Judging Rubrics
Understand how your application will be evaluated across the screening rounds.
Screening Round 1:
Round 1 identifies the most promising science-based ideas and capable founding teams with clear articulation of problem, innovation, and feasibility. Based on part 1 of the application form along with the pitch deck and video pitch from part 3.
| Criterion | Description | Weight (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Problem & Market Clarity | Assesses whether the problem is clearly defined, significant, and grounded in a real, identifiable need. The team should articulate who experiences the problem, why it matters, and why it is worth solving now. | 30 |
| Solution & Innovation (Scientific / Technical Basis) | Evaluates the novelty and originality of the proposed solution, including whether it is grounded in credible science or technology and meaningfully differentiated from existing approaches. | 30 |
| Early Business Logic | Assesses whether the team demonstrates a basic understanding of how the innovation creates value, including intended users, use cases, and high level revenue logic. | 20 |
| Communication & Conviction | Evaluates clarity, coherence, and persuasiveness of the pitch deck and the video pitch, including the team’s ability to explain the problem and solution clearly and confidently. | 20 |
Screening Round 2:
Round 2 assesses the technical soundness, scientific rigor, and early validation of the proposed solution. Based on the executive summary and supporting data from part 3 in the application.
| Criterion | Description | Weight (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Feasibility & Validation Approach | Assesses whether the solution is technically feasible based on evidence provided (experimental, simulated, calculated, or well-reasoned theoretical). Teams are not penalized for lack of experimental data if assumptions are clearly justified. | 25 |
| Scientific Rigor & Quality of Reasoning | Evaluates the soundness of scientific or engineering logic, clarity of assumptions, grounding in first principles or literature, and acknowledgment of limitations. | 20 |
| Commercial Logic & Market Credibility | Assesses whether the team demonstrates a realistic understanding of the target market, customer value, and adoption pathway, consistent with the technical solution presented. | 20 |
| Scalability & Development Pathway | Evaluates whether the team presents a logical roadmap from current concept to scalable implementation, including key technical and commercial milestones. | 20 |
| Impact & Sustainability Alignment | Considers environmental, social, or economic impact and alignment with sustainability or strategic priorities. | 10 |
| Clarity of Technical & Business Communication | Evaluates how clearly technical concepts, assumptions, business logic, and next steps are communicated in the executive summary and any optional supporting material. | 5 |