The judging rubric
Every submission and every pitch is scored against the same published rubric. Read it before you start.
Scores every application
Written submission rubric
Scored out of 100 points. Structure your submission however best tells your story; there are no required section headings. Judges score whether each element below is clearly addressed anywhere in the submission. A strong submission makes the case that the venture will last and will do real good in the world.
Substance
85 points
- 01
Problem and need
Clearly defines the social or environmental problem: who it affects, why it matters, and what causes it. Uses evidence to show its size, urgency, and why existing efforts fall short.
15 points
- Novice
- 0 to 5
- Developing
- 6 to 10
- Proficient
- 11 to 14
- Exemplary
- 15
- 02
Solution and value proposition
Explains what the venture does, how it works, and why it fits the need. Shows what makes it different from existing options and difficult to copy, with evidence that the idea is realistic.
15 points
- Novice
- 0 to 5
- Developing
- 6 to 10
- Proficient
- 11 to 14
- Exemplary
- 15
- 03
Customers and stakeholders
Identifies who pays, who benefits (which may differ), and how the venture will reach and serve them. Shows evidence of validation, such as customer discovery, pilots, partnerships, or community input.
10 points
- Novice
- 0 to 3
- Developing
- 4 to 6
- Proficient
- 7 to 9
- Exemplary
- 10
- 04
Impact and measurement
Explains how the venture's work leads to positive change, and how impact will be measured and reported over time. Shows that growing the business grows the impact, and addresses possible unintended harms.
15 points
- Novice
- 0 to 5
- Developing
- 6 to 10
- Proficient
- 11 to 14
- Exemplary
- 15
- 05
Strategy and execution
Lays out a realistic path forward, with concrete milestones, a team equipped to deliver, key risks and how they will be managed, and how the venture will grow over the long term.
15 points
- Novice
- 0 to 5
- Developing
- 6 to 10
- Proficient
- 11 to 14
- Exemplary
- 15
- 06
Financial sustainability
Analyzes the revenue model, costs, and capital needs, and shows how the venture can sustain itself beyond grants or prize money, including a timeline to break even or become self-sufficient. Presents a clear funding request and how the funds will be used.
15 points
- Novice
- 0 to 5
- Developing
- 6 to 10
- Proficient
- 11 to 14
- Exemplary
- 15
Communication
15 points
- 07
Coherence and persuasiveness
Whatever structure the team chooses, the submission follows a logical flow, its parts reinforce one another, and it builds a convincing case that the venture is worth funding.
10 points
- Novice
- 0 to 3
- Developing
- 4 to 6
- Proficient
- 7 to 9
- Exemplary
- 10
- 08
Professional standards
Uses a professional layout, clear and appropriate business language, correct grammar, and cites sources for data and claims.
5 points
- Novice
- 0 to 1
- Developing
- 2 to 3
- Proficient
- 4
- Exemplary
- 5
Scores both rounds on finals day
Presentation rubric
Scored out of 100 points. Presentation content (75 points) asks whether the venture can last and will do real good in the world. Presentation technique (25 points) asks how well the team makes that case.
Presentation content
75 points
- 01
Problem and venture understanding
Explains the social or environmental problem, who it affects and why it persists, along with the venture's operations, products or services and what makes it distinct. Shows a clear understanding of both the problem and the business.
15 points
- Novice
- 0 to 5
- Developing
- 6 to 10
- Proficient
- 11 to 14
- Exemplary
- 15
- 02
Business and impact analysis
Analyzes strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, including risks to the mission and possible unintended harms. Uses evidence (customer discovery, data, community input) to show the need is real, and shows how these factors shape growth decisions.
15 points
- Novice
- 0 to 5
- Developing
- 6 to 10
- Proficient
- 11 to 14
- Exemplary
- 15
- 03
Impact-aligned growth strategy
Explains the proposed growth strategy, showing how expanding the business also expands its impact and aligns with market opportunities. Defines how impact will be measured and tracked over time.
15 points
- Novice
- 0 to 5
- Developing
- 6 to 10
- Proficient
- 11 to 14
- Exemplary
- 15
- 04
Implementation feasibility
Demonstrates how the plan will be carried out, with concrete milestones, a team equipped to execute, and meaningful involvement of the people the venture serves. Shows that the strategy is realistic and achievable.
15 points
- Novice
- 0 to 5
- Developing
- 6 to 10
- Proficient
- 11 to 14
- Exemplary
- 15
- 05
Financial sustainability and long-term viability
Explains the revenue model and the financial considerations of the growth plan, showing how the venture can sustain itself beyond grants or prize money. Shows how competition funds would move the venture to its next milestone.
15 points
- Novice
- 0 to 5
- Developing
- 6 to 10
- Proficient
- 11 to 14
- Exemplary
- 15
Presentation technique
25 points
- 06
Organization
Information is presented in a logical sequence that can be easily followed and understood.
5 points
- Novice
- 0 to 1
- Developing
- 2 to 3
- Proficient
- 4
- Exemplary
- 5
- 07
Persuasion
Presents a persuasive case that the venture is worth funding, both as a lasting business and as a source of real good, using clear reasoning, evidence and a logical structure.
5 points
- Novice
- 0 to 1
- Developing
- 2 to 3
- Proficient
- 4
- Exemplary
- 5
- 08
Delivery
Engages the audience through interactive techniques, such as visual storytelling or bringing in the voices of the people the venture serves.
5 points
- Novice
- 0 to 1
- Developing
- 2 to 3
- Proficient
- 4
- Exemplary
- 5
- 09
Presentation design
Visual aids and themes are used throughout and are appropriate, professional, and add value to the presentation.
5 points
- Novice
- 0 to 1
- Developing
- 2 to 3
- Proficient
- 4
- Exemplary
- 5
- 10
Overall impression
Demonstrates career readiness and genuine commitment to the mission through professionalism, poise and confidence.
5 points
- Novice
- 0 to 1
- Developing
- 2 to 3
- Proficient
- 4
- Exemplary
- 5
Cover every criterion
There are no required headings. Judges look for each element anywhere in your submission, so tell your story your way and make sure every criterion is covered.
Apply by February 1
Applications close February 1, 2027 at 11:59 pm Pacific, and are open to students at any university.
Questions first? Read the FAQ