Apply to pitch an idea to solve a real problem with an innovative solution. No experience necessary!
The Ideas Competition
Launched in 2014, the Ideas Competition is a pitch contest for entrepreneurial Tufts students to choose a problem worth solving, come up with a great solution, and deliver a 3-minute venture pitch for a chance to win up to $1,000 per team in cash prizes.
Many Ideas Competition winners go on to apply for the Tufts New Ventures Competition. Some go on to build new ventures over the summer and beyond.
No experience necessary. Just book a 1×1 Coaching Meeting and we will help you develop your idea!
2024 Dates
Applications open: October 1, 2024
Deadline: October 20, 2024
Full hybrid live pitch event: November 8, 2024
Eligibility, Applications, and How To Prepare
Who Should Apply?
Students who want to develop an idea to solve a real problem, and to learn how to take your idea from concept to a live pitch should apply.
No experience necessary. We have resources to help you learn to define a problem worth solving, ideate a solution that is unique and better than the alternatives, outline a plan to get people to use this solution, and pitch it to an audience.
People of color, women, and people within the LGBTQ+ community are encouraged to apply.
Eligibility
Students may join as an individual or as a team.
Each application must have at least one core team member who is a current or gap year student (undergraduate or graduate) at Tufts University across ALL 11 schools and colleges.
Students or teams who have already won a prize at a previous Ideas Competition or Tufts $100k New Ventures Competition may not apply again with the same idea.
Preparing For The Competition
We have many resources to help you prepare.
- Book a 1×1 office hours meeting with a coach to get guidance on selecting a problem to solve and developing a concept for a solution.
- Watch recorded educational workshops or browse our online Entrepreneurship Learning Center.
- Watch winning pitches from previous years for inspiration about how to deliver a winning pitch.
Prizes
Judges’ Choice:
- 1st Place — $1,000
- 2nd Place — $500
- 3rd Place — $250
Most Promising Undergraduate Team:
- $500
Audience Favorite:
- $250
Judging and Winner Selection
Judging Rubric
- Problem: Does the team understand the problem and target customer?
- Impact: Did the team convince you this problem is worth solving? How big is the problem? How is the world a better place if the team solves this problem?
- Solution: Does the proposed solution solve the problem in a unique manner compared to the alternative?
- Adoption: Did the team present a credible plan for distribution and widespread adoption of their solution?
- Applicant: Did the applicant / team convince the judges they are the right people to solve this problem?
- Presentation: Was the team effective in presenting their idea?
- Wildcard: Did anything about the team particularly impress you?