This is a copy of all application questions so you can work offline before submitting.

You don’t need to answer every question, but the more complete your responses—especially around your problem, solution, traction, and business model—the better the SULV Selection Committee can understand where you are and the potential of your venture. Most responses are limited to 1,500 characters—about three short, focused paragraphs—so aim to be clear, specific, and to the point.  

When submitting your final application, you'll need:

  • your pitch deck
  • your logo file
  • a public 3-minute pitch video link 

The Basics

  • StartUp Name:
  • Describe your startup in 280 characters or less:
  • StartUp Website URL:
  • Applicant Name:
  • Applicant Email:
  • Applicant Phone Number:
  • Applicant Role:
  • Upload your latest pitch deck:
  • Link to Elevator Pitch video:
    • Video Submission Requirements:
      • Length: Maximum of 3 minutes.
      • Platform: Upload to YouTube or another publicly accessible video platform. The video must be set to public—not private or unlisted.
      • Required Content: Your video must address the following
        • Problem & Solution
        • Market Opportunity & Traction
        • Business Model & Scalability
        • Why Now? Why You?
      • If your video is inaccessible or the link does not work, your application will not be considered to advance.
  • List your primary social media handles/platforms:
  • Upload a logo for your exhibit:
  • How did you hear about StartUp Lehigh Valley?
  • Important Acknowledgements

Problem & Opportunity

  1. What specific problem, need opportunity are you addressing, and why is it significant? Who is affected or positioned to benefit?
  2. How do you know this need is real and urgent?
  3. How is this challenge currently being addressed?
  4. What motivates you to tackle this challenge or opportunity?

Solution, Competition, & Validation

  1. What is your proposed solution? What is the expected impact of your solution on its users? Clearly explain how it addresses the problem or opportunity previously described.
  2. What makes your solution unique, different, or needed from existing alternatives?
  3. Solution stage (check all that apply):
    1. Building proof of concept
    2. Alpha/Beta ready (not yet deployed)
    3. Unpaid pilots / trials
    4. Initial Paying customers/Production MVP
    5. Repeatable Sales Model
    6. Scaling/Production/Manufacturing Optimization
  4. What steps have you taken to validate your solution or traction have you achieved so far? Provide key milestones (e.g., pilots, customer engagement, sales, partnerships).
  5. Who are your main competitors and what will make it difficult for them to replicate or compete with your solution?
  6. Please indicate the type(s)/stage(s) of your intellectual property (IP) (check all that apply)
    1. Business doesn’t require IP protection
    2. Trade secret(s)
    3. Trademark(s) and/or copyright(s)
    4. Developing patent application(s)
    5. Provisional patent application(s) submitted
    6. Patent(s) issued

Market & Business Strategy

  1. Who are your customers? Describe your ideal users and buyers.
  2. What is the total market opportunity, and what is your initial target market? Explain how you calculated these figures.
  3. What is your current or planned go-to-market strategy? How will you acquire and retain customers? Are there key partnerships or channels that will accelerate growth?
  4. What is your business and revenue model? How do you plan to generate and sustain revenue?
  5. What is your strategy for scaling this business? How will you expand regionally, nationally, or globally, and what challenges do you anticipate in that process?
  6. What is your grand vision for this venture? If your startup succeeds at scale, how will it have changed the industry or impacted the market?

Team

  1. Who are the key members of your team? List names, roles, and LinkedIn URLs for up to 5 core members. Denote who on your team is working full-time on this startup.  For those not full-time, what is the timeline for transitioning?
  2. Why is your team uniquely equipped to bring this solution to life and succeed?
  3. What skills or expertise do you still need to strengthen your team?

Fundraising

  1. What funding have you raised so far? (Check all that apply)
    1. Self-Funded (Bootstrapping)
    2. Friends & Family
    3. Grants/Awards
    4. Crowdfunding
    5. Seed Funding (Angel, Accelerator, etc.)
    6. Institutional Venture Capital
  2. Approximately how much total funding (from all sources) has been invested in your startup to date? If you have raised a seed or later round, please list your investors
  3. How much runway does your startup currently have?
  4. Are you currently raising or planning to raise capital to support growth?If so, how much are you seeking, and how do you plan to use it? Are you pursuing equity investment, non-dilutive funding, or a combination of both?

Lehigh Valley Innovation Network & Prize Impact

  1. How, if at all, are you connected to the Lehigh Valley and/or would like to be in the future?
  2. Are there any  specific resources or opportunities in the Lehigh Valley innovation ecosystem that would benefit your venture, and how do you plan to engage with them?
  3. If selected, how would StartUp Lehigh Valley’s prize and support accelerate your startup’s growth? What specific gaps would it help you address?

Ready to Apply?

Begin the application form