There are truly important issues facing the world today. The President’s Challenge demonstrates the University’s commitment to using the i-lab as a vehicle for bringing individuals together in cross-school initiatives and fostering a Harvard-wide entrepreneurial community to find solutions to these problems.

This Challenge is structured to consist of two stages. Within the first stage, teams assemble with the support of i-lab programming and submit their initial proposals – due by February 8, 2016. After evaluation by the Judging Committee, ten teams will receive $5,000 each to further develop their proposals. At a Demo Day in the spring, prize winnings amounting to $100,000 and will be awarded to one grand prize winner and up to three runners-up.

The Challenge is open to ventures at any stage prior to substantive funding. Ventures still in idea-stage are strongly encouraged to apply. You will be required to fill out information on your team and your idea, and to upload a proposal of no more than 5 pages in length, including visuals, in PDF format.

The proposal should include the following sections:

1.   Problem/Impact
2.   Solution/Technology
3.   Market Opportunity
4.   Team/Advisors
5.   Go-to-Market Plan
6.   Progress to Date