Idea Competition 2024 – How a Pitch Competition Changed Everything
• by Agnes Fojan
At the beginning of 2024, somewhere between changing diapers and watching my little one take their first steps, I made a decision: I would apply for the 90 Seconds Idea Competition. The idea for An'gard had been sitting in a drawer for quite some time – the competition was the perfect push to finally bring it to life.
90 seconds that can change everything
For me, it was 90 exciting seconds on stage – and, to be honest, quite a few more seconds of preparation! But it was absolutely worth it.
The win – and what truly matters
I’m incredibly happy about the fantastic feedback on An'gard and, of course, about securing a podium place at the 90 Seconds Idea Competition in the category Technology Driven Innovations. First place and the prize money are a wonderful validation!
But the real win of the event happened off stage: Networking pays off: I was able to reconnect with familiar faces and meet many inspiring people – exactly the kind of energy you need as a founder.
The right partner finds you: One of those new connections was David. We started talking, the chemistry was right – and he has since taken over the technical side of An'gard. Without this competition, our team would be missing a crucial piece today.
Conversations create solutions: Events like this are goldmines for exchange. Often, it’s through conversation that it becomes clear who needs what kind of support – and who has the right solution ready.
My conclusion: Having the courage to present your idea publicly doesn’t just lead to awards – it opens doors to the right people at the right time.
90 seconds that can change everything
For me, it was 90 exciting seconds on stage – and, to be honest, quite a few more seconds of preparation! But it was absolutely worth it.
The win – and what truly matters
I’m incredibly happy about the fantastic feedback on An'gard and, of course, about securing a podium place at the 90 Seconds Idea Competition in the category Technology Driven Innovations. First place and the prize money are a wonderful validation!
But the real win of the event happened off stage: Networking pays off: I was able to reconnect with familiar faces and meet many inspiring people – exactly the kind of energy you need as a founder.
The right partner finds you: One of those new connections was David. We started talking, the chemistry was right – and he has since taken over the technical side of An'gard. Without this competition, our team would be missing a crucial piece today.
Conversations create solutions: Events like this are goldmines for exchange. Often, it’s through conversation that it becomes clear who needs what kind of support – and who has the right solution ready.
My conclusion: Having the courage to present your idea publicly doesn’t just lead to awards – it opens doors to the right people at the right time.
FAQ
Why should I step onto a stage and pitch my idea, even if I’m still at the very beginning?
Stepping onto a stage is often the best ignition point for your project – and for three decisive reasons:
Forced clarity: You have to distill your idea to its essence. A pitch compels you to define the core problem and your value proposition with razor-sharp precision in a very short time.
Validation & feedback: You receive immediate, honest feedback from experts and a broad audience. That input is invaluable for identifying weaknesses early and refining your concept.
Visibility: You take your idea out of the drawer and into the public eye. Visibility attracts supporters, customers, and potential team members who otherwise would never have heard of you. A pitch is a catalyst for the next step.
Forced clarity: You have to distill your idea to its essence. A pitch compels you to define the core problem and your value proposition with razor-sharp precision in a very short time.
Validation & feedback: You receive immediate, honest feedback from experts and a broad audience. That input is invaluable for identifying weaknesses early and refining your concept.
Visibility: You take your idea out of the drawer and into the public eye. Visibility attracts supporters, customers, and potential team members who otherwise would never have heard of you. A pitch is a catalyst for the next step.
Is networking really such an important skill for founders?
Absolutely. Networking is the fuel of any venture. Projects rarely fail because of the idea itself; they fail due to missing resources or know-how.
At events in particular, the primary goal is not necessarily to acquire customers, but to meet the right partners:
Talent pipeline: Through direct exchange, you connect with people who bring complementary skills and can complete your team (like David, who took over the technical side).
Knowledge transfer: You benefit from the experience of other founders and experts, saving both time and costly mistakes.
Closing the gap: By speaking openly about your challenges, others can offer targeted support. Networking is essentially about resolving bottlenecks through human connection.
At events in particular, the primary goal is not necessarily to acquire customers, but to meet the right partners:
Talent pipeline: Through direct exchange, you connect with people who bring complementary skills and can complete your team (like David, who took over the technical side).
Knowledge transfer: You benefit from the experience of other founders and experts, saving both time and costly mistakes.
Closing the gap: By speaking openly about your challenges, others can offer targeted support. Networking is essentially about resolving bottlenecks through human connection.