Idea Development
Pitch Like a Pro
Because a great idea needs a great story. You’ve done the work. You’ve explored the problem, built a solution, tested it, and improved it. Now it’s time to pitch. Whether you're talking to judges, funders, or your classmates — the way you present your idea will shape how people respond to it. Let’s make it count.
What Is a Pitch?
A pitch is a short, powerful presentation that communicates:
The problem you’re solving;
The solution you’ve built;
Why it matters;
And what you need to grow.
It’s storytelling + strategy + a little sparkle.
The 60–Second Pitch Formula (Elevator Style)
Need to pitch fast? Use this format:
“We’re solving [problem] for [target audience] by offering [your solution].
Unlike [alternatives], our approach [key advantage].
We’ve [traction so far], and next, we’re looking for [your ask].”
Example:
“We’re solving food waste on college campuses by helping students share extra meals through a peer-to-peer food-sharing app.
Unlike traditional food banks, our approach is hyper-local and real-time.
We’ve onboarded 200 users in 2 weeks, and next we’re looking for funding to build our MVP.”
Longer Pitch? Use This 6-Step Structure
Hook – Start with a bold stat, a story, or a big question
Problem – Show why this issue matters
Solution – Present your idea clearly and confidently
Impact – What change will it create?
Traction – What have you done so far?
Ask – What do you need? Support, funding, team members?
Keep it under 3–5 minutes unless told otherwise.
What Makes a Great Pitch?
Clear — anyone can understand it
Focused — no buzzwords, no feature overload
Human — tell stories, not just facts
Visual — use images or a simple slide deck
Confident — not perfect, just passionate and prepared
Activity: Write & Share Your Pitch
Draft your 60-second elevator pitch using the formula above
Practice saying it out loud — with a timer
Share it with your team or mentor. Ask:
• What was clear?
• What was confusing?
• What stuck in your head?
Real Talk
You’ll never feel 100% ready. Do it anyway;
No one cares about buzzwords. They care about impact;
Confidence comes from knowing your idea, not memorising lines;
Your first pitch will be rough — and your tenth will be.
Key Takeaways
You’re Now an Innovator-in-Action
Welcome to the Open Incubator community. This isn’t the end — it’s a new beginning.
You now have:
A toolkit of ideas, frameworks, and mindsets
Real experience in solving problems that matter
A team, a story, and a journey to build from
No matter where you go next — startup, research, social change, or your next challenge — know this:
You can make ideas real. You already have.