Tips and Tricks

1. Word limits are to be strictly observed. Judges will only receive the exact number of words requested.

2. Entrants are asked to answer all of the questions on the application to the best of your ability. In the event you are legally unable to disclose requested information, please indicate so and, if possible, provide a brief explanation of the situation.

3. You may opt to submit optional support materials with your entry form. Judges will base their decisions on the information provided in the application. It is up to each individual judge to choose whether or not they wish to review the following optional materials:

• Brochures
• Technical Diagrams
• Demo Software (PC Compatible)
• White Papers

4. When submitting any supported materials, entrants must provide six (6) copies of each submitted piece. Any support materials must be sent directly to the MITX office (222 Third St Ste 0300, Cambridge MA 02142) by Friday, March 26, 2009.

5. If you are in an industry with unique characteristics, such as biotechnology, energy,  financial and manufacturing, it will help to highlight how your product distinctively addresses the unique needs in your industry.

6. Be sure your submission addresses the real-world business problem solved or the benefit provided. Judges are not looking for a litany of features or functions. In addition, judges will give most weight to technical merit, the product or services potential scale, and the degree of innovation that is present. Read through the judging criteria on the awards website for more information.

7. If you have entered the Technology Awards before, be sure to specifically address the new features that have been added to your solution since the last submission.  Innovation is key.

Judging:

The Technology Awards Judging Committee is an elite panel of over 50 judges, consisting of the region's most prestigious technology buyers and investors, analysts, and academia.

Judges will evaluate entries based on a defined set of criteria including: Business Solution, Technical Merit, Scalability and Innovation.  The Technology Awards recognizes innovative technologies developed in the New England.  Therefore, of the four criteria sets, innovation is most important, and we suggest you address innovation throughout your application.

Business Solution

• What problem or need does the solution address? How well does it address it?
• Is the value proposition clear and can it be documented or measured?
• How it creates a competitive advantage or opportunity for customers?

Technical Merit

• What technical challenge has been addressed with this solution, and can you provide an insight into how?
• How does the technology integrate with other applications or systems?

Scalability

• How is the product/entry positioned for future growth?
• How does the technology scale to increased demand without compromising performance?
• How technically vexing is the underlying technical problem being addressed?

Innovation

• How is the entry innovative? What’s unique and new about its approach? What prior innovations does it build on?
• How does this innovation translate into value? How significant is the value created?

Judging Process:

• All entries are subject to a preliminary review by MITX prior to being forwarded to the judging panel. This review is to ensure:
  • The entry is in the correct category. MITX reserves the right to change the category to the benefit of the applicant.
  • The entry is complete. Incomplete or late entries will be disqualified with no refund.
  • The entry meets all necessary criteria. MITX reserves the right to disqualify an entry if entry does not meet the necessary qualifications.
• Each judge will receive a packet that includes all entry applications and accompanying materials in their assigned category for review. Judges are required to read each application thoroughly. They may, but are not required, to read all accompanying materials submitted with entry.
• Each company must then present in person to the judging group. Each company will be required to make a 15-minute presentation about the technology application and answer judges’ questions. Judges score each entry for specific criteria using a rating scale.
• MITX compiles the final scores for each entry. The highest score will determine the winner.

If We Had One Piece of Advice to Give You:

Our piece of advice would be to focus on INNOVATION.  

In each category, you'll be competing against companies whose technology are widely adopted,  or companies who have just received funding to fully develop their product, or companies who are pre-funded but have a solution that shows significant promise.   

The most significant way for you to stand out in the crowd and define yourself is to focus on the innovation behind your technology.  See the judging information to the left for more information.

Eligibility Rules

Check out the main "How To Enter" page for more information on eligibility, payment options, and terms and conditions for entering.

Questions?

Email awards@mitx.org!