The Center for Industry Collaboration and Innovation Incubation (CICII), in partnership with NCCU Hult Campus Director Kimberly Chen and team's members, recently hosted the third workshop in the Hult Prize On-Campus Series, titled "Pitch Like a Pro." Held at the Creativity Lab for Makers on the second floor of the Innovation Center, the workshop featured Angélica Urbina, an internationally recognized entrepreneur and CEO of Fabreco. Combining interactive and practical teaching, the session equipped students with impactful pitching and presentation skills to enhance their competition performance and build confidence.
Drawing from her entrepreneurial journey, Urbina illustrated how to transform a pitch into a persuasive storytelling tool. She emphasized that a successful pitch does more than convey an idea; it builds belief in its value and potential. “Every pitch tells a story,” she explained. “The key is not just making your audience understand your vision but helping them believe in it.” She encouraged students to start with a relatable problem and use a clear, cohesive narrative to demonstrate how their solution can create real-world impact, ensuring the pitch resonates deeply with the audience.When discussing visual presentation design, Urbina highlighted that slides should support the narrative without overshadowing it. She advised students to minimize text, incorporate high-quality visuals, and maintain a consistent design to elevate their professionalism. “Your visuals should enhance your pitch, not distract from it,” she stressed. Through practical examples, she demonstrated how to create visually appealing slides that complement the content while reinforcing key points with simplicity and clarity.Urbina introduced an innovative pitching framework, emphasizing the first minute of the pitch as a golden opportunity to captivate the audience. “Your first minute is crucial—it’s your chance to make a lasting impression,” she stated. To help students master this, she designed interactive exercises that simulated real-world pitching scenarios, enabling participants to improve their confidence and delivery. Through these exercises, students practiced presenting their pitches with clear organization, confident tone, and genuine enthusiasm, enhancing their overall effectiveness.During the workshop's hands-on training, student teams presented their ideas and received tailored feedback from Urbina. She provided detailed guidance on presentation styles, business model feasibility, and strategic planning, helping students identify strengths and areas for improvement. Urbina encouraged students to study successful case studies and refine their projects using proven business models while strengthening their financial strategies. She also urged students to think beyond local markets and adopt a global perspective, demonstrating their solution's broader applicability and potential. “A successful pitch isn’t just about solving a problem; it’s about showing how your solution can make a meaningful impact on a larger scale,” she noted.As an integral part of the Hult Prize workshop series, "Pitch Like a Pro" provided students with essential support to prepare for the Hult Prize On-Campus Final. The workshop not only enhanced their pitching abilities and creative thinking but also reignited their passion for entrepreneurship. With expert guidance and hands-on training, students are set to present groundbreaking ideas, propose impactful solutions, and contribute to the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
