be a whole lot of fun.

About 20Fathoms

Based in Traverse City, 20Fathoms is a nonprofit organization and the hub for entrepreneurship and innovation in Northwest Michigan. The 20Fathoms team works with entrepreneurs of all stages and industries, and also offers specialized services to meet the unique needs of technology-focused startups. Programs include startup education, business coaching, TCNewTech pitch competitions, access to capital, a vibrant coworking space, and general resources and support. For more information visit: https://20fathoms.org/

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