2014 TecH-I Competition
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions have been compiled to assist you with your application. These represent questions which have been asked by applicants both this year and previous.
If you have a question and you cannot find it listed here, please feel free to email and we will be happy to assist and offer advice. We may even add your question to the library for others to learn from as well.
Topics:
- Applying to Tech-I
- Competition Eligibility
- Focus of the application
- Stage of Development
- Video & Supporting Documents
- Types of ideas
- Judging Criteria
- Global Entrepreneurship Summit and Tech-I Finals
Applying to Tech-I
WHAT IS TECH-I?
GIST Tech-I is an annual competition for science and technology entrepreneurs from around the world. Aspiring innovators pitch their ideas online, and the global voting public and experts choose thirty contestants to receive an all-expense paid trip to the Global Entrepreneurship Summit to showcase their ventures and receive intensive training. GIST Tech-I winners, selected by mentors and entrepreneurs at the Summit, win mini-grants and receive up to 3 months of one-on-one mentoring.
IS TECH-I FOR ME?
If you are aged between 18-40 years old on July 21st, from an eligible country, and have a great idea or startup related to agriculture, energy, health, or information and communications technology (ICT), then the answer is YES!
If you have an idea or startup but are looking for funding or mentoring assistance to take your project to the next stage, then the answer is YES!
If you enjoy participating in exciting competitions, then the answer is YES!
WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PAST GIST TECH-I COMPETITIONS?
For a brief background into Tech-I please visit
WHEN IS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE?
July 21, 2014
HOW CAN I APPLY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE GIST TECH-I COMPETITION?
WHAT DO I NEED TO COMPLETE TO APPLY?
Each Tech-I application, consists of an Executive Summary and a promotional video (lasting no longer than 90 seconds) of the product or service. For specific guidance on what each of these products should include please consult the full program announcement or the “How to Apply” page.
CAN I CHANGE MY APPLICATION BEFORE THE DEADLINE?
You can! Even if you have submitted your application! At any stage of your application you can change all of the content prior to July 21st. After July 21st, AAAS will accept via email updates to contact email details only.
I WANT TO START DEVELOPING MY PROJECT THIS SUMMER. IF I SUBMIT MY APPLICATION BEFORE THE DEADLINE CAN I GET AN ANSWER EARLIER THAN SEPTEMBER 1, 2014?
Unfortunately, no. To ensure that everyone has a fair chance no decisions will be made regarding applications outside of the announced timeline.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE TECH-I WEBINARS?
The purpose is to help explain the competition, provide advice to participants, and answer any questions you might have. Further details regarding the webinars and their scheduling is available at
Competition Eligibility
HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?
Full eligibility criteria can be found in the Program Announcement.
ARE ELIGIBILITY RULES AVAILABLE IN OTHER LANGUAGES?
Eligibility rules are available in Arabic, English, French, Russian and Spanish at
ARE COMPETITION PARTICIPANTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD?
This year Tech-I is pleased to expand the list of eligible countries to 86. For a complete list of those countries who are eligible to apply please click here.
I CURRENTLY LIVE IN AN ELIGIBLE COUNTRY BUT I AM A CITIZEN OF A COUNTRY WHICH IS NOT ON THE LIST. CAN I APPLY?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Tech-I is only open to all those who are citizens of a GIST eligible country. The complete list is available here.
I CURRENTLY LIVE IN AN INELIGIBLE COUNTRY, BUT I AM A CITIZEN OF AN ELIGIBLE COUNTRY CAN I APPLY?
Yes. If you are a citizen of eligible country, you are eligible to apply to the GIST Tech-I Competition. The only exception to this is if you are currently a permanent resident of the United States, you are unfortunately unable to apply.
I AM A CITIZEN OF AN ELIGIBLE COUNTRY BUT AM CURRENTLY AT SCHOOL IN THE UNITED STATES, CAN I APPLY?
