Judging Criteria
 

Teams are chosen to proceed to the next round based on two sets of evaluation from the judges:

  1. Judge Form: each judge fills out a Judge Form (see below) for each team in that judge's room. Teams' average points are compared across all rooms.
  2. Judge Ballot (room vote): each judge nominates 0-5 teams from that room to proceed to the next round. If the judge feels that teams in the room were particularly weak, they may choose no team to proceed. If they feel it was a strong room, they may choose as many as 5.

JUDGE FORMS
Below are the exact questions on that judges will score on a scale of 1-5 on the judge forms.

VENTURE CONCEPT
How would you rate the level of innovation in this concept?
Overall, how viable would you consider this venture proposal?
Were you able to understand the value proposition clearly?
Does this concept have the potential to make a big impact?
Does the team demonstrate that they understand their market/industry?
How well do you think this venture would be able to compete in the marketplace?

 PRESENTATION 
How compelling (confident, energetic, convincing) was the presentation?
Did the presentation adequately focus on key aspects of the venture given the limited time frame?
How persuasive was the team that they could succeed with this venture?
Did the team appear professional and well prepared?
How well did the team demonstrate a full understanding of the venture?
Did the team demonstrate group agreement and cohesion?
 

WRITTEN PLAN (not applicable for Elevator Pitch Round)
 Does the plan adequately address all key aspects of the venture?
How well researched is the plan?
Based on the plan, is this team “doing all the right things” to make this venture a success?
How well does the plan show vision with a roadmap of milestones to get there?
Is the plan written clearly?
How professional are the design and layout of the plan?

 SOCIAL IMPACT ANALYSIS (Social Track Only)
 Social Impact Opportunity and Theory of Change
- There is a logical and valid explanation of the impact that this venture will have on all stakeholders
Usefulness of Social Indicators
- The indicators this team uses are clearly linked to the outcomes for social or environmental impact and can actually be measured
Plan for Monitoring Social Impact
- Does the team have a plan for monitoring its social impact? How realistic and thorough is that plan? Did the team include impact projections in their financial projections?