The Thomas Walter Center for Technology Management, in partnership with the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business, and the Auburn Research and Technology Foundation, presents the fourth-annual business-plan contest for Auburn students. The contest this year has a unique focus on engineering inventions.

The contest — which purpose is to find and support student teams that want to start a business with an engineering invention — is open to all Auburn students.

To qualify:

1. Each student team must be composed of Auburn students only; all Auburn students (grad and undergrad) are encouraged to participate
2. Each team, or one or more members of the team, must have an idea/invention (or software) with significant engineering content/emphasis
3. Each team must attend workshops on business model and business plan development during fall 2013 — dates will be announced later (see workshop topics below)*

Winners receive $6,000 for first place and $3,000 for second place.

Awards are restricted for use to advance the product or startup. Funds may be used pay approved expenses through the Auburn Research Technology Foundation. In-kind awards include a free Virtual Client membership at the Auburn Business Incubator for a year with access to their services and mentoring.

Judging will be in January/February of 2014 by a panel including the contest’s steering committee for the contest.

Other partners include Auburn Business Incubator from the Auburn Research Park, and the Auburn Student Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club.

*Proposed Workshop topics (meetings after 5 p.m.; all, if not, some team members must attend)

1. Hear from an experienced entrepreneur and angel investor — 1 hour.
2. Hear two or three new local entrepreneurs on how they started a business — 1  hour.
3. Hear an expert-teacher on new startups and business model — 90 minutes.
4. Workshop on “How to write a business plan for your business model to attract potential investors” — 90 minutes.

The first official meeting to announce the contest will be Thursday, Oct. 3, at 5 p.m. in Room 200 in Ramsey Hall.

NOTE TO NON-ENGINEERING STUDENTS: You are encouraged to participate in this contest by joining or leading a team with an approved product. If you have questions contact Dr. Swamidass, swamidas@auburn.edu . A steering committee will oversee the contest and select the winners.