Solve It is a marketing pitch competition focused on a real world problem and you can influence the solution.

This year, you will demonstrate a basic understanding of plastics, the scope of one to one devices in education, consumer waste, closed-loop recycling and the advantages of a circular economy, in an effort to return devices to the hands of those who produce them.  

The team at Covestro and Penn State Greater Allegheny assembled important resources you will want to review as you get started on your presentation. As you find your own resources, be sure to keep a list of what you use.  You will submit that to the judges.

What is Marketing?  

Marketing pertains to all aspects of a business, including product development, packaging, distribution methods, sales, and advertising. This happens through market research and analysis of what your customers want (product, service or experience), where and how they want it (place, distribution channel) and at what cost/price.   

A company can make customers interested in their products/services/experiences through different ways referred to as Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC). IMC includes:  

  • sales promotions (discounts, coupons etc.);  

  • advertising (e.g. TV, online, print & social media commercials):  

  • Public Relations (e.g. sponsorships etc.);  

  • direct marketing & personal selling (e.g. direct mail, or emails, telemarketers, door-to door sales people); and  

  • internet marketing (use of digital technologies).  

For additional information on the 4Ps of Marketing, click here.  

What is a pitch?

A short and compelling presentation that isn't pushy but rather is persuasive.  Your personality and creativity shines through, engages your audience and motivates them to embrace your vision to solve a problem.

At Solve It, our winning pitch will wow our judges and demonstrate that you are the change makers we need to create a sustainable future.  Click here for more tips on creative an effective pitch.

Background materials.