Innovation Challenge Rules & Guidelines

The Media+Tech Collective Innovation Challenge is designed to connect students with real-world challenges in the media and technology industry. Participants collaborate in teams to develop innovative solutions, gain mentorship from industry leaders, and present their ideas to professionals in the field.

Overview

Teams of 3–5 students will compete in a multi-round competition consisting of one or more virtual rounds followed by an in-person Final.

Virtual Rounds: Teams present solutions and receive feedback from industry professionals
Final Round: Selected teams present live to a panel of judges

The number of rounds and advancing teams will depend on the number of applicants and will be communicated after the application deadline.

Competition Timeline (High-Level)

Application Period: Late Summer / Early Fall
Team Selection & Notification: Following application deadline
Case Release: Early Fall
Virtual Rounds: Approximately 4–5 weeks
Final Round: In-person event in November

Detailed schedules will be shared with accepted teams.

Prizes

Top teams will receive cash prizes and recognition:

1st Place: $3,000+
2nd Place: $2,000
3rd Place: $1,000

Final prize amounts will be confirmed prior to the Final round.

Eligibility

Open to graduate students and approved undergraduate students
Must be 18 years of age or older
Must be enrolled in an accredited college or university
Students graduating during the competition period are eligible
Prior or current industry experience must be disclosed and approved
Participants must be willing to appear on camera for virtual sessions

Team Formation

Teams must consist of 3–5 students
Participants may apply as a full team or individually
Individuals may request help forming a team (not guaranteed)
Priority may be given to complete teams

Participant Commitment

Participants are expected to actively engage throughout the competition:

Estimated time commitment: 2–4 hours per week
Includes team collaboration, mentor sessions, and preparation
Participants must remain responsive to communications

Lack of engagement may impact advancement or result in removal from the competition.

Confidentiality & Collaboration

Team materials will not be shared between teams by organizers
Teams are responsible for maintaining confidentiality of their work
Shared tools (e.g., Google Drive, Microsoft Teams) should be restricted to team members and mentors
Teams may seek general feedback externally at their own discretion

All final work must represent the team’s original ideas.

Industry Mentors

Each team will be assigned an industry mentor:

Mentors provide guidance, feedback, and industry perspective
Mentors do not create or directly influence final solutions
Teams are expected to engage and participate in mentor check-ins

Judging & Evaluation

Teams will be evaluated by a panel of industry judges based on:

Strategic thinking and problem-solving
Creativity and innovation
Feasibility of recommendations
Clarity and quality of presentation

Judges’ decisions are final.

Presentation Requirements

15-minute presentation
10-minute Q&A session
PowerPoint is the preferred format

Teams may use alternative formats if communicated in advance.
Teams are strongly encouraged to bring their own laptop for the Final round.
Presentation materials may be required in advance for judges.

Original Work Requirement

All solutions must be developed by the team.

External research and general discussions are allowed
External parties may not create or materially influence the solution

Intellectual Property

The Innovation Challenge promotes open sharing of ideas:

Teams retain ownership of their concepts
Presentations occur in a public or semi-public setting
Others may independently develop similar ideas

Teams are responsible for securing any intellectual property protections prior to presenting.

Code of Conduct

Participants are expected to act professionally and respectfully at all times.

Harassment, discrimination, or unethical behavior may result in disqualification.

Questions?

APPLY TODAY!!