Jones Idea Challenge

Jones Idea Challenge | Corporate Reverse Pitch

COMPANY PROBLEM + STUDENT IDEAS + TEAM COACHES

Our newest entrepreneurial competition, designed just for undergraduate students: solve a real company problem, work with a team coach, and compete for cash prizes.

1. Companies pitch a problem on the theme of ’Tech for Social Impact’  in person on campus January 23rd.
2. Teams of 1-3 students select a problem to solve and then work closely with a business coach to create an innovative solution.
3. Teams will pitch back their solutions on February 28.
4. Company Judges will award First Place ($2500), Second Place ($1500), and Third Place ($1000) Prizes! 

KEY DATES

• 1.19.20  Registration Deadline for Students
• 1.23.20  Company Problem Pitch & Team Formation Event
• 2.28.20  Student Solution Pitch Event & Prize Awards

Student Registration Form 

Company Application Form

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

JAN 23 | Companies pitch a problem to students

• Undergraduate students find ‘intra-preneurial’ solutions for problems that require innovative and creative thinking
• Ex: “We need app users to upload photos of accessible routes to our AI database, and think we want to target friends and family of wheelchair users – what is the best way to reach this population and how should we focus our outreach?”

JAN 23 | Students select a problem and form teams

• Teams of 1-3 students
• Companies may have several teams work on the project, or may not be selected by any teams.

JAN-FEB | Students work with a Team Coach to Ideate a Solution

• Local professionals work closely to advise a team on their solution idea
• Teams meet with weekly with coaches
• Company representative is available to answer questions and provide additional information

FEB 28 | Team pitch back solution ideas to companies

• Each company provides one person for the judging panel
• First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded based on the most impactful and realistic solution

PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS

COMPANIES

• Complete the company application form by January 10
• One dedicated contact person for the project
• Attend Jan 23 kickoff event to present problem: 5min presentation (ppt slides recommended) and 5 min Q&A
• Be available to answer team questions during the program (approx.. 30 min/week)
• Serve as a Judge for Feb 28 team presentations
• Free for companies to participate
• Connect directly with the best and brightest business students for recruiting, etc.

 Company Application Form

STUDENTS

• Register individually online by January 19 (use button below or click here)
• Work with a team coach to create an early-stage solution for the company’s problem
• Work alone or in a group of up to 3 students
• Create a 10-minute presentation covering your solution idea
• Attend company pitch event Jan. 23 and final presentations Feb. 28 on campus

Student Registration Form 

COACHES

• Work with a team of 1-3 students over five weeks (Jan 24-Feb 28)
• Advise them on their plan, suggest resources, and provide guidance (about 1-2 hrs/wk)
• Benefit from the support of a ‘Coach Lead’ who is available as a resource to you

Questions?! Email Amelia @ marckwor@seattleu.edu