P&G Ventures, the studio within Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG) that works with startups to develop new brands and businesses, is once again soliciting entrepreneurs to participate in its upcoming virtual pitch contest.
The pitch contest will take place Jan. 13 as part of P&G's exhibit at the Consumer Technology Association's 2021 showcase, according to a release. The Cincinnati-based giant hosted its first virtual pitch contest in June, with Missouri-based stress relief startup Healium taking home the top prize.
Those interested in entering the contest can apply online here, through midnight Nov. 25. "Strong submissions solve a consumer pain point, deliver a competitive advantage over existing technologies or solutions, and have intellectual property protection," the release states.
The winner will be selected by P&G executives Leigh Radford, vice president and general manager at P&G Ventures; Julie Setser, senior vice president of R&D at P&G Ventures; Kristina Rogers, global consumer industries leader at EY; and Courtney Reum, co-founder of famed investment firm M13.
As with the first contest, the winner will receive $10,000 and a chance to partner with P&G Ventures. They will also have the opportunity to pitch and receive mentoring sessions from the investment team from M13, and get a complimentary invitation to the EY Strategic Growth Forum.
"We launched the first Virtual Innovation Challenge to let entrepreneurs know that opportunities are still out there, even amid COVID-19, and the response has been tremendous," Radford said in a statement. "Every year, CES sets the stage for new innovations and, as a result, has always been a great place for P&G Ventures to find new potential partners."
Established in 2015, P&G Ventures partners with entrepreneurs to discover and create consumer products, brands, and businesses that solve people’s needs in categories new to P&G. Some areas of interest include: chronic conditions, sleep, nontoxic home and garden, women’s wellness, personal performance, active aging, male wellness, and menopause.
