General Overview
Eligibility
WPI full-time undergraduate students (as defined by the WPI Registrar at the time of submission) should enter original commercial, philanthropic, or social venture descriptions in Stage One. Each team must submit one Intent to Compete form and each team member must sign the Statement of Originality and Source of Idea form. Applicants may be assisted in making contact with financial consultants, lawyers, accountants and other relevant parties to further develop and/or commercialize ideas presented.
How to Apply
Part One - Application Forms
Email or bring both forms to Gina Betti. See contact info below.
Download and submit the Intent To Compete Form (124KB .doc) .
Developed for purpose of this competition, the ITC is a one-page Intent to Compete form used to enter the Strage Innovation Award Competition. It will contain the individual(s) concerned, their contact information, and a description of the idea.
New in 2013, we are testing an online applicaiton form. Please help us by participating in the beta-testing of this new method to apply. Intent to Compete Online Form
Download and submit the Statement of Originality and Source of Idea (29KB.pdf).
Developed for purpose of this competition, the SOSI must be signed by all individuals involved in the proposal submitted. It serves to identify when, where, and how or why the idea originated, to the best of the inventor or inventors' ability and it fosters honesty and ethical respect for the original inventor(s) of the idea.
Forms will be reviewed by a screening committee. All information is kept confidential. Teams passing screening proceed to Part Two after verbal or email notification by the CEI. It is recommended that teams attend Competition Preparation Workshops for helpful information in developing proposals.
Part Two - Written Proposal and Presentation
See Guidelines for Final Proposal. Email proposal to: cei(at)wpi.edu with "Strage Innovation Awards" in the email subject line. If the idea is significantly different than the idea described in Part One application forms, please submit a new, signed Statement of Originality and Source of Idea form. A fifteen-minute oral presentation will be made to competition judges and administrators.
Prize
$2,500 or more in prize money will be awarded as decided by the judges. First Place minimum $1500, Second Place minimum $750, and Third Place minimum $250. Honorable Mentions may be awarded.
Prototype
Prototypes are encouraged. Judges love them. But, they do not have to be functional. Cardboard, tape, glue, wires, - that's all OK. Keep this in mind: one year, the student that won laid parts out on the table. The judges used their imaginations to fill in the missing pieces. They got it. Give them credit.
Deadline extended!
March 29, 2013 - Intent to Compete and Statement of Originality Forms Due
Deliver electronically to cei@wpi.edu or in person to: Gina Betti, 216A Washburn Shops.
April 1, 2013 - Final Proposal or PowerPoint slide deck Due
The final proposal (and if required by our office, a new SOSI form) is due. Email proposals to Gina Betti at gbetti (at) wpi.edu. See "Guidelines for Final Proposal" for formatting rules.
April 2, 2013 - 9am-12pm Presentations at Chairman's Room, Campus Center
Each team delivers a fifteen-minute maximum oral presentation. Evidence of rough prototypes or beta web sites highly encouraged. Winners will be announced after the program luncheon.
