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IN COLLABORATION WITH:

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August 26, 2025 The Leonardo Museum, SLC, UT

About This Event

Step Into the Future of Manufacturing at The Foundry Challenge: A premier pitch competition empowering underserved STEM entrepreneurs in advanced manufacturing.

TWO WAYS TO PARTICIPATE: 

1) Entrepreneurs
Apply to pitch your breakthrough innovation. Gain exposure, mentorship, and resources to accelerate your venture to the next level.

2) Investors & Industry Leaders:
Attend the pitch competition and awards dinner to discover emerging talent, connect with forward-thinking manufacturers, and celebrate excellence in advanced manufacturing.

Why Attend?

For Entrepreneurs:

  • Pitch your groundbreaking ideas to industry leaders and investors.

  • Gain mentorship and insights from experts in advanced manufacturing.

  • Network with like-minded entrepreneurs and potential collaborators.

  • Compete for funding and support to scale your business.

  • Learn more about the local manufacturing industry. 

Why Attend?

For Pitch Fest & Dinner:

  • Learn about the newest innovative ideas in Advanced Manufacturing
  • Meet up-and-coming entrepreneurs who can grow your supply chain
  • Network with key thinkers within STEM Advanced Manufacturing
  •  Celebrate industry excellence and honor your peers at the Advanced Manufacturing Awards Dinner.

The Foundry Challenge

Agenda

August 26, 2025 @ The Leonardo Museum in Salt Lake City.
  1. 8:00 AM

    Registration

  2. 08:30 AM

    Morning Keynote

  3. 09:20 AM

    Advisory Meetings Workshop

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    Session Topics and Timings:

    • Finance: 30 minutes

    • Marketing: 30 minutes

    • Contracting: 30 minutes

  4. 11:20 AM - 2:00 PM

    Lunch Break / Working Time

  5. 02:00 PM

    Entrepreneur Pitches

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    Presentation Format:

    • ​5–10-minute presentations per team.

    • ​5 minutes for Q&A following each presentation.

    • Judges Panel: Evaluate submissions.

  6. 05:30 PM

    Awards & Dinner

  1. 02:00 PM

    Entrepreneur Pitches

    Click to expand/close.

    Presentation Format:

    • ​5–10-minute presentations per team.

    • ​5 minutes for Q&A following each presentation.

    • Judges Panel: Evaluate submissions.

  2. 05:30 PM

    Awards & Dinner

NOMINATIONS FOR AWARDS DINNER

Know a Trailblazer in Advanced Manufacturing? Nominate Them Today!

Is there a company or individual in the advanced manufacturing space who's redefining innovation, driving growth, or making a powerful impact in the industry? Help us celebrate their achievements by nominating them for one of the following prestigious awards:

1) Manufacturing Innovator of the Year
Awarded to a startup or entrepreneur pushing the boundaries of manufacturing through innovative technology, processes, or business models.

2) People Power Award
Recognizes a company that has made exceptional investments in hiring, training, and retaining talent in advanced manufacturing.

3) Mentorship Award

Awarded to an individual or team that has provided outstanding mentorship or resources to manufacturing entrepreneurs.