Proposal Submission Criteria

• Each team is required to submit a business proposal in a common digital format such as DOC or PDF.
• The length of the proposal text is maximum 10 pages.
• The proposal must contain the following information, category-wise.

Category 1: Value Created by the New Product or Service or Expansion of the Current Product or Services

• What is the problem? Clearly indicate the implications and impact of the problem through data narration.
• Show an analysis/benchmark of at least one verifiable data source and demonstrate the nature and degree of existing challenges/obstacles that you want to address.
• What is the new and unique value of the product/service?
• What is the revised value of your product or service for further expansion?
• What needs/wants are you trying to satisfy?
• How important is this product/service to customers and other stakeholders?
• Provide your validation process/expansion plan for product-market fit and your goals for customer development.

Category 2: Ideas to Transform Our World

Review how your proposal idea leads to the “greater good” in society. Your proposal idea can address more than one complex issue.

• What issues in society are you looking to tackle with your proposal? Provide societal, economic, or political context.
• How does your team’s proposal support and lead to the “greater good” in the world? Explain and be specific.
• What is the short-term and long-term impact of your proposal within society?

Category 3: Attractiveness of the Market Opportunity

• How large is the market and how fast is it growing?
• What is your market entry strategy?
• Can the product/service be successfully monetized?
• Is the business model both realistic and viable over the short term?
• Is the product/service scalable?
• What is your intended impact on individuals, communities, and countries? Be specific about reach. Consider how you can maximize multiple economic, social, and environmental benefits.

Category 4: Competitive Advantage of the Proposed Venture

Competitive advantage refers to factors that allow a company to produce goods or services better or more cheaply than its rivals.

• Are barriers to entry identified?
• How are you positioning your product/service in relation to competitors?
• Is the product/service favorably positioned in the distribution channel?
• Can this product/service be a leader in its market?
• How long will it take you to get to market?

Category 5: Operational and Technological Viability

Participants should assess the operational and technological aspects of their distribution methods, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and compatibility with existing systems and infrastructures.

• How will the product or service be produced and delivered to customers?
• What are the distribution channels?
• Is any intellectual property essential to success?
• How will rights to intellectual property be secured?
• Are there regulatory hurdles?
• How long will it take to develop the property?
• Are key milestones identified?

Category 6: Capital Requirements and Financial Forecast

Forecast individual current assets and current liabilities using various working capital ratios, such as receivable days, inventory days, and payable days.

• How will you use the seed money?
• What are your fixed, variable, and periodic expenses?
• Is any intellectual property essential to success?
• Is the investment required all at once or can it be staged?
• How will you sustain your business for the long term and who are your long-term supporters?

Start submitting your proposal based on criteria above: