To ensure that students make connections with local companies during the course of this event, they will be asked to get a letter of endorsement from a local company in an industry related to their Bright Idea. We need YOU to agree to talk with one or more students/student teams about their idea. The total time commitment will be about three hours. Join the list of great companies that are already participating!

"As a growing company, we also want to retain bright, hard-working young talent in the area, so we look forward to working with you on this." - Spectracom
"Sounds like fun!" - Bio-Optronics
"We are very excited about getting involved with this program as the 'brain drain' is an issue we're very passionate about" - Dumbwaiter Design

How does it work?
1) You indicating your interest in participating and we'll send you a short three question form to complete.
(Or download the form here!)
2) Students review the list of endorsing companies and ask Digital Rochester for contact information for a specific company.
3) The student calls to set up a mutually convenient meeting.
4) One or more people from your company spend 1-2 hours with the student, discussing the Bright Idea and exploring pros and cons together.
5) You send Digital Rochester a one paragraph letter endorsing the student's idea for entry in the contest.
6) You attend the exhibition and stop by "your" student's table!

What do you get for participating?
1) We'll list your company name with a link to your web site on the event web site where it will be seen by hundreds of local college students and 4,000+ Digital Rochester members.
2) You'll get to talk with one or more bright, creative students with a passion for your industry.
3) The student will share his/her enthusiasm about your company with others back on campus.
4) You'll be listed as an Endorsement Company in the exhibition program.
5) As you talk with students at the exhibition you'll be able to identify candidates that could become great new additions to your team!
6) You could discover a significant Bright Idea and hire a student that will brighten your company's future!

Please consider also sponsoring a prize! With different industries and diverse ideas, there's no first, second and third place. Instead, we will name multiple Bright Idea award winners. We need your support as a prize sponsor! Each prize sponsor selects the winner of their prize based on their own criteria for identifying the best Bright Idea!

If you have questions, send us an .