FastPitch canceled for 2020

Innovation never stops. But for now, the pandemic has stopped gatherings larger than 50 people. Therefore, NIU EIGERlab’s annual FastPitch competition will not be held in 2020.

Here’s the good news: NIU EIGERlab is still hard at work and ready to help you develop your product and take it to market. Give us a call at (815)965-3522 for a free consultation.

Thank you for your past participation and support. We look forward to seeing you when FastPitch returns, bigger and better, in 2021.

2019 NIU EIGERlab FastPitch Competition

 is in the Books!

2019 FastPitch Competition Winners & Participants

First place: Anthony Valiulis| Acutrak – inventory tracking device

Second place: David Pack | Box Blox- Activity Building blocks

Third place: Matt Reed| Buildboard – home / contractor estimating app

Student Award: Mark Van den Avont | HexNest – Smart gymnastic floor pads

Dale Falconer, “Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award”:  Branden DeWitt | Nabeau

Finalists who made the stage!

Mark Van den Avont – HexNest

Di’Quan Ishmon – SoWiCh           

David Pack – Box Blox

Lindsey Bussie – Doodle Mash

Symone Lewis – Barelastics

Miona Short – Shukrah

Matt Reed – Buildboard

Anthony Valiulis – Acutrak

Mary Ley – Aireloom Music

Katharine Hadow – Bed Bug Sensor

Ronda Surratt – Instant Backyard Stream

Rod Borras – Bright Creations

        FastPitch Competition Signature Sponsors

Contributing Sponsors:

•Chamber of Commerce
• Colorlab Cosmetics
• Computer Aided Technology
• TAC Rockford
• WipFli Accounting
• Wood CPS’s LTD
• City of Rockford
• gener8tor Milwaukee
• Rockford Local Development
• Stillman BancCorp N.A.

The FastPitch Competition is an annual event that draws participants from throughout the region. Starting in 2006, this competition has attracted entrepreneurs in all phases of business from pre-startup, just an idea on a napkin to companies that have been in business or plan to expand with a new service or product. The idea is to answer six key questions in three minutes or less—your elevator speech—to a select group of judges who are entrepreneurs themselves or that work with entrepreneurs on a regular basis. In business, “three strikes” is generous. If you can’t pitch your product, service or concept in three minutes—you’re outta there!

The FastPitch Competition is your chance to prove the potential of your business idea…meet people who can help you succeed…maybe even win a cash prize! This is no field of dreams: traditionally the top prize that’s awarded is $5,000. All competitors will receive constructive feedback, a fun experience and valuable exposure to investors, business leaders, potential mentors, and media.