2022 Startup Lab Finalist Resources

We are looking forward to welcoming you as a participant in the virtual Startup Lab Pitch Competition at GS1 Connect 2022! This page includes many valuable resources to help make your experience as beneficial and seamless as possible.

Virtual Pitch Competition

You will pitch your product/solution virtually to a panel of judges, from your home or office on May 19, 2022. Your pitch will be recorded and aired live to GS1 Connect 2022 attendees on June 1, 2022. Winners will be announced on-site on June 8th at GS1 Connect 2022 in San Diego. Giving Your Pitch:

A maximum of two presenters will be permitted per pitch.
Pitches will be 5 minutes followed by approximately 2 minutes of Q&A from a panel of judges.
You will be provided with a video production kit in early May which will include audio, video and lighting equipment.
GS1 US will provide training to help prepare you for a successful and professionally produced filming session.
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
View Startup Lab Pitch Tips and Guidelines

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 2022 using the discount code we provided via email so you can watch the Pitch Competition when it is released on June 1st and network in-person with GS1 Connect 2022 attendees on June 7-9th. For registration type, select "Full Conference Attendee".
2. Sign up for your Pitch Coaching session. This is required and will take place May 2 - May 4.
3. Sign up for your Technical Rehearsal slot. This is required and will take place May 16.
4. Sign up for your Judging & Filming slot. This is required and will take place May 19.
5. Upload your presentation here (enter your name, email and company).

Here are the other important milestones between now and GS1 Connect 2022:

April 28 (Thursday)

• 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 Sunday, May 8.
• Use link above to upload your presentation.

May 2 - May 4 (Monday – Wednesday)

• 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 16 (Monday) at 5:00 PM Pacific Time

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

May 16 (Monday)

• Technical Rehearsals (45 minutes)
• Use sign up link above to select your time.

May 19 (Thursday)

• Judging & Filming (15 minutes: setup, 5-minute pitch, 2 minutes Q&A)
• You will pitch your solution live from your home or office to a panel of judges.
• Your pitch will be recorded for streaming on June 1.
• Use sign up link above to select your time.

June 1 (Wednesday)

• Pitch Competition airs live for GS1 Connect 2022 conference attendees (11:00 AM ET).

June 7-9, 2022 (Tuesday-Thursday)

• GS1 Connect 2022 at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina.

June 8 (Wednesday)

• Pitch Competition winners announced live on-site in San Diego, CA (exact time to be confirmed).

Pitch Coaching

On-Demand Webinar: Watch this on-demand webinar for tips, tricks, and best practices for giving your virtual 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.