Evaluation Criteria

Judges will evaluate Competition Materials based on scoring elements (“Scoring Elements”) that identify critical components of a successful business model. Each Scoring Element has individual criteria (“Scoring Criteria”). Judges will assign points to each Scoring Criteria according to the following:

0	= Does not meet the criteria at all or attempt to – Unacceptable.
1	= Meets some criteria but unacceptable – Very poor.
2	= Meets the criteria minimally – Poor.
3	= Meets the criteria but does not exceed it – Adequate.
4	= Meets criteria and substantially exceeds it – Good.
5	= Meets criteria and demonstrates highest excellence and superiority – Excellent

Semifinal Evaluation Criteria

Judges will evaluate Competition Materials during the Semi-Finals according to the following Scoring Elements and Scoring Criteria.

Scoring Element	Scoring Criteria	Weight
A) Business Plan		80%
Innovation and Category Relevance	The business plan addresses the overarching focus and priorities of the Start-Up Challenge. The business plan presents a creative, realistic, measurable solution or novelty in which it centers its concept proposal. The business plan clearly explains how the solution (or adaptation of an existing solution) is different and improves current results or conditions. Incorporates a strategy or a vision to improve community members’ lives where the initiative will be implemented or operated. Uses innovative technology to solve the identified problem.	25%
Market feasibility	Presents a clear preliminary analysis of the community or market where the initiative will operate. The market study addresses specific needs, a market opportunity, or demand. The business plan clearly indicates how its benefits/features will be delivered and/or expanded according to demand/opportunity / needs Demonstrates operational, technical, and economic feasibility of implementation. Proposes a solid strategy for growth and expansion with achievable and sustainable goals.	25%
Management Feasibility	Provides appropriate organizational structure: mission, vision, objectives, team or organizational chart with clear roles and diversity among Team Members, Mentors, and volunteers. Demonstrates organizational capabilities or assets: physical spaces or equipment from where to operate, products or services, patents (if applicable), prototypes (if applicable). Combines technology with administrative management and operational processes.	15%
Financial Feasibility	Clearly states how much capital/investment is needed to launch/operate annually and the sources of capital. Presents a solid, clear operational budget. Demonstrates efficiency in its financial structure and forecast.	15%
B) Business Pitch Video		10%
	Demonstrates the ability to share the message and persuade the audience, considering capital needs, target market, solution, team, etc. Shows knowledge and effective skills to communicate the business strategy and vision.
C) Online Presence		10%
	Shows the brand’s identity consistently and professionally. The selected platform is suitable for the audience and has the potential to attract and engage new followers or customers.
Total		100%

Finals Evaluation Criteria

Judges will evaluate Teams and Competition Materials during the Finals according to the following Scoring Elements and Scoring Criteria.

Scoring Element	Scoring Criteria	Weight
A) Business Viability		65%
Business Plan	The idea responds/addresses the overall challenge and the specific category. The business plan presents the idea and its components. The business solution, initiative, or idea is feasible in real market conditions. The business solution, initiative, or idea improves or transforms the lives of the community where it will operate, and the team presents evidence of this. The team employs innovative technology to maximize the project’s efficiency and reach.	25%
Presentation	Presents the Business Plan effectively and compellingly. The presentation demonstrates teamwork and personal collaboration. The verbal presentation of the business plan and activities is clear. The visual presentation is clear, and attractive and displays effective graphic elements to expose the business idea and activities. The team demonstrates confidence and professionalism, showing cohesion in the presentation and knowledge of the proposal.	25%
Online Presence	The online presence (video, photo gallery, blog, website, etc.) effectively presents the product or service features. The content and design are appropriate for the target audience. The portal (website, blog, social media) is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and interactive, fostering audience engagement.	15%
B) Financial and Investment Strategy		20%
	Clearly states capital investment and the sources of capital. Explains well how seed capital would contribute to the team’s efforts to enhance environmental solutions in the Start-Up Challenge. Demonstrates an opportunity for the industry/ international community to support the development of the solution, initiative, or idea at a local level. Demonstrates efficiency in its financial structure and forecast
C) Transformation and scale		15%
	Demonstrates involvement with grassroots communities, organizations and/or vulnerable groups. Clear scalability strategy with the potential to impact other communities or regions. Proposes a plan for the internationalization of operations.
Total		100%

Start-Up Challenge

Rules