Vinetta Project DC’s 2019 Venture Challenge is accepting applications

It’s that time of year again, the Vinetta Project DC is calling all female founders to the pitch stage.

Attn #dctech #femalefounders! Apply for @VinettaProject $20K Venture Challenge— win cash and more!https://t.co/pfvnaf6cQS

— The Vinetta Project (@VinettaProject) January 14, 2019

Through Feb. 10, The Vinetta Project is accepting applications for its 2019 Venture Challenge. Semifinalists will be announced on March 4, followed by the first pitch day on March 19. Vinetta is also doing a second round of applications due May 19, and semifinalists notifications will go out on June 10 followed by a second pitch day on June 19.

Crystal Icenhour of Aperiomics came out on top at the Vinetta Project’s 2018 Venture Challenge, taking home the $20,000 grand prize. Aperiomics is a pathogen-testing company that uses genomic analysis to detect every known pathogen from a sample of any nature in one test. Aperiomics has done testing for patients in 18 countries to date.

In order to participate in the challenge, startups must have at least one female founder, who will pitch in front of teams of angel and seed investors. In the semifinal round, female founders will have two minutes to pitch, followed by questions from the judges. At the final pitch event, founders will deliver an updated three minute pitch and presentation followed by questions from the judging panel before they deliberate to pick a victor.

Two finalists from round one and two finalists from round two will advance to the final round and pitch challenge on Thursday, Sept. 12.