Providing that you are here on a student visa or are considered a non-permanent resident of the United States then you are eligible to apply.
I AM A STUDENT WITH A BACHELOR'S DEGREE. CAN I PARTICIPATE?
There are no minimum criteria for qualifications to Tech-I. You can hold a doctorate, a bachelor’s, a master’s, a high school diploma, or nothing. Everyone regardless of educational background is eligible to apply.
IS THERE AN AGE RESTRICTION TO PARTICIPATE?
Yes. You need to be between the ages of 18-40 years old on July 21, 2014. Please note that this age range is inclusive and therefore if you are aged 18 or aged 40 on July 21, 2014 then you are eligible to apply.
IF I WAS A WINNER IN ONE OF THE PREVIOUS GIST TECH-I COMPETITION, CAN I PARTICIPATE IN THE COMPETITION AGAIN IF I HAVE CHANGED MY PROJECT AND MY TEAM SINCE THE LAST TIME?
Congratulations on the new venture, however you are unfortunately unable to apply for GIST Tech-I 2014 as you are classified as a final award winner from a previous GIST Tech-I or I-Dare competition.
IF I PARTICIPATED IN ANOTHER GIST COMPETITION, BUT I DID NOT GET A CASH AWARD, CAN I PARTICIPATE IN THE GIST TECH-I COMPETITION?
If you entered but did not win a final award, then you are eligible to apply this year.
IF I AM ONE OF THE WINNERS OF THE FIRST GIST TECH-I OR THE I DARE COMPETITIONS, CAN I APPLY TO THIS COMPETITION?
Unfortunately applications from previous GIST Tech-I and I-Dare final award winners will not be accepted
CAN ORGANIZATIONS THAT ONLY BUY AND SELL GOODS BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
Applications from teams and individuals based at organizations that buy and resell technologies and other goods will not be accepted.
CAN PURELY RESEARCH PROJECTS APPLY?
You are able to apply with a research project providing the project has a demonstrable commercial potential. If you are very early on in your research and your product is still very far from being commercialized however you require funding to continue your research, unfortunately you are not eligible to apply to the competition.
IF THE PROJECT IS STILL IN THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT STAGE OR IN A TRIAL STAGE, CAN I APPLY IF I AM ALMOST READY TO TAKE IT TO MARKET?
Definitely, yes.
IF MY VENTURE IS AT AN IDEA STAGE, CAN I APPLY?
Yes. Tech-I is actually broken down into 2 distinct areas of IDEA and STARTUP with equal numbers of participants being eligible to make it all the way to the Finals at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Morocco.
DO WE HAVE TO HAVE A PROTOTYPE IN ORDER TO APPLY?
No, you do not need a prototype. You can submit the picture of a mockup, storyboard, or a diagram that shows how the product would work, but you do not need a working prototype in order to apply.
CAN WE SUBMIT AN APPLICATION ABOUT A SERVICE OR DOES IT HAVE TO BE A TECHNOLOGY?
Services are often great innovations, and providing it is a scientific or technical service we are definitely happy to review those proposals.
I HAVE MULTIPLE PROJECTS THAT NEED FUNDING. CAN I SUBMIT MORE THAN ONE BUSINESS PLAN APPLICATION FOR THIS COMPETITION?
Each individual/Team are only permitted to submit one application to Tech-I 2014.
CAN I SUBMIT MY NARRATIVE (EXECUTIVE SUMMARY) IN THE FORM OF SLIDES?
You are required to enter the Executive Summary in text format in the application tool online. The summary must be no more than 750 words. You do have the option to upload 2 additional supporting documents to accompany your executive summary but these must support and not replace the executive summary itself. Suggested documents include a photograph or a diagram. Additional documents are not required and will not receive extra points.
TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE BEST FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR AWARD, DOES THE ENTIRE TEAM NEED TO BE COMPOSED OF WOMEN OR JUST THE LEAD?
