i3: Investing in Ideas with Impact

i3 is a pitch competition that encourages graduate researchers to think like entrepreneurs. Students compete in elimination rounds organized by WPI's academic departments and programs and the winners moved on to semifinal competitions run by the deans of Arts and Sciences, Engineering, and Business. The contest concludes with three-minute pitch presentations by the finalists before a panel of entrepreneurs and business leaders where, without the aid of visuals, they explain how their innovations address important commercial or societal needs, why they are better than existing technology or processes, and how they might gain the interest of the marketplace. Two cash prizes are awarded: for best concept and best presentation.