The contest consists of three steps:

1. Download the required concept paper and business plan template and submit your business idea. If your paper is selected, you will move on to the next step as a semi-finalist.
   
   
2. All semi-finalists will be asked to submit a 10 page business plan. Eight finalists will be selected to continue to the final round.
   
   
3. Finalists must make a 10 minute PowerPoint presentation and complete a 10 minute Q&A session before a judging panel on competition day.

Submissions must meet the following requirements:

• 12-point, Arial font
• One-inch margins
• eMailed in PDF or Word format to: gfs11@psu.edu (no hard copies allowed)
• Concept papers and business plans must have a title page that includes:
  • Title of project
  • Names, local addresses, e-mail addresses, phone numbers of all team members
  • Name of affiliated college
• Supporting documentation or preliminary research is recommended

Formats/templates for the concept paper and small business plan can be found in the resources section.

Judging will be based on the following criteria:

• Innovativeness or technology focus
• Business plan quality
• Potential to create jobs
• Plan and presentation professionalism
• Potential for commercialization

*All participants and judges will be required to sign nondisclosure agreements that protect the ideas submitted for one year from the competition date.