Applications are now being accepted for the Six Minute Pitch: A Transportation Startup Challenge, a special Young Member Council (YMC) session at the Transportation Research Board (TRB) 94th Annual Meeting during which selected presenters pitch their cutting-edge, research-based concept for a transportation product- or service-based business in just six minutes. Presentations are judged on the basis of the commercial viability of their concept, and the demonstration of how the proposed product or service meets today’s critical transportation challenges.

While no actual investment i awarded at the Six Minute Pitch (per TRB rules), the opportunity to present at one of the most well attended sessions at TRB and to receive feedback from a distinguished panel of investors and successful entrepreneurs attracts a number of high-quality proposals each year.

Confirmed judges for the 2015 Six Minute Pitch include:

• Sean O’Sullivan, of SOSVentures and Co-founder and Managing Director of Carma
• Chris Thomas, Founder and Partner, Fontinalis Partners
• Gabe Klein, COO, Bridj

Now in its third year, the Six Minute Pitch has showcased many successful early stage transportation technology companies. The winner of the 2014 Six Minute Pitch, TransitScreen, a company which provide real-time availability and schedule information sustainable transportation modes, including transit and Bikeshare, has since brought on of the Six Minute Pitch judges, Gabe Klein, on as a strategic advisor, gained new clients, and even had the opportunity to pitch President Obama!

Please join us for Session 651, The Six-Minute Pitch: Transportation Start-up Challenge

Tuesday, January 14, 2014 3:45PM – 5:30PM, Marriott Salon 3

Sponsored by the TRB Young Members Counci

In this exciting session, young professionals pitch their ideas for the “next big thing” to a panel of successful transportation industry entrepreneurs and investors in just 6 min or less. Following each pitch, the panel will provide immediate feedback on the market potential, business model, and the incorporation of innovative technologies or techniques and the latest research in the pitch. An honorary winner will be declared at the end of this fast-paced, interactive session.

The Transportation Research Board Young Member’s Council will once again be holding the Six Minute Pitch: Transportation Startup Challenge, during the Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting, January 12-16, 2014, in Washington, D.C. Please see the Call for Presenters (see below) for information on the judging panel and submitting an application to present!

At this session, selected presenters will have an opportunity to pitch their cutting-edge, research-based concepts for transportation product or service-based business to a panel of distinguished transportation industry investors and entrepreneurs in just six minutes. The evaluation panel will provide feedback to each presenter on the viability of the product or service presented in today’s transportation industry. An honorary ‘winner’ of the challenge will be declared at the close of the session. The inaugural January 2013 Six Minute Pitch session was one of the most well-attended sessions at the TRB Annual Meeting – with an attendance of more than 200. Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in this one-of-a-kind TRB Annual Meeting session!

Who can submit an entry? Any professional with a transportation-related business idea or active startup, but preference will be given to young professionals (TRB defines ‘young’ as professionals 35 or younger). A preference will also be given to individuals who intend to register for TRB.

What are the submission requirements? Submit your application using this form. Applicants must also provide a current resume or CV (PDF or Microsoft Word) via email to sjohnson@foursquareitp.com. The submission via email of additional supporting materials, such as concept designs, web links, or existing presentations, is also encouraged. All applicants must describe how their product or service will bring research to commercial application. Presentations should include an interactive element, such as a presentation of a prototype or demonstration of software under development. The use of Prezi or PowerPoint is also permitted.

What topic areas will be covered? Transportation products and services in all modes of transportation. Business concepts that are oriented towards both the end consumer and those serving the transportation industry itself will be considered. Transportation planning and management consulting business ideas will not be accepted.

When are entries due? November 15, 2013 (accepted presenters will be notified in late November)

Questions? Contact sjohnson@foursquareitp.com.