General Overview
"Despite decades of extraordinary economic growth and development, social problems not only still exist but have grown in impact, complexity and severity notwithstanding the investment of vast sums of money.
"In terms of innovation – the application of new ideas, creative approaches to seemingly intractable problems – the not-for-profit sector of our economy lags desperately far behind the business sector...
"Without massive innovative inputs, funds invested in this sector will continue to be ineffective."
- Henry Strage, Chairman, International Disability Foundation
Strage Innovation Awards entries will be accepted from WPI undergraduate students, or teams of WPI undergraduate students, full-time (as defined by the WPI Registrar) at the time of submission. Commercial ventures, social enterprise initiatives, and philanthropic ventures will be considered. All applicants will sign a statement with respect to the originality and source of the idea. A select panel of judges, each distinguished experts in their fields, will hear the final presentations and select the winners.
Entry Consists Of Two Stages
Stage One:
"Intent to Compete" and "Statement of Originality and Source of Idea" Forms
A single-page Intent To Compete (ITC) Form (124KB DOC) is required to officially enter the competition. The form should briefly state the idea or concept and the individual or team members that will be involved.
Entrants will also provide a signed Statement of Originality and Source of Idea (29KB PDF).
All entries will be reviewed by selected experts. Entrants passing an initial screening can receive advice, where possible, in developing their proposals to the second stage. It is highly recommended that entrants attend the Entrepreneur Initiative Workshops and/or Competition Preparation Workshops for helpful information provided in developing business plans and presentations.
Stage Two:
Finalist Submission and Presentation
Final entry consists of a formal written description of the idea or concept. See Guidelines for Final Proposal. If the idea is significantly different than the original proposal on the ITC, a new signed Statement of Originality and Source of Idea form will be required. A thirty-minute oral presentation will be made to a panel of judges and competition administrators. Audio visual equipment is available.
Prize Details
$2,500 in prize money will be divided among the top three entries as decided by the judges:
First Place | $1,500 |
Second Place | $750 |
Third Place | $250 |
Winners will, if interested, be assisted in making contact with financial consultants; lawyers, accountants and other relevant parties to further develop and/or commercialize ideas presented.
Maintained by webmaster@wpi.eduLast modified: February 18, 2008 12:02:27