MBA students from London campus attended Nottingham University last month to mentor the budding tech entrepreneurs competing in Pitch@Palace. Twelve teams were selected for the finals at St James’s Palace in London on April 25th. They will continue to receive expert support from our MBAs.

Helping launch the next generation of tech entrepreneurs

#PitchatPalace is an up-and-coming business competition established by the Duke of York, a member of the UK royal family. Its mission is to help talented entrepreneurs get their business ideas off the ground. Now in its third year, Pitch@Palace has helped nearly 250 businesses to achieve success with expert advice, network connections, and specialist support.

The Duke of York opens Pitch@Palace.

 

Real-world experience—students ‘on the ground’ with budding entrepreneurs

Eight Hult MBA student experts were matched to a participating team, to provide coaching and advice. Michael Neidhardt, one of the eight Hult MBA experts, was paired with team Blink, whose bright idea to enable pedestrians to interact with self-driving vehicles has seen them progress through to the finals. Michael offered the team coaching, feedback on their pitch, and advice on their presentation. He and each of the Hult mentors will continue to work with their finalist teams. They will also each continue to work with one non-finalist team who did not make it past the semi-finals. These non-finalist teams are competing for the People’s Choice Award.

Technology concepts fit for the future

Hult Senior Vice President Jason Cassidy was on the Bootcamp’s panel of judges. Jason was impressed with many of the teams and their fascinating concepts, such as Michael’s team Blink, as well as BrainWaveBank’s technology-enabled early diagnosis of cognitive illnesses. With so many great teams, choosing who would proceed to the finals was no easy task. We asked Jason how he enjoyed the day:

“The passion of the teams for their technology and for making a difference in society was truly energizing. Similar to the Hult Prize, it inspired me to think bigger and believe that no problem is too big to solve. This was a really inspiring event and I’m looking forward to seeing what the teams accomplish next.”

– Jason Cassidy, Hult Senior Vice President and Bootcamp Judge

Final round of competition to be held later this month at St James’s Palace, London

For the upcoming finals at St James’s Palace, each of the students will support a finalist and a non-finalist team. Non-finalists will be coached in self-marketing, social media, and networking as they compete for The People’s Choice Award. Michael and his fellow MBAs are looking forward to seeing how their teams have grown since the semi-finals, in the stunning surroundings of the royal palace.

We look forward to the finals later this month—stay tuned for the inside scoop on what is sure to be an inspiring day.

 

Find out more

Learn more about Blink and all the finalists’ pitches, and vote for your favorite in the People’s Choice category.


Mel Cloney is a staff blogger working in London, and is passionate about the Hult journey. Her writing focuses on faculty, academics, and student and alumni experiences. She’s a food, scuba, and running junkie with a penchant for all things French.

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