Live Pitch Competition is March 21
PYA is pleased to announce five finalists for the 2023 PYA Ballard Innovation Award. In its third year, the award is the largest gift of cash and in-kind services available to entrepreneurs and start-ups in the East Tennessee region. The first-place winner receives a $50,000 package of monetary capital as well as in-kind tax advisory services, accounting support, and marketing and strategy support.
The 2023 finalists are these worthy organizations:
The finalists were selected by a team of PYA experts and next will compete for first, second, and third places in a live pitch competition. Judges for the pitch competition include:
- Joan Bienvenue, Executive Director and Vice Provost, University of Tennessee – Oak Ridge Innovation Institute
- Gabe Bolas II, President and CEO, KUB
- Kathryn Eggleston, Vice President, H.T. Hackney
- Tanika Harper, Founder and CEO, Shora Foundation
- Raj Patel, Director, Atlas Physical Therapy
The live pitch competition takes place on March 21, 2023, 3-5 p.m., at the University of Tennessee Research Park at Cherokee Farm and will be livestreamed. Winners will be announced at the conclusion of the event.
The PYA Ballard Innovation Award competition is open to any early-stage company in the East Tennessee area that has established a proof of concept with accompanying revenue and financial resources of at least $200,000; a business plan to optimize business operations; and evidence of an innovative spirit and a vision to empower the consumer.
