SMSD R&D Forum’s

Next Great Idea Pitch Competition

Informational Session

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January 22, 2026

Objectives and Strategies

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Every student will:

• Achieve academic success through a challenging, personalized learning plan
• Develop and utilize personal resilience while mastering essential competencies that lead to college and career readiness
• Develop interpersonal skills to be engaged, empathetic members of the local and global community

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SMSD Research & Development Forum

Made Possible by the Generous Support of the Regnier Family Foundation

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In 2026, Shawnee Mission School District will hold the 64th R&D Forum. The forum will include showcase and competitive entry opportunities in science, art, and CTE, as well as the SMSD Next Great Idea Pitch competition. A variety of options for the community to be involved will include:

• April 21-23: All art, science/engineering, and CTE exhibits at CAA
• April 21-23: Receptions from 4-7 p.m. open to all participants, their families, and the community
• April 25: SMSD Next Great Idea Pitch Finals (Live at 9 a.m.)

Awards ceremony for all categories (2 p.m.)

R&D Forum

64th Year!

R&D Showcase

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• Showcase entries may be submitted for competition or display only.

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• Categories include:
• Science
• Art
• CTE
• Other*

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• Entry forms due March 27, 2026
• Forms available online

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Next Great Idea Pitch Competition

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Pitch Competition Awards

• Next Great Idea Award- winners will receive $2,500
• $1,000 is a cash award to be used by the winner to pursue their passion and education
• Up to $1,500 will be awarded as "build it" grants to support making the winner's pitch a reality. (Note we will follow along with the winners the following year as they continue working on their winning idea.)

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• Idea of Promise Award- winner will receive $500.

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• People's Choice Award- winner will receive $500.
• This winner will be selected by the community through online voting immediately following the live competition.

Pitch It As You Build It Sessions

Professionals will help you improve and enhance your idea and pitch as you prepare to submit your final 3-minute video entry!

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• The sessions are via Webex on March 10, 24, and 26 (from 6-7 p.m.).

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• Come to one or come to all! (We will send a reservation link once initial applications have been submitted.)

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Key Dates and Timeline

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Initial Application Deadline: March 6, 2026

• Complete online application with 1 minute video

Preparation for Practice Sessions:

• Between 3/6 and 4/3 students should develop

their idea (presentation and budget)

• Engage in Practice Sessions: March 10, 24, and 26 (6-7 p.m.)
• Opportunity to fine tune and receive feedback to prepare for final pitch submission (3 minute video)
• Final 3-minute video submission due: April 3, 2026
• Live Pitch Competition for finalists: 9 a.m.on April 25, 2026
• Awards Ceremony: 2 p.m. on April 25, 2026

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Tips For Getting Started

Questions to Answer:

• What problem is your idea trying to solve?
• What inspired you to come up with your idea?
• What makes your idea unique?
• How do you hope your idea will create change or improve someone's life?

Tips For Getting Started

Organizing your Pitch:

Step 1 - Hook

• Get the audience to immediately care about the problem and or need you are about to introduce. [Insert anecdote (story), personal experience, shocking fact, quote, statistic, or user profile introduction].

Step 2 - Concept

• Highlight the most important and meaningful parts of your idea or research. What’s your image idea? What details are most important?

Step 3 - Reasons

• This is your why. What does it mean? How is your idea innovative?

Step 4 - Closing Statement

• This is the last chance to summarize your concept and convince

your audience that your idea is the best one. Make it memorable.

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Pitch Competition Resources

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The Next Great Idea Pitch Flow and Pitch Scoring Rubric

Next Great Idea Pitch Checklist

Research & Development Website

Additional Resources

Pitch Competition Examples are available on the R&D Website.

• Stream of live pitches from 2025
• Stream of live pitches from 2024
• Stream of live pitches from 2023
• Stream of live pitches from 2022
• Stream of live pitches from 2021

What should I do if I want to enter?

• Go to the website and review the resources.
• Checklist
• Rubric
• Click on Pitch Application
• Complete the application
• Note you can enter with a co-presenter(s) and their information will need to be entered on the form.
• Be sure to upload the the 1-minute video.

Next Steps After Initial Application

• Information will be communicated via email (as provided on the application form) regarding the mentor session sign ups.
• Sessions with industry and entrepreneurial mentors
• Sessions will occur March 10, 24 and 26 at 6 PM (via Webex)
• Hone your pitch and fully develop your slides/budget document
• Submit a final 3-minute video pitch - due by April 3.
• Finalists will be selected and notified.

Questions

For More Information

Research & Development Website - updates will be posted there when available

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Questions?

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Dr. Leigh Anne Neal, Chief of Strategic Initiatives

leighanneneal@smsd.org

913-993-6412

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