Goal and Scope:

The Industry Application Idea Pitch Competition aims to spotlight innovative, industry-driven ideas that bridge research and commercialization in antennas and propagation. This full-day session at the IEEE AP-S Symposium will focus on practical, scalable concepts that demonstrate potential for real-world deployment, business value, and societal impact. Participants will pitch ideas addressing commercialization pathways, business models, market strategies, and revenue opportunities.

Eligibility Requirements:

Eligible submissions should present actionable and industry-relevant applications of antenna or electromagnetic technologies. These may include:

• A novel or enhanced technology concept with strong commercialization potential
• A system or process that improves performance, cost-effectiveness, or manufacturability
• A business or market strategy built on antenna/EM innovation
• A concept demonstrating clear pathways to industry adoption or startup formation

To qualify, the first author must be a student (undergraduate, graduate) or postdoctoral researcher affiliated with a university or college. Collaborative work involving industry partners is encouraged but not required.

Submission and Review Process:

• Authors must follow the regular IEEE AP-S Symposium paper submission process.
• During submission, please check the box labeled Industry Application Pitch Competition.
• Submissions will be reviewed for originality, practicality, commercial relevance, and clarity.
• Selected finalists (up to 10) will be invited to deliver live pitches during the Symposium's dedicated Industry Application Idea Pitch session.

Competition Format and Awards:

Finalists will present their ideas to a panel of four distinguished judges, including venture capitalists, startup founders, CTOs, and industry executives. The session will emphasize feedback, visibility, and potential connections to investment and collaboration opportunities.

Monetary Awards:

• 1st Prize: $5,000
• 2nd Prize: $3,000
• 3rd Prize: $2,000
  

Similar to SPC, students designated as Finalists of Industry Application Pitch Competition will receive an award, issued after the Symposium upon successful in-person completion of their presentation. Finalists who are unable to attend in person are not eligible to receive the financial award but will retain the finalist title. In addition, the Top 3 winners will receive supplemental awards of $5,000, $3,000, and $2,000 for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Prize winners, respectively. All required tax (i.e., IRS) and IEEE forms will follow the standard process.

Each student may apply for both the Industry Application Pitch Competition and other travel grants to attend the IEEE APS/URSI meeting. However, a student can receive only one award or grant. If a student is selected as a Industry Application Pitch Competition finalist, and is also awarded another travel grant (including travel grant for SPC) to support attendance at the AP-S Symposium, the student must accept only one of these awards and decline the others.

Evaluation Criteria:

Judging will consider:

• Industry and market relevance
• Feasibility and innovation
• Potential business and commercialization impact
• Clarity and quality of presentation

Expected Outcomes:

• Increased collaboration between academia, startups, and industry
• Exposure to venture funding and technology transfer opportunities
• Recognition of applied innovation within the AP-S community