All University of Utah alumni, faculty, staff and students are invited to pitch their business ideas on Thursday, April 16 at an exclusive casting call hosted by the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute
[UPDATE 04-17-15: The audition is now over, and it was amazing. Thanks to everyone who participated! Watch for highlights on this website and on our social media.]
The Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute at the University of Utah is hosting an exclusive audition for ABC’s “Shark Tank,” a business-themed reality show. All University of Utah alumni, faculty, staff and students are invited to pitch their ideas. Attend the audition on Thursday, April 16 at 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the Spencer Fox Eccles Business Building, 1655 East Campus Center Dr., room 5130 (map).
To audition, participants must register with the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute and bring a completed application form. Register and get the application at www.lassonde.utah.edu/sharktank.
Register here“Shark Tank” is an Emmy-winning show featuring “The Sharks” – tough, self-made, multi-millionaire and billionaire tycoons who give budding entrepreneurs the chance to make their dreams come true and potentially secure deals that could make them millionaires. The program regularly conducts casting calls across the country to find entrepreneurs with the best businesses and products.
“We are excited to host ‘Shark Tank,’” said Troy D’Ambrosio, executive director of the Lassonde Institute, a division of the David Eccles School of Business. “It’s a great opportunity for our many entrepreneurs to get funding for their businesses and get some great exposure on national television. We have already had several teams on the program. We hope anyone with a business idea will join us to help show what the University of Utah has to offer.”
Power Practical was the latest company with ties to the University of Utah on the program. The company was founded by materials science and engineering students and sells a variety of personal-electronics devices, including a camp pot that generates electricity from water and heat. Power Practical appeared on “Shark Tank” in April 2014 and secured $250,000 in funding from Mark Cuban, a well-known investor and program host.
During the University of Utah audition, participants will give a one-minute pitch for their business, product or idea to a member of the casting team — just like you would if you were on the show. Brief questions will follow the pitch.
The University of Utah audition is being held in conjunction with an open call for the general public. Anyone can attend that event. It will be held Friday, April 17 at 9-11 a.m. at the Salt Lake Community College Student Center, 4600 S. Redwood Rd. Interviews begin at 10 a.m. Learn more about the open call at abc.go.com/shows/shark-tank/open-call.
Members of the casting team recommend that anyone affiliated with the University of Utah attend the exclusive university event on April 16. More time for each participant and shorter wait times are expected.
“Come prepared to wow and dazzle us,” the casting team recommended.
Learn more about “Shark Tank” at abc.go.com/shows/shark-tank/about-the-show. Watch past episodes abc.go.com/shows/shark-tank.
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About the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute
The Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute is a nationally-ranked hub for student entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of Utah and an interdisciplinary division of the David Eccles School of Business. The first programs were offered in 2001, through the vision and support of Pierre Lassonde, an alumnus and successful mining entrepreneur. The institute now provides engagement opportunities for thousands of students to learn about entrepreneurship and innovation. Programs include graduate seminars, business plan competitions, startup support, innovation programs, scholarships, community outreach and more. All programs are open to students from any academic major or background. Learn more at www.lassonde.utah.edu.
