Starting with ZERU
Plan with clarity. Execute with AI. Grow with confidence.
HYBRID PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS
Seed
Disciplined start with premium notebook + AI intro.
Every great endeavor begins with a single idea. Your Ideas are seeds of innovation, and our notebooks are the fertile ground where they take root. Your Space is a sanctuary free from digital distractions, a place where your thoughts can flow naturally onto the page.
Use ZERU to Scale Your Growth, transform concepts into actionable plans and aspirations into achievements.
ZERU Notebooks are secure, reliable, and always there, when tech isn’t.
Choose Your Stage
For 30 days, consider experiencing a boost to your productivity.
Seed
Disciplined start & premium notebook
+ AI intro.
Build
From idea to plan with training
+ expert guidance
Scale
Full growth support with grants
+ 24/7 help.
Feature / Benefit | Seed | Builder | Scaler |
|---|---|---|---|
Premium Notebook | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Digital Notebook Access | 30-Day Trial | Included | Included |
AI Training | Basic | Hands-On | Full Project |
Business Model Canvas | _ | Workshop | Advanced Consulting |
Business Plan | DIY | Workshop Plan | Delivered in 6 Months |
Storage | _ | 1TB | 2TB |
Website | Training | Launch + Host | Full Development |
Social Media Support | _ | _ | Growth Project |
Funding/Grant Writing | _ | _ | Included |
Business Support | Community Only | Workshop Support | 24/7 |
Apps & Integrations | _ | Limited | Full Suite |
Empowering Friends of ZERU to build, scale, and get funded.
Become an AI Founder
Who is an AI Founder?
An AI Founder is:
- A builder — someone with an idea that can grow into a business or social solution.
- A problem-solver — focused on tackling customer, community, or environmental challenges.
- A learner — open to training, coaching, and experimenting with new tools.'
- A visionary — ready to apply AI to create value, improve systems, and open new opportunities.
You don’t need to be a programmer or an engineer. If you can bring an idea, commitment, and the drive to solve problems, you can be an AI Founder.To cultivate the next generation of entrepreneurs by equipping them with real-world business + social innovation skills, culminating in a pitch experience.
Why This Matters:
• ZERU is committed to community and economic empowerment
• Sponsors have a direct opportunity to invest in economic development + innovation
• Seamlessly integrates with existing ZERU workshops to help make more money for your business (branding, leadership, tech, etc.)
Present your idea as a Founding Member and gain support for your business. Your monthly contribution of $25 to our non-profit partners help fund this program and provide grant opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Step 1. First Choose A Type of AI Innovation and Business we will be working on.
Business Innovation
• Focus: Solving a customer problem
• Goal: To generate revenue and profit
Social Innovation
• Focus: Solving a social or environmental problem
• Goal: To make a positive impact
Step 2. Select Core Business
Energy & HVAC Systems
Agriculture & Food Systems
Wellness & Preventive Health
Construction & Urban Development
Entertainment & Storytelling 
TEAM COMPOSITION
• Small Business Owner - Teams of 1-4 members with revenue
• Bootstrapping/Idea Entrepreneurs - Teams of 1-4 members with no revenue
• Pre-seed Funding Entrepreneurs - Teams of 1-4 members with no revenue
• Seed Funding Entrepreneurs - Teams of 1-4 members with some revenue
• High school and college students - Teams of 2–4 ages 14–18 by the submission deadline.
Additionally:
• Each team must have one adult advisor (age 21+).
• Only one advisor may be listed officially, though multiple may assist.
• Contact information, including email addresses, must be submitted for all team members and the advisor.
• Each participant may only participate on one team and submit one concept per competition year.
PRESENTATION ROUND FORMATS (Choose One)
1. Live Presentation Event
• In-person or hybrid event (location determined by host partner)
• At least one team member must attend the event and present the pitch live
2. Virtual / Pre-Recorded Presentation
• Submit a presentation deck and a 60-second introductory video
• No need to attend an event physically
Once submitted, track and format selections are final and cannot be changed
IMPORTANT RULES
• Do NOT include your school name in the submission unless it’s essential to your concept
•The submitted concept must be entirely created by the team
• If the idea was developed with others not on the team, their full legal names must be disclosed
• The concept must not have generated more than $0 - $40m in total revenue based on SBA's Table of Size Standards
• Concepts that have advanced to a pitch competition in previous years may not be resubmitted
1. Written Concept Narrative (3–5 Pages, PDF)
The narrative should flow like a Standard Investor Slide Deck
Standard Investor Deck Slides
Slide Titles | Contents |
|---|---|
Title / Cover |
|
Problem |
|
Solution |
|
Market Opportunity |
|
Product / Demo |
|
Business Model |
|
Traction |
|
Go-to-Market Strategy |
|
Competition |
|
Team |
|
Financials / Projections |
|
The Ask |
|
2. Introductory Video (60 Seconds, Public URL)
Video must include:
• Team member names
• Name of the concept
• The problem, audience, and solution
• Maximum 60 seconds
• Publicly accessible link (YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, etc.)
ZERU Workshop Series on early stage Critical Thinking Frameworks for Founders
Sprint Sessions | Theme | Activities |
|---|---|---|
Orientation | AI + Ideation Problem Framing | Ai Topics Problem analysis and Goal Setting |
1 - Marketing | Customer Segments, Channels Customer Relationships | Audience & Market Research Persona creation, surveys, interviews |
2 - Finance | Revenue and Costs Financial Controls | Financial Forecast and Accounting Capital Stack |
3 - Operations | Key Partners, Key Resources Key Activities | AI + Tech Tools (CMS, CRM, Canva, etc.) Scheduling |
4 - Innovation | Unique Value Proposition Project Management | MVPs and Research Team Building |
Presentations | Video Recording & Submission | Practice pitch + film 60-sec intro |
Presentation Format Selection
• Teams will select their presentation round format (Live or Virtual) during their initial submission.
• No changes to presentation format or event location will be accepted after submission.
• If a team is unable to participate in their selected pitch format, they will forfeit their place in the competition.
Live Presentation Event Requirements
• Time Limit: 5 minutes (strict)
• Slides: Maximum of 15 slides
• Q&A: 3 minutes of judges’ questions and team answers
• Only team members who presented may answer during Q&A
Creativity Allowed:
Teams may incorporate:
• Display boards
• Prototypes
• Images
• Motion graphics
• Sounds or embedded media
Tech Notes:
• Internet access and audio-visual equipment are not guaranteed
• If technical difficulties occur, the timer does NOT stop
• Be ready to adapt on the spot
Virtual / Pre-Recorded Presentation Requirements
• Presentation Video:
• Max 5 minutes, must be submitted via a public URL
• Videos over 5 minutes or not viewable will be disqualified
• Presentation Deck:
• Max 15 slides, submitted as a .pdf
• Must be the same deck used in the pitch video
• Deck should be visible in the video (e.g., screen share or background)
Creativity Encouraged:
Teams may use:
• Prototypes
• Images
• Motion graphics
• Display boards
• Sound effects or background music
Note: Presentation videos and decks are judged in Round 2 only.
Teams advancing to the Final Round may update their presentation materials at that time.
All materials are final once submitted through the platform.
All presentation materials are accessible from ZERU AI & Coach
MOM YOUR BUSINESS
Mom Your Business is a Philadelphia-based business development organization that empowers women and minority entrepreneurs through mentorship, incubator programs, and access to resources. As a partner, MYB ensures our HVAC pilot is community-driven, equitable, and designed to expand opportunities for small business owners.
NVIDIA
NVIDIA is the global leader in accelerated computing and AI. Their training programs, developer resources, and hardware platforms power innovation across industries. With NVIDIA as a partner, HVAC and other companies joining our program gain access to cutting-edge AI training and the chance to lead in applying smart technology to the trades.
NVIDIA
OpenAI is at the forefront of artificial intelligence, building tools like ChatGPT that transform how people work, learn, and create. Through OpenAI, ZERU delivers AI-powered coaching, workflow automation, and digital productivity solutions to founders ready to modernize and scale.
How might our community help you today?
With AI-driven tools and hands-on coaching, see your vision come to life. Tell us what you do, your business, and what you're working on. Friends of ZERU access up to $5000 in start-up credits to keep their ventures moving.
Fund a Founder
Discover a community-first approach to business growth with Friends of ZERU membership. Designed with young entrepreneurs in mind, our program provides tools and experiences that enrich your path to success. From exclusive discounts on business services to free coffee at local cafés, each benefit is crafted to support your growth in meaningful ways.
Register your notebook now and unlock free coffee, coworking spaces, and tools to grow your business.
Gain the knowledge and skills you need to grow, with access to events hosted by industry experts and mentors.
Need help setting up a website, registering your business, or developing your brand? As a member, enjoy exclusive discounts on essential services tailored to young entrepreneurs.
Enjoy free coffee at local coffee shops and independent bookstores, where you can find inspiration and support nearby businesses that enrich the community.
Use your digital gift card to make discounted purchases at ZERU and participating partners. Load it with funds ($25 minimum) to redeem rewards, access perks, and simplify your journey.
Founders | Business | Ask | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Jaabir Robinson | Ibn's Water Ice | $20,000 | |
Jennifer Perry | Bold Bloom and Blossom | $5,000 | |
Andrea Russell | A's Apron | $5,000 |
Use your digital gift card to make discounted purchases at ZERU and participating partners. Load it with funds ($25 minimum) to redeem rewards, access perks, and simplify your journey. Participate in our Funding Program
Experience what it takes
Empowering ideas, strengthening communities. ZERU fuels more than productivty, it supports a movement
A 2-minute checkup that scores your business and shows your next step
Integrate productivity into your workflow
with ZERU’s AI-powered tools
Welcome Founders
Starting a business?
Getting Started
The knowledge of our existence, culture, accomplishments, and acheivements continuously contribute to transform civilization. Acknowledge change, understand it is fundamental not supplemental. Move in solidarity,
Evolve
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