COLAB Ventures: Bridging Business & Computing is an innovative competition designed to foster collaboration between students from the Belk College of Business and the College of Computing and Informatics at UNC Charlotte. This event aligns with COLAB's mission to create a hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, academics, research and workforce development, focusing on empowering students through experiential learning.

Participants will form interdisciplinary teams to tackle real-world challenges, leveraging their diverse skill sets acquired through their specific majors. Business students will apply their knowledge in areas such as strategy, finance, and marketing, while Computing and Informatics students will contribute their expertise in technology, data analytics, and software development

The event will take place in COLAB's 30,000 square-foot space, which includes a training and seminar space, an  ideation lab, informal and formal conference rooms and approximately 7,000 square feet of event space. Teams will engage in workshops and mentorship sessions, utilizing COLAB's resources, access to mentors, and on site technology to maximize their ability to tackle problems presented as they build out their pitch solutions.

Students will have the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts learned in their coursework to practical, real-world scenarios. For instance, business students might develop market entry strategies or financial projections, while computing students could create prototypes or data-driven solutions.

The competition will culminate in a pitch competition where teams present their solutions to a panel of judges composed of industry experts and faculty members. This format allows students to showcase how they've integrated their academic knowledge with entrepreneurial thinking and problem-solving skills.

COLAB Ventures aims to cultivate entrepreneurial thinking, enhance problem-solving abilities, and promote networking among future leaders in business and technology. Winners will receive prizes that may include funding for their projects, mentorship opportunities, and access to COLAB's extensive network of partners and resources.

This event exemplifies COLAB's commitment to creating an "ecosystem of possibility" for students and entrepreneurs of any age in Charlotte, while fostering collaboration and innovation in the local tech ecosystem.

• Identification of the Problem
  Clarity: Is the problem clearly defined and well-understood? Evidence: Is there data or research evidence to support their existence and importance of the problem? Has the student done a little bit of work on the problem identification?
• Customer Identification
  Target Audience: Are the target customers clearly identified?, Understanding: Does the pitch demonstrate an understanding of the target customers'needs and pain points?, Did they identify a potential customer segment? Initial Target Market?
• Idea Validity/ Proposed Solution
  Innovation: Does the proposed solution address the stated problem? Feasibility: Does the solution have the ability to become operational?
• Milestones
  Progression: Do the milestones define what steps are needed? Realism: Are the milestones realistic and attainable within the stated timeframe?