GW is taking its annual $500K New Venture Competition online on April 16

George Washington University (GW) is hosting its New Venture Competition virtually on April 16.

The GW Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship launched the pitch competition in 2009 to give GW students, faculty, staff and alumni an experiential learning opportunity in entrepreneurship. As part of the New Venture Competition, GW-affiliated entrepreneurs pitch their ventures to vie for a share of over $200,000 in cash and $300,000 of in-kind prizes to take their ideas to the next level. A $10,000 cash prize will also be given to the viewer’s choice award winner.

GW reports that the 12th annual competition started with more than 200 teams, and more than 150 judges narrowed down that list to 12 finalists. Viewers can expect to see four pitches across three categories: new venture, social venture and technology venture.

Last year, Chloe King and Erin McGeoy, founders of 2019 RealLIST Startups honorable mention Last Call, took home $45,000 in cash prizes for the top social venture and other awards.

Video pitches from this year’s finalists are available for viewing online. The award ceremony where the winners will be announced will take place later on Thursday at 6:30 p.m on the GW Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship’s Facebook page. A panel of expert judges and audience participation will help decide the winners.

Here are the 12 finalists by category:

Tech Ventures

• CyberGraph
• Ichosia Biotechnology
• LingoCoach
• RestEasy

New Ventures

• Benjamin
• BladeWorks Unlimited
• People Powered Doors
• Songwriter’s Dream

Social Ventures

• Cognitive Gym
• Jhielké
• Project REALM
• Rice Wrap