Judging & Criteria

The CEI@WPI ALL-OUT Business Plan Challenge accepts business plans for technology businesses. A business that merely employs technology may not be considered a technology business. For example, selling "Pet Rocks" over the internet would not be considered a technology business even though information technology is employed in the business model. The business may any size and in the service, manufacturing or retail space.

The judges reserve the right to disqualify any entry that in their sole judgment violates either the letter or the spirit of the competition. All decisions of the judges are final.

Our judges have varied backgrounds and include:

The judges will seek to determine the answers to a number of questions through the written business plan. Some of the questions are:

  1. Is the value proposition realistic?
  2. Are the competitive advantages believable?
  3. Is the target market prediction sensible?
  4. Considering the value proposition, competitive advantage and target market prediction, does the revenue and profit model make sense?
  5. Who are the first customers and how important is the venture to these customers? Is it expensive for these customers to switch?
  6. Does it appear that the team is well constituted? If not, how difficult will it be to hire people with the necessary competencies?
  7. If intellectual property is important, can it be protected?
  8. Are there any prior funding obligations that present problems for new investors?
  9. What is the expected time frame and pay-off for new investors?
  10. What are the prospects for raising additional funding as needed?
  11. Will the business be around in five years?
  12. Is the business plan clear and well written?
  13. Is the business plan persuasive?
  14. Do the principals involved demonstrate a strong commitment to the venture's success?
  15. Does the plan demonstrate technical or conceptual originality?
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Last modified: May 21, 2007 10:40:32