POTSDAM -- Clarkson University will host a semi-final round of a state business plan contest that will give out more than a half-million dollars in prizes, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office.

College students across New York can apply for the seventh New York Business Plan Competition.

Each team that enters the competition will be able to pitch a business idea to “an experienced panel of judges, made up of national venture capitalists, angel investors, investment bankers, and private equity investors,” Cuomo said.

Participants can potentially win more than $500,000 in total prizes, including a $100,000 grand prize.

The semi-final round of competition will be held in 10 regions across New York, based on Cuomo’s 10 Regional Economic Development Councils.

SUNY Polytechnic will host the statewide finals Institute at its Albany site on April 29.

A list of application deadlines by region is available at www.nybplan.com.

Cuomo says he expects hundreds of students from colleges and universities throughout New York to participate. Interested students can submit their business plans for innovative ideas related to areas that include nanotechnology, advanced technology, energy, “sustainability,” biotechnology, healthcare, information technology, software, products, services, “social entrepreneurship” and non-profit enterprise, according to Cuomo.

More information regarding the competition, including details about each regional competition, how to apply online and a list of filing deadlines by region is at http://www.nybplan.com.