Eligibility, Requirements, & Expectations
Please read the following information carefully. Innovate@BU reserves the right to verify any submitted information for accuracy to address any circumstances in which the following rules do not apply and to disqualify any entry.
Teams & Participation
- A team could consist of one or more members.
- For currently enrolled BU PhD students, this competition is intended for creative work outside of your thesis work.
- Each team may only apply with one idea and compete in one track.
- The application should be submitted by the Boston University student or Class of 2023 alumni who is the founder/co-founder of the venture and will act as the primary team contact during the competition.
- Teams that apply to the Social Impact Track must be able to demonstrate in their application and pitch that they prioritize social impact in their organizational decision-making and planning.
- Teams must have at least one current BU degree-seeking student or a BU Class of 2023 alumni who 1) is a co-founder, 2) plays a key management role in the venture, and 3) will take part as one of the main presenters in each competing round
- Teams may include non-BU members as long as the previous requirement is met.
- Applicants must commit to being available to attend and participate in the Semi-Finals event (for their track), Finals event (for their track), and the Innovators’ Night for their entirety (see dates and times).
Funding & Revenue Limitations
- Have not raised more than $250,000 in funding or grants.
- Generated less than $500,000 in annual revenue.
- Semi-finalists and Finalists will be required to present 3-5 year financial projections during their pitch.
Ideas
- Winners of Top 3 cash prizes in previous NVC’s cannot compete with the same venture idea. They may enter with a new venture idea.
- Teams must apply with an original idea and agree to not violate any contract or third-party rights including any patent, copyright, trade secret, propriety or confidential information, trademark, publicity or privacy rights.
Participant Expectations
This is a multi-round competition with many moving parts and logistics, including locations, dates and times, materials that may need to be emailed/collected in advance, etc. You are expected to be responsive to communication that is generally sent via email. If you do not respond to an email within 48 hours, we will assume you are not participating in the next stage of the competition.