I.D.E.A. Pitch Competition
The Turner School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation's I.D.E.A. is a Pitch competition where Bradley University students are challenged to create innovative ideas for projects that can address current issues and problems in one or more of the competition topics (Inclusiveness, Diversity, Equality and Accessibility).
These ideas can influence either the non-profit or for-profit organizations. Many non-profit entities choose to focus their efforts on solving the world's most pressing issues, while others may dedicate their efforts exclusively to a local challenge. Those with a for-profit organization may decide that by operating in a socially conscious manner, they can still do financially well.
Competition Rules and Eligibility
Eligibility
The I.D.E.A. participation is limited to teams that include active Bradley University students or alumni as define below
- Bradley University students enrolled either full-time or part-time in degree programs.
- Bradley University alumni who have graduated within one year of the deadline for the Preliminary Round.
- Non-students are allowed as team members, if at least one qualifying Bradley University student or alum on the team.
The team’s (one to three) professional idea/plan must be developed during the current school year and the Bradley University student/alumnus must have played a major role in creating it.
Working with outside social or business entrepreneurs with existing business/business ideas is permissible, but as noted in #2 above, the student/alumnus must play a major role in it if selected as a finalist.
It is acceptable for a competitor to already have earned revenue, however the total company revenues cannot exceed $100k as of the date of the registration to the competition.
Rules
Proposals must include the following:
- Describe the problem or challenge as it relates to one of the suggested social topics (Inclusiveness, Diversity, Equality and Accessibility).
- Explain and identify the intended social impact of the solution
- Indicate how the social impact will be measured and evaluated
- Provide details on how the solution will be implemented and sustained
Each student can compete with up to three different ideas. An individual registration is required for each idea.
In the Final Presentation Round of the competition, only Bradley University students or alumni will be allowed to present.
The I.D.E.A. organization committee reserves the right to make the final determination of the appropriateness of submitted videos. Not all prizes may be awarded depending on the quality of submissions
How to Compete in I.D.E.A. Pitch competition?
The competition will proceed in a 2-round fashion. For consideration, all submissions must relate to one or more of the proposed competition topics (Inclusiveness, Diversity, Equality and Accessibility).
Preliminary Round
Competitors record a 90-sec video pitch and upload it on the registration website, describing their idea and addressing a sustainable plan as described in the above. A panel of judges will score the papers, with the top competitors (5 maximum) advancing to the Final Round. Video submission deadline: Friday September 16th, 2022, noon.
Coaching sessions to help candidates to prepare their proposals are scheduled at the Idea Factory in the Library (#229) in two dates: September 7th, 1 - 3 pm and September 14th 1 - 3 pm.
Final Round
After the announcement of the finalist teams, feedbacks from the judges will be available to all competitors. The finalist teams should take their feedback and incorporate adjustments and improvements for both the idea and the pitch. Finalist teams should redesign their presentation to a live 3 minutes presentation with a Q&A session with the panel of judges. Presentation Date: September 23rd, 2022 at the Student Center Ballroom.
Prize Package
Cash and in-kind prizes totaling up to $1,500 will be awarded to the top five competitors. Certain restrictions apply.
The 2022 I.D.E.A. Pitch competition is made possible in part by generous financial support from the Office of the Diversity & Inclusion Office at Bradley University.
Assistance
To prepare the competitors, mentoring, coaching and application support will be provided throughout the competition and afterwards as well to help students launch and implement their projects. Watch for upcoming meetings on how to prepare your video and your presentation pitch, and more.
Confidentiality
The Turner School considers all submitted ideas as confidential and treats all team matters as such. Due to the nature of the competition, we cannot guarantee complete confidentiality for proprietary matters. Bradley University, the Turner School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and the organizers of the competition are not responsible for any proprietary information and/or intellectual property included in a competition idea or submitted plan. Ultimately, protection of sensitive materials (such as: intellectual property, copyright, or patent confidentiality) is the sole responsibility of the competitors participating. Non-Disclosure Agreements will not be signed by judges, mentors, or any Bradley University staff associated with the competition.
Financial Aid
Students can receive financial aid up to a Budgeted Cost of Attendance (COA), which is the estimated cost to attend Bradley University, including tuition and fees, books and supplies, living expenses, transportation costs, and miscellaneous expenses. Please be aware that if this award exceeds your COA, it may cause other previously issued aid such as loans to be reduced. If aid is impacted by this award, distribution of the award can be delayed until the conclusion of the semester. All awards are taxable to the individual recipients.
