You made it this far. Here's what to expect.
The next four days are about more than a pitch. You'll get coaching from operators who've built what you're building, time with judges who want to see you win, and a room full of people rooting for you. Here's everything in one place.
Thursday, April 23 — Semifinal Day
Start the morning with us. Before pitches begin, all teams are invited to join Rev. Nathan D. Wills, C.S.C. for a blessing at 8:15 AM, followed by a fireside chat with Coach Freeman at 8:30 AM.
Know your pitch time. Semifinal pitches take place in Room 109. You are required to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time — no exceptions. A courtesy call will be made to your team's primary contact if you haven't checked in 5 minutes past that window, but teams that miss their slot will not be permitted to present.
- 9:15 AMAccedar Salud
- 9:28 AMAdvocate LLC
- 9:41 AMAnaphero
- 9:54 AMArmada Fleet Systems
- 10:07 AMAzam Health
- 10:20 AMCrossPaths
- 10:33 AMDineND
- 10:46 AMGeddit
- 10:59 AMIrish Nostalgia
- 11:12 AMKineura
- 11:25 AMLantern Network LLC
- 11:38 AMNullpoint
- 11:51 AMPetrine Properties
- 12:04 PMQura
- 12:17 PMRapid Bolus
- 12:30 PMRETRN Bioworks
After your pitch. Once you've presented, you're welcome to stay and watch other teams pitch. You'll also receive — via the judging portal — a list of all questions submitted by judges (not all will have been asked aloud) and contact information for any judge who indicated they'd like to connect with you.
Then stay for the afternoon. The fireside chats, coaching high-tops, and reception running from 1:00–5:00 PM are where some of the most valuable conversations of this week will happen. Winning at McCloskey is as much about the connections you make as it is about a cash prize.
Finalists announced at 4:00 PM, following the conclusion of the fireside chats.
Friday, April 24 — Finals Day (Finalists only)
If you advance, here's what you need to know:
Deck submission: All finalist decks must be submitted by 9:00 AM Friday. If nothing is submitted, your previously uploaded deck will be used. Presentations must be PowerPoint — no Canva or Google Slides — in 16:9 format.
Rehearsal: 10:00–11:00 AM in the Decio Theater at DPAC. All five finalists will complete a full 8-minute pitch rehearsal with no Q&A. Your finalist judges will be in the room — this is their first time hearing your pitch. Rehearsal also includes a tech check and a tour of the dressing rooms.
Call time: All student presenters must be in the dressing rooms by 1:30 PM.
Finals presentations: 2:00–4:00 PM, Decio Theater at DPAC. Format is 8–10 minutes to present, 15 minutes of live Q&A per team.
Awards & Closing Reception: 4:30–7:00 PM on the Irish Green. Come celebrate — you've earned it.