LEXINGTON, Ky., Jan. 25, 2021 - The University of Kentucky welcomes PNC Bank as the premier sponsor of its Business Innovation Summit and Wildcat Pitch Competition set for April 23-24. All UK graduate and undergraduate students are invited to compete in their division with prize levels set for each at $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place and $2,000 for third place.
Hosted by the Gatton College of Business and Economics, the two-day event provides UK students with opportunities to learn and connect with industry leaders as well as compete to win seed funding for innovative business plans. On April 23, a half-day, mini-conference will shed light on the key lessons learned in business innovation and development. The following day, UK undergraduate and graduate students will put their pitching skills to the test during the PNC Wildcat Pitch competition.
“We are delighted to team up with PNC to offer UK students the chance to build their entrepreneurial skills and showcase their business ideas for ground-breaking products and services to a panel of judges – including UK alumni – who work primarily in the business sector,” said Simon Sheather, dean of the Gatton College.
The keynote speaker will be Sarah Sanders, co-founder of NATIVE, a platform using A.I. to understand consumer preferences and help companies create products that people love. Sanders earned her undergraduate degree in Business Management from the University of Kentucky and her MBA in International Business from Xavier University.
“We are excited to join forces with the University of Kentucky on this impactful and real-world opportunity for students,” said John Gohmann, PNC regional president for Lexington. “The competition offers an invaluable experience to student entrepreneurs to present creative ideas and business plans that will disrupt markets and lead to lasting community change.”
Key dates for 2021 participants include:
● Intent to Compete in PNC Wildcat Pitch Competition Due - March 15
● Business Plan Due - April 12
● Final Slide Deck Due - April 19
● Oral Pitch Competition - April 24
For more information and to register for the PNC Business Innovation Summit and Wildcat Pitch Competition, visit https://gatton.uky.edu/business-innovation-summit.
About PNC Bank
PNC Bank, N.A., is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.