InventOR finalist teams will be evaluated by an independent panel of judges. Each team will deliver a 5-minute pitch to both the judges and a public audience, followed by a 3-hour Prototype Exhibition where teams will answer questions as judges visit each booth. This event provides students with the opportunity to showcase their ideas, allows judges to assess their work in detail, and offers the public a chance to engage with and support the 2025 InventOR cohort of student innovators.

InventOR is, first and foremost, an invention competition dedicated to supporting student innovators statewide in the early stages of their entrepreneurial journeys. Therefore, we believe that progress—driven by design thinking, rapid prototyping, and storytelling—is just as important as their MVP (prototype) and their concept's potential impact—how it generates value for both communities and the marketplace.
When evaluating finalist teams, judges should equally consider the physical prototype, the team's progress—how they’ve applied human-centered design, responded to customer feedback, and iterated on their idea—as well as the potential impact of their solution. These elements should be evident in both their 5-minute pitch and prototype exhibition.
Accordingly, our scoring is weighted based on the following criteria: 

​

Prototype (50% of overall score) 

• Scoring should consider the current state or phase of the prototype.

  • Is the prototype/ solution innovative? 

  • Is the design concept skillfully illustrated and/or demonstrated? 

  • Is the prototype a functional representation of the idea? 

  • This score is determined from both the pitch and the exhibition.

​

Pitch (20% of overall score) 

• Scoring should consider the team’s ability to clearly present the problem, solution, market opportunity, potential impact, and their progress during the competition.

  • Clear & Concise Communication

  • Presentation Style/ Stage Presence

  • Visuals & Information Design (Slides/ Images/ Props) 

  • Telling a Compelling Story

​

Progress (20% of overall score) 

• Scoring should consider the progress the team has made since beginning the competition. 

  • Did the team clearly explain where their project began, the design decisions they made based on customer or user insights, and how they plan to evolve the project moving forward?

  • Did the team accomplish their stated goals and milestones, effectively utilizing the $2,000 grant to develop their prototype?

  • Is it clear how the prototype reflects customer/user needs and feedback?

​

Impact (10% of overall score)

• Scoring should assess the potential of the team's business model to create a significant, scalable positive impact on the environment and/or society.

  • Market Opportunity - size and potential of the target market

  • Sustainable Impact - long-term social, environmental, or economic value created

  • Strategy to Connect to & Serve Customers/Community - effectiveness of the approach to reach and serve the target audience

​
 

InventOR Awards & Prizes

• 1st Place - $10,000

• 2nd Place - $7,500

• 3rd Place - $5,000

• 4th Place - $3000

• Outstanding Community College - $2000

• Visionary Award - $1500

• Peoples’ Choice - $1000

 

Outstanding Community College

Awarded to the community college who receives high marks but does not place in the top 4 positions.  

 

Visionary Award 

Awarded to the Finalist Team who receives high marks but does not place in the top 4 positions or receive the Outstanding Community College award.  

 

People’s Choice

Awarded to the Finalist Team who receives the most votes from the attending audience and their fellow InventOR Finalist Peers.

 

*With the exception of the People’s Choice award, which is chosen by the InventOR Finalist Cohort, Finalist Teams will be limited to receiving only one of the prizes listed above.

​​