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University of Washington
 

UW Environmental Innovation Challenge--Intent to Submit Due February 10

Innovation in Clean-Tech + Market Opportunity = Solutions for the Planet
March 29, 2012, Seattle Center Exhibition Hall

Intent to Submit due February 10 Click here for the online application. Information requested on team members and the prototype/computer simulation. This helps us plan the event!

General Information
If you’ve got a passion for cleantech, the smarts to play in the emerging “green economy,” and the desire to make an impact, the UW Environmental Innovation Challenge can provide just the platform you’ve been looking for. The grand prize is $10,000, and in all the EIC awards more than $27,500 to student teams.

In the UW Challenge, interdisciplinary student teams define a cleantech problem, design and develop the solution, and produce both a prototype (proof of concept/computer simulation) and a 5-7 page business summary that demonstrates the market opportunity.

Who Can Participate?
Any student team from a Pacific NW college or university can participate in the UW Environmental Innovation Challenge. Students must be enrolled in degree-seeking programs. Non-students may be members of the team and assist in preparing for the UW Challenge; however, they may not present at the UW Challenge. Teams must be student-driven. We highly encourage cross-disciplinary teams.

How Is the Event Judged? Judging Criteria
Teams are judged on a 5- to 7-page business summary, a 1-2 minute pitch to the judges at the Challenge, the prototype (computer simulation) demonstration at the Challenge, and the potential for impact.

Who Are the Judges?
More than 100 Washington State industry experts, entrepreneurs, and cleantech investors serve as judges. Teams are judged on their prototypes, their pitches and business summaries, and the potential impact of
their innovations. Can your idea reduce environmental impacts, improve ecological sustainability, conserve resources, and compete in the marketplace? Prove it at the UW Challenge.

Timeline + Deliverables
February 10, Intent To Submit Due. Click here for the online application. Information requested on team members and the prototype/computer simulation. This helps us plan the event!
February 16, 3-5:00 “Office Hours” by appointment. Meet with the experts, CIE Office
February 28. Business Summary due by midnight. 5-7 pages describing the problem, solution, the team, market opportunity, and prototype. Feedback on both the solution and the summary will be provided by a panel of judges to each team.
March 8, 6-7:30. Presentation Skills Training Paccar Hall Rm 394. Mandatory that all teams in the greater Seattle area send at least one team member. Recommended for everyone to attend.
March 28, Sunday by midnight. 1-page Business Summary. Describe the problem, solution, team, market opportunity, and potential for impact and the prototype.
March 29, Thursday. The Challenge! Set up in the morning, buffet lunch, judging 1-5:00, Reception/Awards ceremony 5-7:00. All will be held at Seattle Center, Exhibition Hall off Mercer Street.

For more information: Pam Tufts, ptufts@uw.edu, 206 685-3813 eic.washington.edu
Other Resources
Visit the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneur’s Resource for Startups webpage.