Judging the NYBPC is an opportunity to see top teams across New York State pitch innovative ideas and early stage ventures, meet emerging entrepreneurs, and be part of supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in the next generation. Judges and mentors are venture capitalists, angel investors, investment bankers, experienced entrepreneurs or leaders from the business community

• Access to 500+ college and graduate students that compete annually

• Visibility in front of 50+ college and university institutions 

• Opportunities to connect with 100+ business professionals, advisors and investors

If you’re interested in becoming an NYBPC judge or mentor, please fill out the form below:

Questions? Contact Bailey Burke: bailey@upstatecapital.org

CALENDAR

Judges are needed across all ten economic regions in New York and at the state level competition. A person may only judge at any one level of competition. You can specify which competition you’d like to judge on the judge application form above.

Judging a regional competition: Regional competitions are held in late March and early April. Check the 2025 calendar for a regional date. Regional judges will attend an online orientation on March 18 at noon, along with any other trainings required by the regional organizers. Check with your regional organizer with any questions.

Judging the state finals: The State Competition has openings for judges in Round 1 and Round 2 (a person may only judge one round):

• Round 1 - Online and asynchronous (Wednesday, April 10 - April 17)

• Round 2 - Live and in-person (Thursday, April 24 in Troy, NY: 9AM - 6PM)

• All state judges will be required to attend an online judge orientation on Friday, April 4 at noon.

Judging Criteria

Judges are asked to evaluate companies according to the following criteria: 

• Market Opportunity: Clear market need and a plan to take advantage of the need.

• Competitive Advantage: The product or service is something unique that has a protectable competitive advantage in the proposed market.

• Management Capability: The team has the skills and experience to develop this venture and address the associated risks.

• Financial Understanding: The team has a solid understanding of the financial requirements of the venture.

• Roadmap/Growth Strategy: The team has engaged in short- and long-term planning and has considered strategies for growth.

• Sustainable Business Model: The team understands and can communicate their core business model. They are likely to develop a sustainable venture.  

Judges focus their deliberations on the long-term viability and sustainable competitive advantage of each venture.

Meet the 2025 NYBPC Judges