Innovation Challenge — Unique, Creative Ideas Wanted

The Rothman Institute of Entrepreneurial Studies has launched the second annual FDU Innovation Challenge, a competition for University faculty, staff and undergraduate and graduate students, which encourages creative and innovative ideas for unique products or services. Ideas can apply to a for-profit company or a nonprofit organization.

Faculty or staff members who submit a winning entry will receive $500. Undergraduate and graduate student winners will receive $1,000 (first prize), $500 (second prize) and $250 (third prize). Entries will be judged by a panel of corporate executives, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists.

To participate, download the entry form from http://view.fdu.edu/default.aspx?id=5630 . Each form should include the following information: innovation, need, customers, uniqueness, competitors, how you plan to protect the idea and societal benefit. It is important to stay within the word limit specified for each section. Word limits are as follows: innovation title (10 words); innovation description (15 words); customers (125 words); and need, uniqueness, protecting idea and societal benefit (100 words each). The Rothman Institute’s mentors-in-residence as well as selected faculty are available to provide guidance and helpful tips.

Entries will be judged based on the following criteria:

• Overall feasibility and persuasiveness of idea,

• Potential for growth or overall societal benefit,

• Clarity and development of innovation and

• Feasibility of building and sustaining a competitive advantage.

Completed entry forms must be submitted as Word documents e-mailed as attachments to: fduchallenge@yahoo.com by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 17. The participant’s name should be included in the e-mail’s subject line. Applications should only be sent once. If entry forms need to be resent, type second e-mail with participant’s name in the subject line. (For example, Subject: 2nd e-mail – John Smith.)

All submissions will be kept confidential unless chosen as a winning entry. Only the winning titles will be disclosed. A brief description of the winning idea or product will be disclosed only upon approval of the author.

For information call 973-443-8842 or go to http://www.fdu.edu/rothman . The competition is sponsored by Hollister Construction Services.