2023 Startup Lab Finalist Resources

We are looking forward to welcoming you as a participant in the Startup Lab Pitch Competition at GS1 Connect 2023! This page includes many valuable resources to help make your experience as beneficial and seamless as possible.

Pitch Competition

You will pitch your product/solution to an audience and a panel of judges in person at GS1 Connect 2023 on June 6, 2023 (10:30– 11:45 AM MT). Winners will be announced live, later the same day, on June 6th during the Keynote session (4:45 – 5:30 PM MT). After the Winners’ Announcement, we invite you to keep the collaboration going and attend the GS1 Connect Networking Event from 5:30 – 7:00 PM.

Giving Your Pitch:

A maximum of two presenters will be permitted per pitch.
Pitches will be 5 minutes. All Startups will participate in Q&A with the panel of judges once all pitches are complete.
GS1 US will provide training to help prepare you for a successful and professional pitch.
You will have the opportunity to rehearse ahead of time to become familiar with the process and to work out any technical A/V kinks.
View Judging Criteria and Official Rules

Important Dates

We will guide you along the way to make sure that you are aware of all the key dates, but there are a few things that you need to register/sign up for and get scheduled, and we need you to do that by April 28. Please complete the following FIVE tasks:

1. Register for GS1 Connect 2023 using the discount code we provided via email.
2. Sign up for your Pitch Coaching session.This is required and will take place May 2 - May 4.
3. Sign up for your Pitch Competition Rehearsal slot. This is required and will take place June 5 between 9:00AM & 2:30PM MT.
4. Sign up for your Technical Rehearsal slot. This is required and will take place June 5 between 3PM & 5PM MT.
5. Upload your presentation here (enter your name, email and company).

Important milestones through GS1 Connect 2023:

April 28 (Friday)

• Draft presentation due for internal review.
• Presentations must be submitted in 16:9 ratio. There is no template requirement.
• If you plan to include 3rd party logos (including GS1 US) within your presentation, you must provide an email stating that you have received permission to use the logo.
• You will have an opportunity to make edits to your presentation before the final presentation deadline of May 31 (Wednesday).
• Use link above to upload your presentation.

May 2 - May 4 (Tuesday - Thursday)

• 1:1 pitch coaching (45 minutes)
• Prior to your session, please watch the short on-demand webinar below and have your presentation and pitch ready to deliver to the coaches.

May 12 (Friday) at 5:00 PM MT

• Deadline for making hotel guest room reservations. See Housing below.

June 5 (Monday)

• Please plan to arrive in Denver, CO in time for the following:
• 7:00AM – 3:00PM MT: Startup Lab Kiosk Setup (must be complete by 3:00PM MT)
• 9:00AM – 2:30PM MT: Pitch Competition Rehearsal (reserve slot by link above)
• 3:00PM – 5:00PM MT: Technical Rehearsal (reserve slot by link above)
• 6:00PM – 8:00PM MT: Welcome Reception

June 6-8, 2023 (Tuesday-Thursday)

• GS1 Connect 2023 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, CO

June 6 (Tuesday)

• 10:30AM – 11:45AM MT: Pitch Competition
• 4:45PM – 5:30PM MT: Pitch Competition winners announced during keynote session

Pitch Coaching

On-Demand Webinar: Watch this on-demand webinar for tips, tricks, and best practices for giving your pitch, presented by Mara Lewis, Innovation Specialist, Entrepreneur, and Startup Co-Founder from ID8.

1:1 Pitch Coaching Sessions (Required): May 2, 3 & 4. During these 45-minute coaching sessions, you will have the opportunity to practice your 5-minute pitch with leading innovation experts who can help bring you, and your presentation, the final mile.