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MARCH 3, 2024•MERRILL CULTURAL CENTER
Sponsors: SCEE, CIED, SlugAI

SLUGTANK

The Ultimate Startup Pitch Competition at UCSC, where innovation meets opportunity. Hosted at the Merrill Cultural Center and sponsored by SCEE, CIED, and SlugAI.

Pitch Competition Event

Overview

Innovation

Showcase cutting-edge ideas and technologies

Competition

Pitch in front of expert judges and investors

Opportunity

Win prizes and gain valuable exposure

SlugTank is UCSC's premier startup pitch competition, where aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators get the chance to pitch their game-changing ideas in front of a panel of five expert judges. Hosted by SlugAI and SCEE, this event is designed to fuel innovation, empower student-led startups, and spotlight the most promising AI-driven projects.

Competition Format

Pitch Rules

5 minutes to pitch your startup or idea

3 minutes Q&A with expert judges

Evaluated on innovation, feasibility, market potential, and execution

Best AI-focused team receives a specialized bonus

AI Bonus

To encourage cutting-edge AI innovation, the best AI-driven project will be awarded an exclusive bonus package, including:

  • •Mentorship from AI & industry experts
  • •Access to premium AI resources
  • •Potential funding or incubation opportunities

Only projects incorporating AI will be eligible for this bonus!

Prizes & Perks

Cash prizes for the top teams

Incubation & mentorship opportunities via SlugAI & SCEE

Networking with industry professionals, investors, and potential co-founders

Exposure through media coverage & SlugAI's network

Opportunities to present at future startup & AI events

Judges Panel

SlugTank will feature a panel of five distinguished judges, including:

Industry experts in AI & emerging technologies

Successful entrepreneurs & venture capitalists

Professors & research specialists from UCSC

Confirmed Judges (TBA)

We are curating a top-tier panel—stay tuned!

How to Apply

Registration opens soon! Interested teams can register online via our application portal.

A short pitch deck submission will be required before the event.

Selected teams will be invited to present LIVE at SlugTank!

Stay tuned for updates on judges, sponsors, and special guests!