GLOBAL ENTREPRENEUR PARTNERSHIP

PRESS KIT: TABLE OF CONTENTS 2020 Global Entrepreneur Partnership Summary 2020 Sponsorship Opportunities 2019 Event Outcomes & Global Economic Outreach Opportunity 2019 Global Entrepreneur Challenge Winners Testimonials of Grand Prize Winners Success Stories of Global Challenge Alumni Teams 2019 Sponsors

Global Entrepreneur Partnership August 20-29, 2020

Virginia Tech’s Global Entrepreneur Partnership offers university students and faculty from all over the world a chance to collaborate, form partnerships, and build their global networks. Based on a cooperative association of regions and institutions building permanent social and academic relationships with each other, honoring their mutual best interests, members gather annually during an event hosted by Outreach and International Affairs, Virginia Tech, Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, its sponsors, and the citizens and businesses of

Roanoke-Blacksburg, Virginia. The Eleventh Annual Global Entrepreneur Partnership includes a two-day regional excursion, where student teams and university representatives will enjoy various networking events, sightseeing opportunities, and educational components. Event attendees will shift to Blacksburg, Virginia, by chartered bus to enjoy a week-long celebration of entrepreneurship, including the Global Entrepreneur Challenge where elite teams present their business ideas for cash prizes. All participants will take home priceless memories and a personal global network of colleagues and friends. Details available at www.vtkwglobal.com. Two concurrent tracks will be offered during the event including a: Student Track - ● Two-day regional trip ● Chance to pitch a business idea and compete for

cash prizes in the Global Entrepreneur Challenge ● Presentation coaching and shadow experience in

local, technology-based American companies ● Lodging provided by local host families ● Virginia Tech campus tours ● Regional shopping ● Celebratory meals, banquets, and social

gatherings with Virginia Tech students ● Opportunity to build your global network

… ALL FREE for competing student team members!

Brought to you by:

University Track - ● Optional two-day regional trip ● Roundtables that explore and facilitate multi-

university cooperative arrangements ● Brainstorming sessions to exchange best practices

and information with other global institutions ● Admission to the Global Entrepreneur Challenge,

Awards Banquet, and other celebrations ● Regional shopping ● Introductions with Virginia Tech university

executives and innovation tours on campus ● Opportunity to network and partner with other

universities

Sponsor the 2020 Global Entrepreneur Partnership

The Virginia Tech Global Entrepreneur Partnership is made possible thanks to the generous support of its sponsors annually. View the 2019 sponsors at http://www.vtkwglobal.com/2019/sponsors. To learn more, contact Melissa Vidmar, Business Development and Communications Manager, at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center.

Sponsorship Levels

Benefits Category Prizes (x4) $15,000

Key Event (x4) $5,000

Program Support $2,500

Recognition in all event media outreach X

Recognition in program booklet X

Email contact information of all global participants

X

Prize naming consideration X

Present award X

Display pop-up banner at Challenge (provided by sponsor)

X

Tickets to Awards Banquet, Aug 27 6 3 2

Advertisement in event program booklet Half page Quarter page Logo display

Literature display at Challenge Shared table Shared table

Exclusive promotion & representation at event (welcome, literature/exhibit, pop-up banner)

Logo display X Logo display

Logo displayed on event signage and within event webpages

X X X

Statewide visibility on Outreach and International Affairs, VT website

X X X

Sponsor mention in event press releases X X X

Sponsor mention in newsletters X X X

Global Economic Outreach Opportunity

The Virginia Tech Global Partnership is an ongoing cooperative association of regions all around the world building permanent social, academic, and economic relationships with each other, honoring their mutual best interests. In the past decade, the VT Global Partnership Network has grown to over 450 global participants, representing 28 institutions worldwide. The students who gather each year are among the brightest and best students from some of the world's foremost universities. As these young people grow to become leaders in their respective home regions, they carry with them a set of connections that will enhance global cooperation and understanding for years to come. They will begin to build these connections via one-to-one and several-to-several cooperative activities during the Global Entrepreneur Partnership Event, August 20-29, 2020, hosted by Outreach and International Affairs, Virginia Tech, and the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center. This is not just an entrepreneurship education program. It is truly a program that over time will provide subtle, but meaningful, positive forces for international trade and cultural sensitivity. Leaders of regional businesses with global aspirations should absolutely assist the universities in promoting and financing student participation. 2020 Event Materials