Only the lead needs to be a woman to be eligible for the team to win the Best Female Entrepreneur Award. There is no limit, maximum or minimum, on how many women can be part of the team.
CAN THE TEAM BE COMPRISED OF ONLY ONE MEMBER?
Definitely! Some of the greatest innovators and entrepreneurs in the world have achieved their success on their own. If you are a team of one then you should definitely apply and show the world just how fantastic your ideas really are.
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN BE ON ONE PROJECT TEAM?
There is no limit to the number of people within a project team. Whether you are a team of 1 or 50 you are still eligible to apply. The only requirement from Tech-I, is that you appoint one person to lead your team throughout the entire competition. This person is required to meet all of the eligibility requirements. This will also be the person who represents your team at the Tech-I finals. If you have any specific questions as to who you should choose to lead your team do not hesitate to email and we will be able to provide individualized advice.
Focus of the Application
WHAT KEY ASPECTS SHOULD MY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FOCUS ON?
Your Executive Summary will be assessed in three main areas and they are Significance, Scientific and Technical Merit, and Commercial Potential. If you have any questions regarding these 3 areas or what you will be assessed on please refer to the Program Announcement.
IS THERE A MODEL FOR THE NARRATIVE (EXECUTIVE SUMMARY) WE SHOULD FOLLOW?
Since all applications are different, there is no exact model to follow. Feel free to use the layout and structure of the questions asked in the Program Announcement. This will ensure that you do not miss an important aspect.
WHAT SHOULD I PUT IN MY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FOR MY APPLICATION?
Less is more. The goal is to have the reader fully understand what your product/service is, its potential market value, and how you are seeing it enter/expand within the market.
SHOULD MY PRODUCT OR SERVICE BE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET, OR CAN I HAVE A PRODUCT OR SERVICE FOR THE LOCAL MARKET?
We ideally would love to see applications with the potential to grow to new markets beyond the local market. However, products and services for the local market are more than encouraged to apply. Our advice is that, if you are at the idea stage, you can start with your local market (pilot market). If you are at a more advanced stage, we would like to see that you have aspirations to enter other markets. These do not have to be geographical markets; they can also be demographic new markets (for example, if you are serving children maybe you want to expand to serving adults or the elderly). It can also be a new geographic market, such as another city or another region of the world. It is important to describe both your current market and the market you want to access.
IF I DON’T HAVE A CUSTOMER ANALYSIS, WILL I BE GRADED POORLY?
As part of the assessment criteria we require that you describe your market segment/function and your customers both current and potential. While a complete customer analysis does not have to be a formal survey of hundreds of people, we would like to see that you have performed some level of research to ensuring that you are aware ofbut we need to know that you have spoken to some potential customers. This will show that you have done the research that is so important for the success of your business: ensuring that someone would want to buy your product/service.
WHAT IF MY IDEA IS SO NEW THAT IT DOES NOT HAVE AN EXISTING MARKET YET?
For startup stage, we are interested in products/services that are ready to be launched. New inventions might not do well if you need to prove that there is a demand for your product. Perhaps there is not a need for this product/service where you live, but is there another location where such a product/service would be very useful? In order to do well in this competition, you need to show that there is a need for your product and that customers would be willing to buy it. We recommend that you read some of Brad Cooper’s material on Customer Development. New products and services are great, but they need to answer to some need in the market.
DO I HAVE TO PROVIDE A NEW IDEA THAT HAS NEVER BEEN INTRODUCED TO THE MARKET?
You do not need to provide a completely new idea, but you need to show is the way you are approaching the problem in an innovative way. How can you solve this problem better than your competitors who might have a similar product?
CAN THE IDEA WE SUBMIT BE REPLICATED IN ANY PART OF THE WORLD OR DOES IT HAVE TO BE LOCAL?
