The purpose of Ship Tank, presented by the Diller Center, is to provide Shippensburg students with a chance to explore their entrepreneurial interest in an environment where they can learn, grow, and earn some cash! Students will pitch their ideas to a panel of ‘sharks’ who range from Shippensburg University faculty, community entrepreneurs, and their peers in the audience. The competition will be based on the premise of the Emmy award winning tv show ‘Shark Tank’. You will pitch your idea to the panel for a chance to win from the $5,000 prize pool.

Rules

• Teams can range from 1 student to 5 students.
• All Shippensburg University students are allowed to compete in Ship Tank (if you have an idea with a student who attends another university, please contact dillercenter@ship.edu).
• Your idea must be an original idea of the group. Ideas similar to existing products are allowed if you prove what makes yours unique (i.e., different target market, different difference in quality, etc.).
• Your team may only submit one idea/concept.
• To present at the ‘Final Pitch’ your team must complete the application and executive summary.
• Your pitch should be 5-7 minutes in length.

FAQ

What is the executive summary?
The executive summary is a 1-2 paragraph summary of your business idea. It will introduce us to your business idea/concept. This will be used to check for originality of the idea. In the summary you should include the problem you are addressing, your solution, target market, and any other material you deem important to the concept (i.e., financial information, background research, etc.).

Do I need to have a physical product to show?
No! All we need is your idea. Some of the best businesses don’t have physical products, so we will not expect you to have one. However, if you have one and think it will be beneficial to your pitch you are more than welcome to use it. You will not be evaluated on the physical product, just the idea.

What if I do not have a group?
That is completely fine, you can compete as an individual. If you would like to form a group, please indicate that on the application. However, finding a team is not guaranteed.

Can only students in the College of Business compete?
No! Entrepreneurs come from all backgrounds, so we invite different academic disciplines to compete. There will be resources available if you need help along the way!

For any questions or concerns please reach out to dillercenter@ship.edu.

Diller Center Innovation Academy
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For detailed information see Diller Center Innovation Academy

What's this about?
A FREE 2-day program where you and other aspiring entrepreneurs form teams, meet mentors, develop innovative ideas, and unlock your entrepreneurial potential!

What does it cost?
FREE! You get here and we’ll provide the rest. Lunch is provided each day.

Who is the Innovation Academy for?
High School students in grades 10 - 12

I want to participate, but I can’t commit to two days. Am I still welcome?
Priority will be given to those who can complete the full program. Those interested in just one of the two days are encouraged to email dillercenter@ship.edu directly. You will be added to a waitlist and notified if space allows.