Competition for Startups on Developing Sustainable Solutions for the Environment from Agorize

The Agorize Foundation presents a competition for startups on the development and implementation of sustainable solutions to restore and protect the environment. Agorize invite innovative companies to participate in this challenge not only for the chance to collaborate with major partners, testbed and access funding to develop the solutions, but to also play a critical role in building a more sustainable future for the world.

• The Challenge is open to all local and foreign registered startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (“SMEs), Institute of Higher Learning and Research Institutes.
• All applicants/entrants/participants must be above the age of 18 years old as at the date of entry.
• Project Proposals with solutions that have received funding from other programs run by government agencies or statutory boards should declare the funding received and project details to the Organiser.
• Enterprise(s) collaborating with Public Researchers; Public researcher(s) can participate by either:
• Registering a new spin-off to license the technology, led by a committed and capable team; or
• Submitting a joint proposal with an enterprise (the enterprise has to co-develop the solution, lead the proposal submission and eventually commercialise the proposed solution).

By registering for the Challenge and submitting a Project Proposal, each Participant affirms that:

• the Project Proposal is his/her/the company’s original work;
• the Participant(s) have the necessary rights to submit the Project Proposal; and
• the Participant(s)’ submission does not violate any law or regulation or any rights of any third party.

Challenge Rounds:

Round One: Project Proposals will be accepted from 8 NOVEMBER 2021, to 24 JANUARY 2022. At the end of this Round, up to 8 Project Proposals per Challenge statements will be shortlisted based on judges voting to proceed to Round Two. The shortlisting will take place between 24 JANUARY 2022 and 14 FEBRUARY 2022.

Project Proposals must meet the specifications set out, and include:

• Answers to the participation form:
• 5-10 slides PDF presentation, in English only, addressing the following issues:
• Details of Applicant
• Executive Summary
• Detailed project proposal
• Technical feasibility of solution and novelty
• Effectiveness in addressing the challenge (how the solution can address requirements)
• Potential benefits (e.g. how is this solution novel/different from what is available currently, potential cost and manpower savings)
• Operational feasibility: Potential end users/stakeholders onboarding plans
• Business feasibility of solution (commercialisation and scale up strategy, estimated commercial price, operating/maintenance/life cycle cost/business model)
• Capacity and expertise to execute (capabilities and resources committed)
• Details on POC/MVP if applicable; Desired deliverables/milestones and outcomes of projects (including but not limited to tech specs, project/product development schedule, key challenges to overcome)
• Others (as specifically requested by Challenge Brief).

“Criteria based” voting will take place from 24 JANUARY and 14 FEBRUARY 2022.

The voters may evaluate and select the Project Proposals based on their content and the following criteria:

• Technical Feasibility of solution and novelty (40%)
• Business feasibility of solution (30%)
• Capacity and Expertise to execute projects (20%)
• Clarity & Comprehensiveness of proposal and test plans (10%)

Round Two | DEEPENING PHASE From 14, FEBRUARY, 2022 to 14, MARCH 2022.

Round Two will consist of an online mentoring. Shortlisted Participants will be asked to submit:

• A more detailed deliverable (up to 20 slides).
• A 2-min introduction of their solution by the Founder/CEO or any top management.

Final Round | ONLINE EVENT APRIL, 2022: Finalist Participants will be invited to pitch their project during an online pitching event. More information, including the confirmed date of the event, will be shared with the Finalist Participants at a later stage.

About Agorize:

Agorize is a leading open innovation platform, engaging 5 million talent for innovation worldwide. Agorize is the missing link between companies and organizations seeking out innovative ideas, talent, partnerships and digital transformation and Innovators from across the world who want to be identified by and provide value to organizations and businesses.