Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE)

By entering the Competition and/or accepting any prize, all contestants and winners agree to be bound by the terms and conditions below (“Rules”).

1. Eligible businesses competing in Categories 1 to 4: Existing businesses are defined as
   (and with consideration of the other terms in this document):
   1. Either formal or informal businesses;
   2. Operating with a legal business model (e.g., not pyramid schemes);
   3. Trading in legal products or services;
   4. Are majority owned and operated by registered students at a South African public university;
   5. Have been in operation for one year or more based on the submitted business model;
   6. Are already earning target customer-derived revenue; and
   7. Are operating at least within the South African borders.
2. Eligible business competing in Categories 4: Research-Based Business is defined as
   (and with consideration of the other terms in this document):
3. 1. Must have a proof of concept;
   2. Entries are open to students in South Africa who are currently studying at the undergraduate or postgraduate level in the year of application, as well as to staff members employed at the 26 public universities;
   3. Entries can be submitted by individuals or groups;
   4. Mention the critical primary collaborators and a breakdown of the IP ownership.
   5. Businesses are required to ensure that they own, or have sufficient permission to use, any intellectual property that is or will be used by the business or as part of the business. Contestants will be responsible for any consequences or losses arising from the business using the intellectual property without permission. The Organiser will not accept responsibility for any such consequences or losses.
      The term “Organiser” refer to EDHE and Universities South Africa (USAf)

