Process 

• Complete The Robert Attallah Innovation Challenge Application by May 2,2026

  • Submit a Pitch Deck and Business Plan to nampitchday@namaronites.org including but not limited to:

    • Executive Summary

    • Problems or Challenges

    • Target customer base

    • Current stage (idea, early prototype, revenue generating,etc)

    • Partners, Team and/or staff (if applicable)

• A panel will screen all submitted applications and schedule candidates for an online interview.

• The panelists will select no more than 5 applications to be invited to pitch their idea at the NAM Convention in San Diego, CA on July 4.

• The use of PowerPoint or slide presentations is permitted. PowerPoint or slide presentations must be provided to the selection committee in a PDF or PPT format by June 29, 2026. Handouts and samples may be distributed to the judges or audience during your presentation.

• Each selected finalist will have 7 minutes to make their pitch presentation before the judges’ panel. Pitches will be hard stopped at 7 minutes. The presentation will be followed by a 10-minute Q&A with the judges. 

 

Judging 

A panel of three judges will be formed to evaluate the finalists and select a winner. The judges reserve the right to award up to $20,000 in funding or to decline to award the prize if no submission sufficiently meets the judging criteria. 

Judges will consider the following: 

• Does the product solve a problem, or fulfill a deep desire? 

• Are the core customer and the size of the market well understood? 

• Is there a realistic plan to enter the market? 

• Is the competitive landscape well understood? 

• Is the revenue model sound? 

• What percentage of revenue comes from what sources? 

• What are your key revenue milestones? 

• Does your revenue model change over time? 

• Are the financial projections reasonable? 

• Is the team well-positioned to execute? 

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Mentorship Opportunity 

As part of NAM Pitch Day, selected applicants will have the opportunity to be matched with experienced mentors from the NAM community and its broader professional network. Mentors may include entrepreneurs, industry professionals, investors, and subject-matter experts who can provide strategic guidance, industry insight, and ongoing support.

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Mentorship matching is intended to support founders at various stages of their journey and may include guidance on business strategy, market entry, operations, fundraising, 

and scaling. Mentor matching is not guaranteed for all applicants and is subject to availability and fit. 

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Legal Disclaimer 

Participation in NAM Pitch Day and The Robert Attallah Innovation Challenge does not constitute an offer of investment, partnership, employment, or legal, financial, or business advice by the National Apostolate of Maronites (NAM), its officers, directors, sponsors, judges, mentors, or affiliates.

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Funding of up to $20,000 may be awarded at the sole discretion of the judges and is not guaranteed. The judges reserve the right to decline to award funding if no submission sufficiently meets the judging criteria.

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Mentorship opportunities, if offered, are voluntary, non binding, and subject to availability and suitability. NAM does not guarantee the assignment of a mentor or the outcome of any mentor relationship.

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Applicants retain full ownership of their business ideas and materials. By participating, applicants grant NAM permission to reference their name, business name, and general description of their venture for program, marketing, and promotional purposes related to NAM Pitch Day.

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NAM reserves the right to modify program details, timelines, judging criteria, or event logistics as necessary.