The New Media Academy has announced the opening of submissions for the 1 Billion Pitches competition, a first-of-its-kind programme set to take centre stage at the highly anticipated third edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit 2024 in Dubai.
The competition offers a unique platform for startups and content creators with groundbreaking ideas, connecting them with leading investors and industry players. Participants have the chance to secure crucial support and funding for their ventures, aligning with the Summit’s commitment to fostering innovation and driving growth within the dynamic content creation landscape.
Startups and content creators worldwide are invited to submit their business ideas before the deadline of 20th September, 2024, for the opportunity to pitch live at the Summit, taking place from 11th to 13th January 2025.
Alia AlHammadi, CEO of the New Media Academy, emphasised the significance of the 1B Pitches competition, noting that the 1B Pitches competition is a testament to the 1 Billion Followers Summit’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs in their journey to excel and stand out in the world of media. “It opens new horizons of growth while offering them exceptional exposure to top investors. Such support ensures the launch of projects that contribute to economic and social development, and to a more prosperous and sustainable future,” she said.
“The 1B Pitches competition will kick off once the submissions deadline of 20th September is reached, and the best 25 ideas are selected. Those shortlisted entrants will then embark on a specialised mentorship and training programme led by industry veterans, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to refine their pitches and maximise their chances of securing support and funding during the January event,” she added.
The 1 Billion Pitches competition welcomes submissions from startups and content creators globally who are driving innovative ideas. To be eligible, applicants must have a registered business and be at least 18 years of age. Each startup can submit one business idea, and all submissions will undergo a rigorous evaluation process to ensure they meet the competition’s criteria.
Startup owners and content creators are invited to submit their ideas through the Summit’s website.
A panel of judges composed of key investors and international experts will select the top 25 applications following the 20th September deadline. These selected startups and content creators will then have the opportunity to present their ideas live at the Summit.
Ten submissions, selected through judges and audience voting, will move to the second stage of the competition. The judges will evaluate each pitch based on specific criteria: innovation, feasibility, quality of the pitch, market potential, creativity, scalability, potential social and economic impact, and the applicant’s leadership capabilities. They will also assess the projects’ financial potential and profitability, along with their attractiveness to future investors.
The competition culminates with two winning pitches who, upon completion of a set of challenges in the third stage, will receive invaluable support, including potential funding, strategic partnerships, and ongoing mentorship to help them scale their ventures and achieve long-term success.
Under the theme Content for Good, the 1 Billion Followers Summit returns for its third edition, showcasing the UAE’s commitment to becoming a global hub for creative innovation. The Summit brings together the world’s leading content creators, industry pioneers, and top brands, reaching an audience of over 1 billion. Through dynamic dialogue and collaboration, the Summit explores the power of new media to drive economic growth, societal progress, and sustainable development, while empowering emerging creators to harness their creativity for positive change.