Applications open for Ignite Columbus

The Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking individuals with “enlightening and innovative ideas” for an upcoming pitch competition.

Ignite Columbus returns this fall, with a competition set for 5:30 p.m. Nov. 3 in Helen Haddad Hall. Applications to present at the event are now open, and the deadline to apply is Oct. 10.

Ignite is a fastpitch competition that originated in Seattle and has become an international phenomenon. Speakers create presentations with 20 slides, and each slide is shown for 15 seconds — giving each speaker “5 minutes of fame.”

Individuals can apply for one of two categories: “Most Innovative” or “Most Enlightening.” Winners in both categories will receive cash prizes. Additionally, the audience’s favorite presentation will receive the “People’s Choice Award.”

Speakers in the “Most Innovative” category pitch their ideas in hopes of securing funds for a project.

“The project must benefit Columbus in some way so think public art, active transportation, or equality education but remember, creativity is key!” said organizers.

Those who present in the “Most Enlightening” category will teach the audience something in a way that is “fun, educational or entertaining,” rather than presenting a specific project.

The last Ignite Columbus event was held in April, with over 100 people in attendance.

“We hope to spark innovation again,” said Chamber President Cindy Frey. “The April 27 event resulted in the launch of two businesses, Transcriptly and The Hive. In fact, Transcriptly recently secured a $20,000 investment from Velocities and Elevate Ventures. Teacher Kilah Dickey teamed up with software developer Brian Slater to create a platform to seamlessly transfer student transcripts at the middle school and high school level.”

The Nov. 3 event is sponsored by German American Bank and Velocities. The emcee is Phil Luzius. Judges are Liz Cleland, Aaron Hunter and Kaushuk Ravichandran. There will be a cash bar and light appetizers.