Dental Shark Tank Competition

SUBMISSIONS FOR THE 2025 DENTAL SHARK TANK COMPETITION ARE OPEN!

We are calling all innovators and entrepreneurs to submit their proposals by May 15, 2025, for this year's Dental Shark Tank event held during our 53rd National Convention in Kansas City, MO. 

Colgate Palmolive proudly sponsors this year's Dental Shark Tank Competition.

The Dental Shark Tank Competition was created to provide an opportunity for current dental student entrepreneurs to present innovative ideas and proposals to a panel of expert judges, just like the popular TV show “Shark Tank.”

Prizes and Rewards: First place: $1,000 | Second place: $750 | Third place $500

Eligibility:

• The competition is open to any active  National Member of SNDA during the 2024-2025 academic year. 
• Must be in attendance at the SNDA 53rd National Convention in Kansas City, MO from July 10-July13, 2025.

Submission format: Proposals should be submitted electronically via Typeform.

• Each proposal should be no more than 1-2 pages in length and include the following components:
• Executive Summary: A concise overview of the idea or business concept.
• Problem Statement: Clearly define the problem or challenge the idea aims to address.
• Solution: Describe the innovative solution or product and how it addresses the problem.
• Market Analysis: Provide insights into the target market, potential customers, and competitive landscape.
• Revenue Model: Explain how the idea generates revenue or has the potential to be monetized.
• Team: Introduce the individuals involved in the proposal, highlighting their expertise and qualifications.
• Funding Request: Specify how the prize funds will be utilized upon winning first place ($1,000).
• Supporting Materials: Participants may include additional documents or visuals to support their proposal.

Deadline and Selection Process:

• Submissions must be received by Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 11:59PM EST.
• All proposals will be reviewed based on criteria such as innovation, feasibility, practicality, creativity, and presentation quality. Finalists will be notified no later than Friday, May 30, 2025. 
• Finalists will be required to present their proposals in person at the Dental Shark Tank event on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 4:30pm CST. 
• At the Dental Shark Tank Event, a panel of expert judges will review all proposals, listen live to presentations and score based on the above criteria. (innovation, feasibility, practicality, creativity, and presentation quality.)
• Judges will individually score the presentations and proposals, then come together to determine a final ranking. The submission most highly ranked will effectively be the first place winner, followed by the runner up and second runner up. 
• Winners will be announced at the SNDA Gala on Saturday July 12, 2025. 

Finalist Presentation Guidelines: Dental Shark Tank event on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 4:30pm CST. 

• Deadline: If a presentation will be used, it must be submitted by Friday, June 20, 2025 by 11:59pm EST. Any presentation submitted after this deadline will not be allowed to be used the day of the event.
• Time limit: Each finalist will have 5 minutes to present their proposal, followed by a Q&A session with the judges.
• Visual aids: Finalists are encouraged to use visual aids such as slides, prototypes, or demonstrations to enhance their presentations.
• Professionalism: Remember the importance of professionalism, confidence, and effective communication during your presentation.