Applications are now being accepted for the Six Minute Pitch: A Transportation Startup Challenge, a special Young Member Council (YMC) session at the Transportation Research Board (TRB) 94th Annual Meeting during which selected presenters pitch their cutting-edge, research-based concept for a transportation product- or service-based business in just six minutes. Presentations are judged on the basis of the commercial viability of their concept, and the demonstration of how the proposed product or service meets today’s critical transportation challenges.

While no actual investment i awarded at the Six Minute Pitch (per TRB rules), the opportunity to present at one of the most well attended sessions at TRB and to receive feedback from a distinguished panel of investors and successful entrepreneurs attracts a number of high-quality proposals each year.

Confirmed judges for the 2015 Six Minute Pitch include:

• Sean O’Sullivan, of SOSVentures and Co-founder and Managing Director of Carma
• Chris Thomas, Founder and Partner, Fontinalis Partners
• Gabe Klein, COO, Bridj

Now in its third year, the Six Minute Pitch has showcased many successful early stage transportation technology companies. The winner of the 2014 Six Minute Pitch, TransitScreen, a company which provide real-time availability and schedule information sustainable transportation modes, including transit and Bikeshare, has since brought on of the Six Minute Pitch judges, Gabe Klein, on as a strategic advisor, gained new clients, and even had the opportunity to pitch President Obama!