Lakeland Community College’s Workforce and Ventures in Entrepreneurship (WAVE) is now accepting applications for the $6,000 Lakeland WAVE Maker’s Pitch Competition, set for Thursday, July 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. on Lakeland’s campus in H-Building, Room H-116.

The competition is open to Lake and Geauga County based startups and residents with a technology-based business idea or current startup in software, including AI and SaaS, health tech, advanced manufacturing, advanced energy, and advanced materials. Interested applicants must register by July 10, 2026 at lakelandwave.org by selecting “Apply to WAVE.”

“This competition is designed to help entrepreneurs take the next step in turning innovative ideas into cutting-edge businesses while strengthening the region’s technology and startup ecosystem,” says Gretchen Skok DeSanto, DBA, director, Entrepreneurship Center.

Five finalists will be selected to present live at the event based on originality and the quality of their written application. Competitors will deliver four- to five-minute pitches followed by a four-minute question-and-answer session with a panel of three local angel investor judges.

The winner of the competition will receive $3,000, with second and third place winners receiving $2,000 and $1,000, respectively. Presentation coaching will be available to all selected competitors, and finalists will also be provided with the competition rubric in advance.

The event will begin with networking, followed by founder presentations, judge deliberation, a special investor panel discussion, and awards.

By: Jessica Tremayne, Chief Public Relations Officer