Click Here to Apply!

General Details:

1. Applications are due by June 1st (Applicants will be notified by no later than June 4th if they've been selected to pitch or not.)

2. Your business can not be making more than $200,000 of annual revenue as of May 2024

3. You or your business must be based in Bartholomew, Jackson, or Jennings County

4. If selected to pitch you will need to be able to attend the pitch competition in-person at the Columbus Learning Center on June 15th from 10:00am until 2:00pm.

5. $15,000 or more in cash prizes will be given out to the winners. *Note: Winners will be announced the week after the competition*

6. This is a free event for anyone to attend even if they are not pitching.

Pitch Event Details:

1. The event will be hosted in the Lecture Hall at The Columbus Learning Center on June 15th from 10:00am - 2:00pm.

2. Each company will be given 5 minutes to pitch. (There will be a suggested format for slides and content that we will send out to those selected). Each pitch will be followed by 3 minutes of Q+A with the judges.

3. The final order of pitches will be emailed out before the event so you know what time you are expected to pitch that day.

4. Food and beverages will not be provided so be sure to bring a snack and drink if you plan to stay and watch other founders pitch.

5. Winners will be announced the week after the pitch competition.

If you have any questions or need any support with completing your application contact Dan Nash via email - dan@columbusareachamber.com

We look forward to your application and participation in our first-ever Catalyst Pitch Competition!

Ignite is an idea-sharing competition held in over 100 cities worldwide. These events are a venue for innovative thinkers to share their personal and professional passions, using 20 slides that auto-advance every 15 seconds for a total of just five minutes.

Participants will be competing in two judged categories, “Most Enlightening” and “Most Innovative.” One presenter will receive People's Choice Award, which is given to the audience’s favorite.

Enjoy a lively evening of free food, cash bar brews and wine, and enlightenment as we watch our community's innovators and entrepreneurs compete for cash prizes in a fast-paced format to see who has the next great idea! 

To apply as a presenter or learn more about the competition click here (Deadline is April 12th)  

To register as an attendee for free click here

Catalyst Columbus Presents: ReThink A.I.

Join us this March 27th from 4pm to 7pm at Helen Haddad Hall to connect with like-minded individuals, experts, and enthusiast passionate about A.I. and its potential to change the world. Register for free here!

This free event will feature a panel discussion, founder stories, networking, and a never before seen A.I. demo. 
 

Schedule:

4:00pm - 4:30pm: Doors Open & Networking

4:30pm - 5:15pm: Panel Discussion

5:15pm - 5:45pm: Founder Showcase

5:45pm - 6:15pm: A.I. Product Demo

6:15pm - 6:30pm: A.I. in Education

6:30pm - 7:00pm: Networking & Drinks

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available. 

Join us Friday November 10th at 8:30am at the Visitor's Center for a conversation with Lulu Loquidis, Q + A, coffee, and networking with other creators, makers, and innovators. These free events will feature local creatives, makers, and innovators sharing their incredible stories, lessons learned, and their bold visions for our Columbus ecosystem. Join us, and be part of this thriving community that transforms caffeinated conversations into catalysts for change, one story at a time. Register for free.

Lulu Loquidis is a registered Landscape Architect, co-founder of LAA Office, and adjunct professor at Indiana University's J. Irwin Miller Architecture Program. As a designer and project leader for international practices, including Hargreaves Associates and AECOM, she has built a diverse portfolio including gardens, streetscapes, urban plazas, waterfront parks, and resiliency infrastructure. She believes that contemporary landscape architecture establishes a crucial hinge between the environment, art, and human culture. Her current work focuses on transforming underutilized spaces through art and design to foster social life and enliven communities.

Catalyst Columbus Presents: ReThink AgTech

Join leaders from across the state to discuss the current landscape and future opportunities where tech, manufacturing, and agriculture collide. Register for free here

Agenda:

3:00pm - 3:45pm Doors open and registration

3:45pm - 4:30pm Fireside chat with Mitch Frazier from Agrinovus, Ann Schemlzer from Cummins, Kerri Garvin from Greater Indiana Clean Cities, and Craig Barnes from ClearFlame Engine Tech

4:30pm - 5:00pm Company Showcase featuring Steve Booher from SmartApply

5:00pm - 5:30pm AgTech Startup Demo

5:30pm - 6:00pm Networking 

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available. 

