cistalk - Fwd: Opportunity for Students: Pitchfest

[Hui Chen]

FYI .. . -------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: Opportunity for Students: Pitchfest Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2026 04: 01: 00 -0400 From: Maryam Ilyas <Maryam. Ilyas@ cuny. edu> To: Maryam Ilyas <Maryam. Ilyas@ cuny. edu> Hello! I hope you

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-------- Forwarded Message --------

Subject:	Opportunity for Students: Pitchfest
Date:	Mon, 16 Mar 2026 04:01:00 -0400
From:	Maryam Ilyas <Maryam...@cuny.edu>
To:	Maryam Ilyas <Maryam...@cuny.edu>

Hello!

I hope you are doing well. I’m reaching out to share an opportunity that may be valuable for your students and would appreciate it if you could circulate it within your classes, departments, or student organizations.

Pitchfest is a networking-focused event designed to connect students with tech professionals, many of whom are CUNY graduates. The goal of the event is to provide participants with the opportunity to receive direct feedback on their ideas, build meaningful connections, and discuss next steps in their professional or entrepreneurial journeys.

During the event, students will present their projects or ideas to professionals who will provide constructive feedback, ask questions about their goals, and offer guidance based on their experience. Based on feedback from previous Pitchfest events, participants especially valued the opportunity to interact with CUNY alumni and industry professionals.

Event Format:

• Students pitch their projects to professionals in rotating small groups
• Each rotation lasts approximately 10 minutes
• Participants rotate 4–5 times, allowing them to connect with multiple professionals
• The focus is on feedback, mentorship, and networking rather than competition

Students have left past Pitchfests with new industry contacts, referrals, and follow up meetings.

Students can learn more about the event here: Pitchfest page: https://pitchfest.github.io/

I’ve also attached a flyer for the event. Those interested in participating can apply before the registration deadline on Friday, May 8 at 5:00 PM.

We would greatly appreciate your help in sharing this opportunity with students who may be interested in presenting their ideas, projects, startups, or career aspirations.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Maryam Ilyas

Tech Programs & Marketing Coordinator

Office of Academic Affairs, CUNY Central

205 East 42nd St., 9th Floor

maryam...@cuny.edu