Eligibility

A student is eligible to compete if enrolled (public, private, or home-school) and in good academic standing in the 9th–12th grade during the competition period. Organizers may allow limited participation from international students of similar academic levels at their discretion. Organizers also reserve the right to exclude previous entrants if the presented idea is not substantially different from the previous year. This change must include substantial new evidence of how the idea meets the competition criteria.

Teams

Each team must consist of between one to six members. The advisor guides the team, while the team leader is responsible for adhering to guidelines and meeting deadlines. Advisors may oversee multiple teams. Each team must have a designated leader who is an eligible student under Section I and will handle compliance and correspondence.

Limited non-student involvement is allowed, but students must be the innovative core of the team. Each team must have an advisor over 21, and an adult over 21 must chaperone any event, with the advisor approving any substitute chaperone. Teams may also have mentors for guidance in relevant areas.

Schedule of Events

The InnoVators competition includes several events throughout the year:

• Applications Open for Round 1 - November 1st, 2024
• Applications close for Round 1 – February 28th, 2024 at 11:59PM
• Round 1 Online – March 17 - 21, 2025
• Round 2 Illinois Wesleyan University – April 12, 2025

The final schedule and venues will be announced at the start of the competition cycle and posted on the competition website. Any necessary changes will also be announced online and communicated to teams.

Judging Criteria

Round 1: Teams are evaluated on their 90-second elevator pitch based on engagement, clarity, originality, and practicality. Connectivity issues will not impact participants. Teams may submit a 90-second video about their idea for the People’s Choice award, worth $500, with votes from website visitors.

Round 2: Teams are judged on a three-minute presentation, focusing on the same criteria as Round 1.

Evaluation Criteria

• Originality – How new is the idea?
• Innovation – How clever is the idea?
• Utility – Is the idea marketable?
• Potential – Can the idea grow in impact?
• Consequence – Will the idea make a difference?
• Practicality – Can the idea be executed?
• Sustainability – Both financial and environmental responsibility.

Teams are also judged on grammar, logic, clarity, poise, professionalism, and effective use of technology in their presentations.

Professionalism

Participants must adhere to high standards of ethics, including honest communication, avoiding conflicts of interest, and respecting competition rules. Team members are expected to dress business casual for public events, representing their teams and sponsors professionally. No discrimination is tolerated on any protected basis.

Disclaimers

The InnoVators competition includes public presentations, and participants should consider intellectual property implications of disclosed information. InnoVators and associated parties assume no liability for disclosures made during the competition.

Indemnification

By participating, entrants agree to hold InnoVators and associated entities harmless regarding the quality of in-kind services offered as prizes. Entrants also grant InnoVators the right to use event photos and videos for promotional purposes without compensation and consent to live broadcasting of their participation.