Join us next Friday October 27th at 8:30am at the Visitor's Center for a conversation with Tricia Ringer, Q + A, coffee, and networking with other creators, makers, and innovators. These free events will feature local creatives, makers, and innovators sharing their incredible stories, lessons learned, and their bold visions for our Columbus ecosystem. Join us, and be part of this thriving community that transforms caffeinated conversations into catalysts for change, one story at a time. Register for free.

With over 19 years of entrepreneurial experience and a successful transition from academia, I've established a thriving interpretation business, penetrating sectors such as medical, university, professional development, and legal.Almost 10 years ago, I partnered with my husband and played a pivotal role in the legal formation and financial foundation of Ring-Co, our product development company. My proficiency in market research, analysis, and versatile writing allows me to address diverse customer needs, from technical training to crafting compelling customer stories.

Ignite is an idea-sharing competition held in over 100 cities worldwide. These events are a venue for innovative thinkers to share their personal and professional passions, using 20 slides that auto-advance every 15 seconds for a total of just five minutes.

Participants will be competing in two judged categories, “Most Enlightening” and “Most Innovative.” One presenter will receive People's Choice Award, which is given to the audience’s favorite.

Enjoy a lively evening of free food, cash bar brews and wine, and enlightenment as we watch our community's innovators and entrepreneurs compete for cash prizes in a fast-paced format to see who has the next great idea! 

To apply as a presenter or learn more about the competition click here (Deadline is October 9th)  

To register as an attendee for free click here

Join us next Friday October 13th at 8:30am at the Visitor's Center for a conversation with Sam Markel, Q + A, coffee, and networking with other creators, makers, and innovators. These free events will feature local creatives, makers, and innovators sharing their incredible stories, lessons learned, and their bold visions for our Columbus ecosystem. Join us, and be part of this thriving community that transforms caffeinated conversations into catalysts for change, one story at a time. Register for free.

Sam Markel is the VP of Manufacturing and Operations at Guardian Bikes, a Mark Cuban company. With over 15 years of experience in manufacturing, he excels in continuous process improvement, production optimization, and quality management. Sam is dedicated to developing high-performing teams, managing supply chain and logistics, and supporting funding rounds for startup growth. He also holds patents and awards for innovative solutions in portable energy and climate control units. His mission is to bring quality bicycle manufacturing back to the USA and provide exceptional value to customers and stakeholders.

Join us next Friday September 29th at 8:30am at the Visitor's Center for a conversation with Bill Collins, Q + A, coffee, and networking with other creators, makers, and innovators. These free events will feature local creatives, makers, and innovators sharing their incredible stories, lessons learned, and their bold visions for our Columbus ecosystem. Join us, and be part of this thriving community that transforms caffeinated conversations into catalysts for change, one story at a time. Register for free.

Bill Collins is a distinguished expert in Healthcare Strategy, Technology Assessment, User Experience, and Roadmap Development. With over 17 years of experience, he has contributed to healthcare innovation with 44 US patents issued and has played a pivotal role in introducing cutting-edge solutions into Stanford Health Care. Bill's extensive expertise spans various technologies, including Unified Communications, Location-Based Services, Artificial Intelligence, and Wireless Infrastructure. He is a thought leader known for bridging the gap between healthcare innovation and practical implementation.

Join us next Friday September 8th at 8:30am at the Visitor's Center for a conversation with Jonathan Nesci, Q + A, coffee, and networking with other creators, makers, and innovators. These free events will feature local creatives, makers, and innovators sharing their incredible stories, lessons learned, and their bold visions for our Columbus ecosystem. Join us, and be part of this thriving community that transforms caffeinated conversations into catalysts for change, one story at a time. Register for free.

Jonathan is a multi-faceted creative who lives in Columbus, Indiana. Nesci Develops fine art, sculpture, furniture, lighting, and exhibitions.

Nesci is a cultural matchmaker often connecting architects, artists, and designers. Jonathan finds creative talents and brings them together in important residential & and community projects, often by playing the role of creative matchmaker. Jonathan's work lives on the outer edge of design and art and within the realm of architecture.

Jonathan Nesci's practice embraces the continuing challenges and lessons of his craft which demands an exactness of design and fabrication.