About The Competition

The Social Innovation Competition encourages participants from diverse disciplines to develop an entrepreneurial idea that addresses and solves significant social or environmental problems. Ideas must be related to at least one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which you can view here. The competition is open to all West Chester University undergraduate students, graduate students, alumni, faculty and staff. The first round idea submissions will be turned in using Startup Tree. The total prize package for this years competition is $5,000!

The West Chester University Social Innovation Competition is hosted by The Cottrell Entrepreneurial Leadership Center, The Office of Sustainability, The Center for Civic Engagement & Social Impact, and PRME. The gold sponsor of the WCU Social Innovation Idea Competition is TD Bank.

The Process

FIRST ROUND

IDEA SUBMISSION

February 26th, 2024 at 11:59PM

Online submissions are due by 11:59pm on 2/26/24 . All ideas are reviewed by business angels, entrepreneurs, and business advisors.

FINAL ROUND

Pitch presentation

April 2024

Top ideas are selected for the final round to present to an esteemed panel of judges.

Eligibility

West chester university MEMBERS

  • WCU Undergraduate students

  • WCU Graduate students

  • WCU Alumni

  • WCU Faculty members and staff

What Types of Ideas are Eligible for the Competition?

  • Ideas which have not yet been commercialized are eligible.

  • Ideas must be related to at least one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which you can view here.

  • Teams of one to four members (Highly encouraged to work in teams if possible.)

  • Participants may submit multiple ideas 

Confidentiality

  • Ideas submitted to the competition remain the property of the submitter

  • Ideas submitted will be held in strict confidence.

  • Ideas selected to compete at the Final Pitch Presentation, however, will be presented to the public.  

  

Prizes

First Prize

Cash prize amount TBD

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Second Prize

Cash prize amount TBD

Third Prize

Cash prize amount TBD

 

Helpful Hints

  • Inform the reader that you are well versed in describing your idea. We strongly encourage participants to formulate an idea based on a social issue that you are passionate about.

  • In describing the community that your idea will serve, inform the reader that you are familiar with your audience and that there is a need for your product, service or technology. Specific facts and figures are helpful and provide evidence that you are knowledgeable about the community that your idea will serve.

  • Write clearly and succinctly.

  • Check your grammar and spelling. If the judges cannot understand your entry it will not be selected

Questions

Email the Cottrell Center team at cottrellcenter@wcupa.edu or call us at +1 (610) 436-2014 with your questions