● Press Kit and Sponsorship Opportunity Slide Deck ○ Visit www.vtkwglobal.com to download

2019 Outcomes of the Global Entrepreneur Partnership Event

● 3 finalist teams were awarded $45,000 in cash prizes to encourage their entrepreneurial endeavors ● 14 regional technology companies provided coaching support to 14 global finalist teams ● 21 local host families welcomed visiting students by providing them lodging accommodations for a week ● 24 organizations sponsored the program financially ● 54 global students and faculty members from 14 universities, representing 12 different countries participated ● 400 regional participants were involved or supported the program in the New River Valley, Virginia

2019 Media

● Video clip of the Global Entrepreneur Challenge https://tinyurl.com/y5yumc4r ● Virginia Tech news announcement and full press release announcing the Global Challenge winners

https://tinyurl.com/y6x9kdrq; and https://tinyurl.com/yydnatts (pdf) ● Pictures of the winning teams and video recording of the Global Entrepreneur Challenge presentations

http://www.vtkwglobal.com/2019/winners; and https://youtu.be/QdTZKS420_g ● Global Entrepreneur Challenge program booklet

https://cld.bz/8OJNTmy ● Additional publicity and media coverage

http://www.vtkwglobal.com/press

2019 Global Entrepreneur Challenge Winners

Big business ideas were turned into big prizes August 22-31, when three finalist teams were awarded $45,000 collectively in cash prizes to encourage their entrepreneurial endeavors. Review the publicity generated from the 2019 Global Challenge at www.vtkwglobal.com/press. For a summary listing the 14 finalists who competed in this year’s Challenge, go to www.vtkwglobal.com/2019/finalists.

Team Maroon Assistive Technologies, LLC, of Virginia Tech, USA, was the overall Grand Prize Winner ($10,000) and recipient of the Advanced Manufacturing Award ($15,000) for their exoskeleton device. Without using motors or electricity, their exoskeletons support the body while a person performs everyday tasks, helping to reduce fatigue and decrease the risk of overuse injuries. Picture: Catherine Underwood, vice president of The Branch Group, a prize sponsor, stands with Team Maroon Assistive Technologies, LLC, represented by Jack Geissinger, Taylor Pesek, Andrew Bocklund, and Tim Pote.

The Information Technology Award ($15,000) for the most outstanding service went to team Caressoma, from ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland. Caressoma’s solution, SonIt, helps to prevent sports injuries, while using the latest medical technology and machine learning, to help quantify the occurrence and evolution of injuries to improve training and team lineup optimization. Picture: Don Halliwill (second from left), executive vice president and CFO of Carilion Clinic, a prize sponsor, stands with Team Caressoma, represented by Sophia Borowka, Michelle Koschorke, and Jana Maes.

Team Real42, from Vienna University of Technology, Austria, was the recipient of the People’s Choice ($5,000), chosen by audience members. The team’s PropTech startup uses scans and pictures of floor plans that automatically, within minutes, transform to become beautiful visualizations and interactive home-staging experiences. Real42 provides access to floor plan metadata, which can be applied in numerous ways including real estate valuation. Picture: Ian Leuschner (from left), of Outreach and International Affairs, a prize sponsor, stands with Team Real42, represented by David Neubauer, Felix Haberl, and Thomas Lechinger.

Stay Connected Global Entrepreneur Partnership: www.vtkwglobal.com Outreach and International Affairs: www.outreach.vt.edu | Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center: www.vtcrc.com

Testimonials of Grand Prize Winners Read more at www.vtkwglobal.com/testimonials

"Being a part of the 2019 Global Entrepreneur Challenge gave our team a fantastic opportunity to reignite the excitement and energy we had when first developing our exoskeleton. This event gave us multiple opportunities to network with teams from all over the world and with entrepreneurs right here in the New River Valley. Engaging with the other competitors during social events and workshops allowed us to learn from students who we would otherwise never meet, and who in return, helped us to view our concept from new, global perspectives. This led to the exchange and development of new and exciting ideas! Winning the Challenge has given our team a spotlight and access to local companies, mentors, and resources to help us bring Maroon Assistive Technologies, LLC to life." Taylor Pesek, Jack Geissinger, Tim Pote & Andrew Bocklund of Team Maroon Assistive Technologies from Virginia Tech, USA, 2019 Grand Prize Winners.

