The Challenges Innovator Competition rewards students who have innovative project or venture ideas that address economic, social, or cultural challenges. If you have an original idea that meets a local or global need and maximizes positive impact, apply for this award and be a Challenges Innovator.

Purpose

To promote the implementation of viable ideas that maximize positive impact in our local and global communities.

Prizes

10 entries will win up to $2,000 in funding; 1 entry will win up to $5,000 in funding for the best overall idea.

Eligibility

All full- or part-time students pursuing any undergraduate or graduate degree program at Arizona State University can participate. Individual students or teams of students are eligible, with preference given to teams (up to five members). Teams are encouraged to incorporate members from different departments or colleges within the university. Teams may also have members who are external to the university, but team leaders must be ASU students. Although not required, all participants are strongly encouraged to identify a faculty member or professional who will serve as a mentor for the project or venture. Submissions must clearly identify an ASU Challenge the project or venture will help address.

ASU Challenges include:

• How do we educate in a rapidly changing world?
• How do we focus information and technology to produce meaningful change?
• How do we build strong, vibrant communities?
• How do we create a sustainable way of life?
• How do we promote economic opportunity and security?
• How do we lead healthier, more fulfilling lives?
• How do we defend and extend human rights?
• How do we understand the past and present for the sake of the future?

Timeline

• January 26, 27, 28: ASU Innovation Challenge Kick-Off Events at the Downtown Phoenix, Polytechnic, Tempe, and West campuses (participation not required to enter the Challenges Innovator Competition)
• February/March: Variety of skill-building and proposal writing workshops (participation not required but strongly recommended to enter the Challenges Innovator Competition)
• March 31: Proposals due
• April 16: Elevator Pitches
• April 30: Winners announced

Judging

Innovations will be judged by a panel of experts in innovation from within the university and external to the university.

Applications will be reviewed for their adherence to Challenge requirements and judging criteria. A final round of applications will be invited to pitch the idea to the judging panel on April 16.

Criteria include:

• Innovation
  The idea addresses a clearly identified need or problem linked to one of the ASU Challenges and the idea is particularly innovative.

• Impact
  The most successful proposals encompass ideas that, if scaled, solve the problem they address or significantly impact progress toward meeting the identified challenge. The proposal should provide an explanation of the potential impact of the innovation or idea, and should identify reasonable benchmarks of success and a plan to achieve them.

• Implementation
  The implementation of the idea must be feasible given the requested budget, implementation plan and management of the idea. The proposal should provide a reasonable budget incorporating approved use of Challenge funds, an implementation plan and background on each team member that supports the team’s successful management of the idea. The team should also identify a mentor to support them in their efforts.

Submission Requirements

All submissions must be typed, double-spaced, and use Times New Roman 12-point font. Suggested length of proposals is 7-10 pages (excluding appendices). Appendices should include resumes for each team member. If the team has identified a mentor, appendices should also include a letter from the proposed mentor detailing his/her commitment to the project. Submission components should be saved as a single Word or PDF document. Final round applicants will be asked to provide proof of enrollment. Be sure to download and check out the Challenges Innovator application tip sheet to help make your application the best it can be!

Use of Funds

Funds may be used for expenses that successfully advance the project or venture’s development. Examples of eligible expenses include materials/supplies, building of prototypes, legal expenses, etc. Funds may NOT be used for tuition, textbooks, business meals/entertainment, personal computers, travel, or salaries. Judges reserve the right to decide whether or not expenses are acceptable for the use of Challenges Innovator Competition funds.