1. The EDHE and Universities South Africa (USAf) is the owner and Organiser of the Competition.
2. The Student Entrepreneurship Coordinator from each university is responsible for conducting due diligence on contestants proceeding to the regionals, including obtaining necessary company registration documents and proof of majority shareholding.
3. All Contestants must be undergraduate or postgraduate students registered for full-time or part-time qualification at one of the 26 public universities in South Africa, and submissions can be made by individuals or groups. MBA students are ineligible to participate.
4. The competition accepts entries from existing businesses only. Existing business refers to a for-profit or non-profit organisation that is already operational. It encompasses businesses that are currently in existence, whether they are formally registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), Department of Social Development or operating informally. Additionally, it includes businesses that are well-established or relatively new.
5. Only profitable businesses registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) and non-profit businesses registered with CIPC or the Department of Social Development will be eligible for participation in the regional rounds.
6. Contestants must submit their business registration certificate, proof of academic registration for the competition year, and a letter or certificate confirming that the majority shareholders of the business are students to be eligible for participation in the national finals.
7. Category 3: Existing Business – Social Impact is the only category that accepts submissions from both non-profit and for-profit entities.
8. Employees of the universities may only participate in Category 4: Research-Based Business are not eligible to enter the competition in any other category.
9. Contestants must confirm that they are a majority shareholder of the business, alternatively, the combined student shareholding must be at least 51% or more.
10. Contestants are responsible for ensuring that their submission is complete, complies with the competition criteria, is legible, and is submitted on time. The Organiser cannot be held responsible for any disqualification resulting from incomplete, non-compliant, illegible, or late submissions. Entries received at any time outside of the period stipulated herein will be disregarded. The Organiser will not be liable for any technical failure that may result in an entry not being successfully submitted.
11. There is no entry fee payable for the competition. No payment to the Organiser or any third party is required for purposes of entering the competition.
12. Contestants must confirm that all intellectual property used in their entry is owned by the business or used with permission and indemnify the Organiser and the South African Government against any third-party claims related to the unauthorised use of intellectual property. Contestants must confirm that all information provided is true and accurate.
13. Any contestant who willfully and/or negligently misrepresents information will immediately be disqualified. Any contestant, after winning a prize is identified as having misrepresented any information, will be required to return any prizes so won and may be subjected to the Disciplinary Code for his/her university.
14. All contestants must be 18 – 35 years old or turning 18 years of age within the year of the competition. If a registered student at a South African university is younger than 18, parental consent for participation should be provided to the relevant university’s Organiser and to EDHE.
15. Contestants must submit business entries demonstrating a maximum monthly turnover of R100 000.00, including investments and funding.
16. Organiser’s decision is final and binding. No correspondence and/or other forms of communication will be entered into by the Organiser in this regard.
17. The winners will be notified via email and/or SMS, by the latest seven days after the competition.
18. Each business must appoint one representative to participate in the competition who will be the main point of contact with the Organiser. While all team members will be featured in marketing materials, only the designated representative may present the business throughout the competition. In the event of an emergency where the designated representative cannot participate, another team member may be allowed to take their place with prior approval from the Organiser. The Organiser reserves the right to remove entries from the competition if the designated representative is not adhered to.
19. Existing businesses operating in the tobacco, firearms (excluding for sporting use), alcohol, adult (sex), and gambling/wagering industries are not eligible for the competition due to potential harm associated with these substances and regulatory considerations. The competition does not endorse or condone substance abuse of any kind, and businesses that promote these industries are also prohibited.
20. The Organiser may require the winner (at no payable fee to such winner) to be identified, photographed, filmed, and or the foregoing to be used in EDHE advertising campaigns and/or published in any media including but not limited to brochures, marketing material, social media site(s)/platform(s). By entering into the Competition, the contestant provides consent that EDHE may use his/her names and images in any and all such EDHE-related publicity material. The contestant understands that he/she may withdraw consent at any time, although it may not be possible to remove images or videos from certain types of publications, for instance, pamphlets or newsletters that have already been distributed. The contestant cannot withdraw consent retroactively. This means that the EDHE is authorised to use the contestant’s image or recording as indicated above until consent is withdrawn.
21. The Organiser will make reasonable efforts to respect and protect any clearly labelled confidential information provided by contestants; however, due to the nature of the competition, they cannot guarantee the confidentiality or be held responsible for any confidential information submitted. Contestants should use their discretion when deciding what information to provide to EDHE.
22. The personal data of contestants and winners will be used in accordance with data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to third parties without their prior consent. Any personal data relating to the winner(s), or any other contestant(s) will be used solely in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, No. 4 of 2013, as amended. By entering and participating in the competition, the contestant(s) agrees that the Organiser may collect and process his/her personal information for the purposes of this competition and for communication or statistical purposes.
23. A contestant is only permitted to request their own judges’ scores from the Organiser.
24. Student Entrepreneurship Coordinators are only permitted to request the judges’ scores for contestants from their own university.
25. EDHE reserves the right to withdraw any submission to the competition at any time if it is found to be in breach of any of the pre-established conditions and/or Rules laid out in this document.
26. The Organiser reserves the right to modify, without prior or any notice other than on the competition website the competition’s entry forms and requirements, dates, criteria, categories, adjudication process, or any other aspect of the competition as deemed necessary in the interest of fairness, transparency, or operational circumstances, after consultation with the university coordinators of the competition.
27. The prizes will be paid by way of electronic transmission into a business bank account of the winner, within 60 (sixty) working days of having notified the contestant(s) that he/she has won.
28. If EDHE is unable to contact the winner; alternatively, should the winner not provide EDHE with banking details within 14 (fourteen) days of having been notified thereof. EDHE reserves the right to withdraw the prize and elect a replacement winner.
29. The judges’ decision is final. However, if it is discovered that the winner has breached any of the terms and conditions, the competition Organiser reserves the right to reconsider the judge’s decision. Should a majority consensus not be reached among the judges, the Director of Entrepreneurship at USAf will have the deciding vote.
30. The use or reference to EDHE by contestants for commercial or promotional purposes is prohibited unless EDHE has provided prior written consent.
31. Contestants must ensure that any reference to the Organiser is factually accurate and no defamatory statements about the Organiser or the competition may be made public.
32. The competition and its terms and conditions are subject to South African law.
33. By participating in this competition, contestant(s) agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.
34. Prizes will be awarded based on merit and the Organiser and adjudicators do not prescribe how the prize money should be spent.
35. The prizes awarded in the competition are non-negotiable.
36. The Organiser reserves the right to withdraw any submission from the competition if it is found to be in violation of the pre-established conditions and rules outlined in this document.
37. The winning entry will be publicly accessible and will be publicly associated with the winner’s name. The contact information of the winners will be available upon request by contacting the Senior Student Engagement Officer at EDHE, Mr Sandile Shabalala at sandile@usaf.ac.za.
38. The university Student Entrepreneurship Coordinator responsible for coordinating this competition at the winner’s university will facilitate and monitor the interaction between the winner and the requester. The information will only be provided to requesters with legitimate reasons, such as follow-up interviews, potential investment opportunities, and other relevant matters related to the competition. This measure is in place to ensure the privacy and
    personal information of the winners are protected, and that the interaction is professional and appropriate.
39. EDHE reserves the right to terminate the competition with immediate effect; alternatively, to amend the competition and/or the Rules out of convenience or in the event of circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to an act of God, civil or military disturbance, a catastrophe, the Covid-19 pandemic, or any actual or anticipated break of any applicable law or regulation. EDHE will notify contestants of any changes to the competition and/or the Rules as soon as reasonably possible.
40. Should the competition be terminated; alternatively, should the competition and the Rules be amended by EDHE, all contestants hereby waive any rights which they may have against EDHE and/or its employees and acknowledge that they will have no resource or claim of any nature against EDHE and/or its employees. The Period of the competition may also be extended or curtailed at the sole discretion of EDHE.
41. EDHE alone should be responsible for creating the scoring sheet and judging pack.
42. Auditors must possess technical skills and proficiency in Excel.
43. Judges and auditors must refrain from engaging with contestants and coordinators until the winners are announced. The contestant found interacting with a judge or an auditor during breaks or in any way during the pitching day will be disqualified.
44. Judges must be closely monitored to ensure adherence to the category criteria during deliberation.
45. If the auditor or the judges identify that a contestant has been placed in the wrong category, the auditor must reallocate the contestant to the correct category and allow the judges to evaluate the business presentation using the appropriate criteria. The auditor should promptly communicate this decision to the Student Entrepreneurship Coordinator.
46. The contestant with the highest score and in the correct category will be declared the winner of the category. Deliberations will be permitted for contestants with a score difference of 1 to 5 points.
47. An EDHE member should participate in deliberations as an advisor when necessary.
48. Judges should receive the business presentations prior to the event date for review.
49. Virtual participation will not be permitted at the regional rounds, except in cases where evidence has been submitted to show that a contestant cannot pitch in person, or in the case of UNISA contestants.
50. Contestants are required to submit their presentations prior to the event date and not on the evening before the events.

