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Round 2: Lean Canvas + Pitch Deck

Weight
100%
Description
Round 2 requires the submission of a Lean Canvas and pitch deck for your business idea. Both should be included as PDF attachments. Judges will review both attachments for completion, clarity, and quality. All semi-final teams should prepare for potential attendance at the live final pitch if selected to move forward. The live final pitch will take place on Wednesday, April 29 in Morgantown, WV.
Guidelines & information
Second round submissions consist of a Lean Canvas and a pitch deck. Detailed submission guidance for each component is included below. Submissions should be uploaded as PDF attachments.

Lean Canvas: Submissions may use the linked Lean Canvas template (fillable) OR be placed into a document with the appropriate headings. Judges will be reviewing for the following:
  • Completion of all Lean Canvas components
  • Demonstration of understanding of the Lean Canvas components
  • Demonstrated logic for each of the Lean Canvas components
  • Professionalism (free of spelling/grammatical errors)

To help students prepare their Lean Canvas submissions, review the following linked resources:
Lean Canvas Template FILLABLE.pdf 407.7 KB

Pitch Deck: Submissions must be PDF files of slides designed in a widescreen (16:9) format. Pitch decks should consist of 5-10 slides that include, at a minimum:
  • Title slide with logo
  • Individual or team introduction
  • Business description slide with business name and brief description of features
  • Problem/Solution/Opportunity slide
  • Target customer slide
  • Financial "ask" 

Note: Take advantage of Canva and other presentation tools and resources to design visibly appealing slides that showcase your idea and brand. Judges will be reviewing for content + design. To help prepare your slides:

Additional live workshops for semi-final preparation will be sent via VentureDash announcements. Incomplete applications missing information will not be reviewed.
Submission deadline
Jan 31, 2026 11:59 PM EST
Judging deadline
Feb 16, 2026 11:59 PM EST

Rubric

Problem: Clearly defining the problem being solved is essential to a strong Lean Canvas. The problem must be relevant to the target audience.
Customer Segments: Identifying and understanding who the customers are is critical. This includes defining who the product or service is for.
Unique Value Proposition: The UVP explains what makes the business unique and how it stands out in the market. It should communicate value to customers clearly.
Solution: The solution should address the problem and be feasible, effective, and valuable to the target audience.
Key Metrics: Key metrics are the measurable factors that indicate business success. They should be specific and aligned with the business goals.
Channels: Channels describe how the business will deliver the solution to the customer, such as sales and marketing methods.
Revenue Streams: This component should describe how the business will make money, including pricing and sales strategies.
Cost Structure: The cost structure outlines the main expenses the business will face in delivering the solution. This includes fixed and variable costs.
Unfair Advantage: This is the competitive edge that differentiates the business from its competitors. It could be intellectual property, exclusive partnerships, etc.
Pitch Deck Content Quality: The pitch deck should provide clear and concise content with all required components. Each slide must provide value and support the overall narrative.
Clarity of Problem, Solution, and Opportunity: The pitch should clearly communicate the problem, solution, and opportunity in a way that is engaging and understandable.
Target Customer Understanding: The target customer must be clearly defined with an understanding of their needs, pain points, and desires.
Financial Ask: The "ask" should specify how much funding is required and provide justification for the amount, demonstrating a clear financial plan.
Design and Visual Appeal: The design should be professional and cohesive, supporting the pitch with clear visuals, appropriate use of colors, fonts, and images.
Bonus Points: Judges may award up to five bonus points for submissions they feel are exceptional.
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