"Winning the 2018 Global Entrepreneur Challenge was important, not only for team GRACE but also as professionals, whose aim is to develop and offer our best on a global level. The chance to meet and share with other entrepreneurs from around the world, seeking to grow and make their entrepreneurial endeavors a reality was enriching. The hospitality and interaction with our host family was unforgettable. Being able to receive feedback from the judges, regional host company, and other participants was crucial to improving our project and to develop our international contacts. Our goal was to present a project that seeks to return the quality of life to

people, through our biomedical device that eases tremor caused by Essential tremor and Parkinson’s Disease. Exploring the Virginia Tech campus and being able to use their facilities and amenities was a source of inspiration to continue our careers and project through a global platform. Many thanks to all the people involved in this magnificent event that brings together great dreamers of the world!" Felipe Nagel, Federico Jensen & Alex Carimán of Universidad Adolfo Ibañez, Chile, 2018 Grand Prize Winners. "Participating in the 2017 Global Challenge was a great experience and fun because the event offered friendly competition, the ability to further develop our business concept, and to collaborate and build our network with other competing teams, host families, and regional companies that provided coaching support. We are grateful to the event organizers for providing an exceptional experience of learning, competition, and personal and professional growth. The value of developing, growing, and building your global network far outweighs winning prize money. This experience has stimulated and motivated us to further develop and progress with our business idea." Luckas Fonck, Josefa Villanueva & Maurizio Canessa of Team Cohex from Universidad Adolfo Ibañez, Chile, 2017 Grand Prize Winners.

Testimonials of Grand Prize Winners Read more at www.vtkwglobal.com/testimonials

“The 2016 Global Challenge provided us with an incredible opportunity to develop, refine, and test the business that we have been passionately working on for the past year. Events like this are a catalyst for innovation and development; nothing prepares you better for understanding and reflecting upon the direction in which you are taking your company. The judges and attendees at the event are an invaluable resource to get experienced eyes on your business concept, and for developing future relationships." Jordan Klein & David Hall of Team Park & Diamond, Inc., from Virginia Tech, USA, 2016 Grand Prize Winners. “During the 2015 event week, we partnered with a local technology company, who provided coaching support and helped strengthen our business presentation. Our host company was responsive and provided sound guidance and excellent insights. The event week provided invaluable networking opportunities where we made new friends abroad and at Virginia Tech. We highly recommend all fellow student teams to participate in this enriching, unforgettable, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” Natthaphat Laoharawee, Nuntipat Narkthong, Budsapanee Pongsiriyaporn & Gaywalee Laimloha of Team Visionear from King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand, 2015 Grand Prize Winners. “This event not only educated us from a business standpoint but it was a special cultural experience. Being hosted by local families gave us insights about the culture, and we significantly enjoyed our time with them. Students from all over the world participated in the event, so we could learn more about their cultures, as well. It was a great opportunity to broaden our business and personal networks in this wonderful, positive atmosphere.” Leonardo Stenico, Galena Kostoska, Alberto Parrella & Julia Wache of Team feelSpace from the University of Trento, Italy, 2014 Grand Prize Winners.

“The VT KnowledgeWorks Global Challenge was an enriching experience and incredibly beneficial on several different levels. During the event week, we were able to challenge our current market vision and the way we conduct business. It was a pleasure to exchange ideas with the Virginia Tech staff, our host families and our host company, who made us feel welcome and enhanced our experience in the USA. Sarah Cherruault & François Dupayrat of Team Auticiel from Télécom Ecole de Management, France, 2013 Grand Prize Winners.

“While in Virginia, we were provided with valuable mentorship from a partner company, as well as peer mentorship from our fellow participants. We learned about entrepreneurship around the globe and felt privileged to be part of an incredible community of leaders. It was a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we’re extremely grateful for it.” Annelies Tjebbes & Mayank Kalra of Team VersiCool from the University of British Columbia, Canada, 2012 Grand Prize Winners.

