The What’s NEXT Pitch has returned this year, giving Greenhill students the opportunity to present student-led business ideas and creative projects in hopes of receiving funding and mentorship. This year’s pitch will take place on April 27. 

“[The What’s NEXT Pitch competition was] built so students can pitch out [an idea] to a panel of executives,” Director of Design and Innovation Matthew Abbondanzio said. 

Student pitches for the What’s NEXT Pitch come from a variety of categories including business, technology development, social entrepreneurship and large art installations.  

In order to pitch, students must apply by Jan. 23. 

During the process, participants are assigned design and innovation mentors to prepare their pitch. In addition, they receive help from the debate department to aid them with their public speaking. 

“Both the design and innovation and debate departments were very helpful,” sophomore Fiona Dake said. “The design and innovation department helped guide the way while the debate department made sure that you were prepared and confident prior to the pitch.” 

Over the three years that the What’s NEXT Pitch event has been an option for Greenhill students, the event has grown significantly. To decide who pitches at the final event, Abbondanzio added the Pitch-Off. 

“Because we usually get a lot of interest … we end up having this Pitch-Off,” Abbondanzio said. 

Freshman Aditi Karthik made it to the final pitch last year, where she presented her idea “I Pick Up,” which uses geofencing to alert children when their parents have arrived to pick them up through a wristband. 

“I wasn’t originally going to do it,” Karthik said. “Two days before the deadline I said why not and submitted, and I am very happy I did.”