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Judging Process

Initial Submission

The initial idea submissions will be evaluated by a group of experienced entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs, non-profit, and business professionals. Each submission will be judged on the following criteria:

  • Are the answers to the submission questions well written and clearly thought out?

  • How innovative/original is the idea?

  • Does the idea provide a solution to a problem?

Semi-Finalist Submission

The 25 semi-finalists who are selected from the initial submissions will be given an additional set of more in-depth questions about their ideas. Each semi-finalist will also receive consultations with a mentor/coach about their idea and ways to improve their submission. The 8 finalists will be determined by a group of experienced entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs, non-profit, and business professionals, and evaluated on the following criteria (in addition to their initial submission):

  • Is the market or need clearly defined?

  • Is there a convincing business model or strategic plan for realizing the idea and achieving success in a market?

  • Does a strong competitive advantage exist? Is this idea distinctly original or significantly different from what already exists?

  • Is there evidence of consumer/community interest?

  • Does the idea team have the background, skills and resources to turn the idea into an enterprise?

Finalist Presentations

The 8 Finalists will be given a mentor/coach who is an experienced entrepreneur or business professional that will assist the Finalists in developing a "Presentation" of their idea. The presentation will be 3 minutes long and address the following topics:

  • What is the idea?

  • What problem does it solve?

  • Who needs the enterprise (idea) and why?

  • How BIG can it be?

The 8 Finalists will present their innovative ideas live to an audience of their peers, faculty, entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs and distinguished guests during the annual Entreprenuership@Cornell Celebration, the winners will be selected by a combination of judges and audience vote.