I³ Harvard College Innovation Challenge FAQ
Eligibility
Who is eligible to participate?
The I³ Harvard College Innovation Challenge competition is open to all Harvard College undergraduates, as well as to teams of entrepreneurs that have at least one Harvard College student involved in a significant capacity. Teams submitting projects to the I³ must have a team leader from Harvard College. However, team members can be from any university, as well as from the greater entrepreneurship community.
Though the competition is particularly aimed at freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, seniors are eligible to win $15K of the total grant money.
Funding
How is the prize money awarded?
Top prizes in the For-Profit Startups, Social Entrepreneurship, and Creative Enterprise tracks are expected to be $10,000 grants. For the Campus Service Venture track, winners will receive $2,500 and the opportunity to use the infrastructure and resources of Harvard Student Agencies, Inc. (including
an annual salary and bonus) to run the campus service venture.
Judging
My idea falls into two tracks. What should I do?
With one particular idea, you may apply to up to two tracks, indicating on your application which track you would like us to give preference to during judging. You may not submit more than one plan to the I³ competition.
How will the competition be judged?
The panel of judges will include venture capitalists, technology experts,
and innovators from the Harvard community who have experience in the particular area of each track. The selection criteria for each track can be found on the respective track's page.
What is the judging process like?
Once plans are submitted, there may be one or more rounds of screening, when semi-finalists are chosen and interviewed by the judges.
Teams
How large can my team be?
Teams can vary in size from two to five individuals. At least one of the
team members must be a Harvard College undergraduate student.
Do I have to be on a team, or can I work by myself?
While you are welcome to apply by yourself, a successful project generally requires at least two committed members, and thus it will be advantageous to apply with a team (see instructions for finding a team below).
Can I participate on multiple teams?
Yes. You can be a member of more than one team.
I have an idea. How do I find teammates?
You should attend I³ sponsored events through which you can meet potential teammates. Visit our upcoming events calendar and sign up for our mailing list to be notified as new events are announced. You can also visit the HCEF Community page to find someone who might be a potential teammate.
I am not from Harvard. How can I participate?
Individuals not affiliated with Harvard College will need to find Harvard undergraduate teammates. You can do so by following the suggestions given under the "I have an idea. How do I find teammates?" section of this page.
Other
How can I become a member of I³ Organizing Committee?
I³ is organized by an alliance of several groups, and we welcome new organizations who are also committed to promoting innovation. Please contact us at info@i3.fas.harvard.edu for more information.
How do I protect my intellectual property?
Submitted plans will not require the sharing of any proprietary information. Requests for non-disclosure agreements will be treated on a case-by-case basis.