“The Global Challenge provided us tools for improving our business model and giving us the chance to receive feedback, which was key for our success. The competition was very challenging, facing high potential teams with awesome ideas. The Global Challenge was more to us than just winning the $25,000 grand prize; it was an excellent networking opportunity to build our international partnerships with local companies and to make friends from different cultures. Matias Rojas, Andrés Testón, Mauricio Ulloa & Guillermo Vargas of Team Kimeltu from Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Chile, 2011 Grand Prize Winners.

"The Global Challenge provided us with an opportunity to network with students and business leaders from across the world. This has helped us to develop our business and strengthen our personal network. The Global Challenge is a world class event, hosted by experts and we highly recommend this experience to student teams." Vincent Murray & Colm Connolly of Team Ecosy from Queen's University, Northern Ireland, 2010 Grand Prize Winners.

Success Stories of Global Alumni Teams at a Glance Read more alumni updates at www.vtkwglobal.com/press

$30,000 Grand Prize winner in 2018, team GRACE, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Chile, represented by Felipe Nagel, Federico Jensen, and Alex Carimán. GRACE is conducting their first medical trial in Chile by working with CETRAM, a Chilean center for movement disorder. The team is preparing a medical publication about the safety and efficacy of their biomedical device for tremor control on patients diagnosed with Essential Tremor. With the prize money, they’ve updated their prototype, are

exploring venture capitalist opportunities in Chile and the U.S., and patented their device at the European Patent Office.

$10,000 Information Technology Award in 2018, team novapace, Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany, represented by Lukas Braisz, Patrick Scholl, and Simon Staffa. In September 2018, team novapace (https://novapace.de) received the EXIST Business Start-Up Grant, a program from the European Union for turning scientific business ideas into business plans. This one-year scholarship provided salary for all team members, professional coaching and financial support for prototype

development and testing. The team won second place for its training device for Parkinson’s patients at the 2018 Arrow Electronics Innovators Award, and conducted laboratory tests with Parkinson's patients in February 2019. They’re exploring investors to pursue a clinical pilot study in cooperation with the neurology department of Frankfurt University Hospital and preparing their sensor-embedded shoe insole for mass production.

Finalist in 2017, team Tekuma, University of Technology Sydney, Australia, represented by Michael Griffin and Annette McClelland: Tekuma (http://tekuma.tec), the one-handed controller company, relocated to Adelaide, South Australia, in light of their acceptance into the University of South Australia's Venture Catalyst Space Program. In 2018, the team was a finalist in the China Shenzhen

Innovation Entrepreneurship Competition; went to New York with FD Global's Female Founders Program; received third place in the THero Brinc ‘Are You China Ready?’ Guangzhou competition; won the NextGen Logistics category at the University Startup World Cup in Copenhagen; and made its first sales in August 2018.

$25,000 Grand Prize winner in 2016, team Park & Diamond, Virginia Tech, USA, represented by Jordan Klein and David Hall. Park & Diamond is dedicated to improving cycling safety. As of March 2019, there were 19,500 helmets pre-ordered at nearly $1.7M. Meanwhile, the team is working on manufacturing and shipping its first helmets in late spring 2019 and implementing an official

commercial launch in fall 2019. Park & Diamond hired a team of eight engineers, marketers and business operations professionals collectively, all of whom are working full-time in Brooklyn (DUMBO), NY. In April 2017, Park & Diamond took first place ($7,500) at the Union Innovation Challenge at Virginia Tech; grand prize ($100,000) at the EIX E-Fest in Minneapolis, Minnesota; first place at the Red Bull Launchpad competition held in New York City; and received the Red Dot Award for product design in March 2019. They completed the Urban-X accelerator with investment from BMW/Mini and its Urban.US investment partners, focused on developing “smart cities.” Learn more at https://www.park-and-diamond.com.

$25,000 Grand Prize Winner in 2015, team Visionear, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand, represented by Nuntipat Narkthong and Budsapanee Pongsiriyaporn. The team has incorporated under the name of InGarage Assistive Technology, Co., Ltd and has received additional grants and seed investment from the Thai government agency and dtac, the second largest mobile operator in Thailand for their smart glasses device for the visually impaired. It has launched

the first version of the Visionear mobile application and is expanding its product line with products for other forms of disability.

2019 Global Entrepreneur Partnership Sponsors