The IDEA Student Innovation Competition

Take a peek at this amazing opportunity shared with us by Dr. Rob Trimble of the Veterinary Entrepreneurship Academy!  Applications for the IDEA Student Innovation Competition are NOW OPEN! 

• 'Best described as a cross between Shark Tank and Silicon Valley's startup accelerator Y-Combinator, this program helps veterinary students refine their own business ideas and gives them an opportunity to win cash to help start their business.
• 33 teams began the competition last year, with the top teams completing the program with a fully-established company, a fleshed-out business plan, and startup funding.
• If 50 SAVMA members submit an idea, we'll give everyone in SAVMA access to our 10-hour video course that covers the fundamentals of entrepreneurship!'

Check out these veterinary student testimonials...

"THE IDEA Competition has instilled a variety of business and startup knowledge along with a confidence that you can only gain by experience. The mentorship and networking throughout the competition has been second to none.  This was truly an exceptional program.”

- Marty Metzger, Ontario Veterinary College Class of 2021, Founder & CEO, CattleDock

“Participating in THE IDEA Competition was an amazing experience and truly a turning point for AutoMat. Through the program, we were able to hone in on our target market, discover the pains and gains that our customers are seeking, and develop a project brief and pitch deck. Being a veterinary student, I enjoyed the pacing of the competition which allowed me to develop AutoMat while being in school. The work VEA is doing to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the veterinary space is wonderful and I’m excited to see what next year’s IDEA competition has in store!”

- Greena Kim, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Co-Founder, AutoMat

“Being a part of the IDEA program and pitch competition really accelerated my business plan and gave me valuable experience as an entrepreneur. As an early startup, being asked the hard questions and receiving words of wisdom in return are truly invaluable. Thank you!”

- Libby Martin, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, Founder, Calving Technologies