Student Startup Madness is promoted and supported by four anchor universities in four regions across the country: Emory University in the Southeast, Saint Louis University in the Midwest, The University of Texas at Austin in the Southwest, and Syracuse University in the Northeast. Major corporate sponsors for this year’s tournament include: Turner Broadcasting’s Media Camp, Foursquare, and The Newhouse School – with help from other media companies and firms that work with early-stage ventures.

The first round of competition was held online from August until November. Judging took place online via Gust.com, a platform used by angel investors around the world. The 32 semi-finalists now advance to the virtual regional round, primarily based on their home college location, where they will be judged against each other online (see regional bracket below). From each of the four regions, two finalists will emerge to form the “Entrepreneurial Eight” (or “E8?), who will be invited to pitch their businesses at the Student Startup Madness national finals in Austin, Texas, on March 11, 2013.

“Each round of the tournament builds momentum,” says Sean Branagan, creator of the SSM program. “It also draws attention to college campuses as sources for innovation, entrepreneurship and talent. …I love how it showcases university entrepreneurship and encourages college students to start businesses.”

About Student Startup Madness

The Student Startup Madness concept was developed by Sean Branagan, director of the Center for Digital Media Entrepreneurship at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, in conjunction with SXSW. Syracuse University is the organizing institution for this year’s national tournament.

Student Startup Madness, along with its sponsors and host universities, believes in American entrepreneurship and on-campus startups-and wants to help young student entrepreneurs succeed and become a part of the SXSW experience.

Student Startup Madness debuted at the 2012 SXSW Interactive with a launch event and kick-off pitchfest, where five student startup teams representing eight colleges and universities pitched their ventures and won prizes. For more on Student Startup Madness, visit the website (https://studentstartupmadness.com), see us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter: @StartupMad.

Contact: Sean Branagan

(315) 443-6310

startups@syr.edu