It can be replicated to every part of the world. But remember, even McDonalds has different products in different markets. The importance is to see that you have an actual plan on how to get there. A lot of the times the product or service that is sold in one country is not sold the same way in another because of difference is culture or buying power of the customers, so you need to adapt your plan to each new market. Think of your customers.
CAN I SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR A PRODUCT OR SYSTEM THAT EXISTS IN OTHER COUNTRIES BUT DOES NOT YET EXIST IN MY COUNTRY?
Yes
IF MY IDEA TARGETS PEOPLE IN A HIGH ECONOMIC CLASS VS. THE MIDDLE CLASS OR THE POOR, WOULD THAT AFFECT HOW THE JUDGES VIEW IT?
It is good that you started your product segmentation. We care more about your identifying potential customers than worrying about which segment of the population you target. What we want to know is how you know that a particular customer segment has a problem that you can solve. Show us what you know about the market that you want to enter.
IF I CANNOT PROVIDE ACCURATE INFORMATION ON THE AMOUNT OF BUSINESS A COMPETITOR IS DOING IN MY TARGET MARKET, WILL THIS AFFECT MY CHANCES OF WINNING THE COMPETITION?
The importance of this question increases if you are entering as a startup stage. You should show us that you have done research on your competitors. Of course there is data that is not always easy to get. The goal is to show that you have enough to evaluate the risks and opportunities that you are facing in moving forward with your product/service.
Stage of Development
HOW CAN I ESTABLISH WHETHER MY PROJECT IS IN “IDEA STAGE” OR “STARTUP STAGE”?
A startup venture is a company that is hunting for a business model or has a business model and is taking it to other markets. An Idea is usually something you have been thinking about seriously. At an idea stage you have to prove that you have been doing some research about the market and your customers. The complete definitions with respect to this competition can be found in the Program Announcement.
IF I AM AT THE IDEA STAGE, WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO ME TO EMPHASIZE?
You need to emphasize that you have done your research and that your idea has the potential to enter a new markets. The most important thing at any stage is that you prove that you understand your market.
IS IT APPROPRIATE FOR ME TO ENTER THE COMPETITION IF I HAVE NOT YET STARTED A COMPANY?
Yes, you qualify under the IDEA stage.
DO I NEED TO DEMONSTRATE THAT MY MODEL /PROJECT WORKS AND THAT IT IS PRACTICAL?
It would be ideal to have applicants who have shown that their concept is likely to succeed in a market or who have already started to prove their concept in a market. But whether the product is actually finalized and working is not as critical.
IF I HAVE A PROJECT THAT IS IN THE IDEA STAGE, SHOULD I SUBMIT IT OR WAIT UNTIL IT IS READY FOR GLOBAL MARKET EXPANSION?
We encourage applications for projects in the Idea stage. The most important thing is to show that you have done background research and that you are prepared for the market you want to enter. We look for products that serve a customer need in a market.
Video & Supporting Documents
I DON’T HAVE A VIDEO. CAN I APPLY?
Unfortunately, it is the criteria of the competition that we require both an executive summary and a 90 second video. However, the video does not have to be professionally produced or use high-tech equipment. If you have access to a cell/mobile phone with a camera or a laptop with a webcam then use these to create your video. Experts will be assessing your content and creativity and not the quality of the video itself so do not be afraid to use the resources around you. If you have any questions related to the video please feel free to email and we will be happy to offer personalized advice.
IS THE VIDEO SUPPOSED TO BE LIKE A TV ADVERTISEMENT ABOUT OUR PRODUCT?
Yes. You should target your potential customers and give them a reason to buy your product or service while informing them of the benefits from it. You can also add images or music to your video. Take a look at last year's startup and idea stage winners to get some great ideas.
HOW MANY PEOPLE SHOULD APPEAR IN THE VIDEO?
Less is more. There is no restriction in the number of people that appear in the video, but we find that the pitch is better if only one person does it, especially given the time restriction unless others in the video are acting out something being said by the person narrating. Please think outside the box, you can have some written words or images that support your argument.