Crossroads

idea competition
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crossroads idea competition

Congratulations to Jamie Tagg! He won $2,500 for Celadore, his idea for an innovative platform to enhance musical performance.

For cellists soloing with orchestras, the usual podium detracts from the performance both visually and acoustically. Celadore’s simple, elegant riser design puts the focus on the artist and enhances the sound of the instrument, creating an improved musical experience for everyone. 

Every great business starts with a great idea. Before there’s a minimum viable product, before customers and revenue, before investors, there’s a spark of innovation,  a flash of insight, a moment of inspiration.

The Crossroads Idea Competition is your chance to showcase that idea and get feedback from expert judges. After that, you can take your idea into a pre-accelerator like B-Start, then into Mill Cohorts, then on to gBETA! Who knows, maybe you’ll even find yourself pitching at Crossroads Pitch Competition someday.

And if you win the Crossroads Idea Competition, you’ll take home $2,500 from Flywheel Fund! (Psst: you’ll need to set up a business entity, but no worries, we’ll help.)

Need some inspiration on what makes a great idea? Check out this blog post. Better yet, take a look at Quiptu, the 2021 winner! Winning the Crossroads Idea Competition was the beginning of a great startup story for them. You can make this the beginning of your new adventure. 

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OCTOBER 27

applications open

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DECEMBER 2

deadline to apply

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DECEMBER 5

semifinals (asynchronous)

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DECEMBER 14

finals live over Zoom

Update December 9th, 2022

Congratulations to our Finalists!

  • Kristin Cummings
  • Andrew Riordan
  • Tyler Jones
  • Jack Megnin
  • Jamie Tagg

Join us via Zoom on December 14th to watch the Demo Day!

    Fueling early-stage innovation is especially important for increasing access to entrepreneurial opportunity. Your sponsorship of the Crossroads Idea Competition opens the door to opportunity a little wider!

    2022 Judges

    Entries were reviewed by a respected panel of Indiana entrepreneurs and investors.

    Simon Beverton

    Founder & Principal Consultant, Future Wonder

    Martina Fausto

    Venture Analyst, Flywheel Fund

    Samantha Ginther

    Associate, High Alpha

    Adam Gross

    Executive Director Ivy+ Career Link, Ivy Tech

    Robert Henschel

    Chief Technology Officer, WayZada

    Shaun McDermott

    EVP & Chief Commercial Officer, Cornerstone

    Heath Murray

    Partner, Dioltas

    Dan Nash

    Startup Ecosystem Manager, Velocities

    Cerwin Rush

    Senior Data Consultant, Onebridge

    Melissa Ward

    Innovation Impact Catalyst Manager, Oregon State University

    Audrey Wessel

    Attorney, Gutwein Law

    Elise Young

    gBETA Indiana Director, gener8tor