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.

2026 Challenge

Bridging the Trust Deficit: Designing Technologies That Restore Confidence in a Connected World

Teams will explore how technology can strengthen transparency, privacy, authenticity, security and confidence in an increasingly connected world.

Competition Format

Teams of 3–5 students will participate in a multi-round competition:

Feedback Round: A virtual developmental round where teams present an early version of their solution and receive feedback from industry professionals.
Scored Virtual Round: Teams present to a panel of industry judges, with selected teams advancing to the Finals.
Finals: Finalist teams present live to a separate panel of judges at the in-person Finals on November 6, 2026.

Competition Timeline

Applications close: September 27, 2026
Orientation/Kickoff: Late September
Team development, mentoring and learning sessions: October
Feedback Round: October
Scored Virtual Round: Late October
Finalists announced: October 30, 2026
Finals: November 6, 2026

Detailed schedules will be shared with participating teams.

Prizes

Top teams will receive cash prizes and recognition:

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

Eligibility

Open to students enrolled at participating Colorado colleges and universities
Teams must be graduate student-led
Undergraduate students may participate as members of an approved graduate student-led team
Participants must be 18 years of age or older
Students graduating during the competition period are eligible
Prior or current industry employment, internships or other relevant professional experience must be disclosed to MTC and may be reviewed for potential conflicts of interest.
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)

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 provide guidance and feedback but do not create the team’s solution or competition materials.
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:

Trust-Building Innovation
Real-World Impact
Broadband-Enabled Value
Technical Feasibility
Creativity & Differentiation
Presentation & Response

Judges’ decisions are final.

Presentation Requirements

15-minute presentation
5-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

Teams retain ownership of the work they create, subject to any university, employer or third-party obligations that may apply. Presentations may occur in a public or semi-public setting, so teams should not include confidential, proprietary or restricted information they do not have permission to share. Teams with specific intellectual property concerns should address them before 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?

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