There are three rounds of judging for the Youth Innovation Showcase.
Round 1: Review – Between September 24 and October 9, our panel of judges will review the 1- page Innovation Report and 45-Second Pitch Video for each project and submit scores with personalized feedback. Up to 10 projects from each age category will advance to the Semi-Finals.
Round 2: Semi-Finals – The Semi-Final interviews will take place virtually on October 22. Judge scores and feedback will be based on the interview, the 45-Second Pitch Video, and 1-page Innovation Report. The five (5) projects from each age category with the highest scores will advance to the Finals.
Round 3: Finals – Interviews for Finalists will take place virtually on November 19. Judge scores and feedback will be based on the interview, as well as the updated 90-Second Pitch Videos and 1-page Innovation Reports. The winners of the 2024 Youth Innovation Showcase will be announced at the live Awards Show on November 27.
Judging Criteria
Judge scores will be based on four criteria:
Innovation (40%):
- How unique is your idea?
- Does something like your idea already exist? If so, how is your idea different?
- How did you approach the problem in a creative way?
- How challenging is your project based on your age group?
- Did you challenge yourself in the problem you took on, in how you tried to solve it, and in the construction or technique of your innovation?
- Is there an opportunity to expand this project in the future?
- What research did you conduct to validate the need for your innovation?
Communication (35%):
- How well did you explain your innovation, the problem it solves, and how your innovation solves it?
- Did you speak slowly and clearly?
- Did you check for comprehension with your audience?
- Can you explain your idea to someone without any background or knowledge in your topic?
Engagement (10%):
- Did the display of the innovation catch the judges’ interest?
- Did the display of the innovation encourage further conversation and engagement with judges?
- Did you show how passionate and excited you are about your innovation?
- How did you express your personal connection to the problem your innovation addresses?
Functional & Realistic (15%):
- Does the innovation function as it is outlined, including no significant gaps?
- Is the innovation realistic in solving a problem in society or community?
- Has the innovation been tested or are there outlines to propose possible testing of the innovation, including reaching out to stakeholders?
- What specific metrics will you use to measure the success of your innovation?
- What are the potential ethical considerations related to your innovation and how will you address them?
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