1. I/we understand and agree that the competition and its authorised adjudicators may provide me/us with certain comments and feedback on certain parts of my/our entry and acknowledge and agree that:
2. Feedback and comments on presentations will be provided by the authorised adjudicators, in their personal capacities, and not those of the Organiser or the South African Government or its agents;
3. The feedback and comments are based on the information provided and are given in good faith to assist contestants in improving their business concept, model, performance, processes, and competitiveness;
4. The feedback and comments do not constitute professional financial, legal, or technical advice;
5. I/we should not under any circumstances make any decisions, or take any action, whether legal, financial, technical or of any other kind, without full and thorough consideration and without first obtaining appropriate financial, legal, technical, and other professional advice.
6. In view of the fact that business models, plans, processes, and performance are dynamic and subjective, no correspondence will be entered into regarding the adjudicators’ comments and the adjudicators will not be identified individually.
7. I warrant that I am authorised to represent the business or entity that is entered. I understand, accept and agree to abide by the Rules, terms, and conditions of the Intervarsity Entrepreneurship Competition, on behalf of myself and the business I represent.

Category Prizes:

• Category 1: Existing Business – Tech – R20 000, 00
• Category 2: Existing Business – Social Impact – R20 000, 00
• Category 2: Existing Business – Social Impact 1st Runner Up – R10 000, 00
• Category 2: Existing Business – Social Impact 2nd Runner Up – R10 000, 00
• Category 3: Existing Business – General – R20 000, 00
• Category 4: Research-Based Business – R20 000, 00

Other Prizes:

• Studentpreneur of The Year 2023 – R100 000, 00

Business terms in the Business Details section of the application form

1. Barriers to market entry: Obstacles that make it difficult for new businesses to enter a market, such as high start-up costs or existing competition. Regulatory barriers, such as licensing requirements, can also pose a significant challenge to new businesses attempting to enter a market.
2. Business entity name: The legal name that a business uses to identify itself, which is registered with the relevant authorities.
3. Business entity: A legal structure through which a business operates and can include private company, sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and other types of legal entities.
4. Business industry: A broader category that includes multiple related sectors, often defined by the type of product or service being provided.
5. Business model: A plan that outlines how a business intends to generate money and make a profit.
6. Business product and services: The goods or services that a business provides to its customers. Services can also refer to intangible services, such as consulting or software development.
7. Business scaling: The process of increasing a revenue and profit of the business by expanding its operations or customer base.
8. Competitor: A business that provides similar products or services in the same market.
9. Consumer: An individual who purchases and uses products or services.
10. Core offerings: The primary products or services that a business provides to its customers.
11. Customer base: The group of customers who regularly buy a business’s products or services.
12. Customer: An individual or organisation that purchases or uses a business’s products or services.
13. Distinct features: Unique characteristics or attributes of a product or service that differentiate it from competitors in the market.
14. Entrepreneur: An individual who starts and operates a business, taking on financial risks in the hope of making a profit.
15. Ideation: The process of generating and developing new ideas for a business, product, or service.
16. Market: A group of potential customers who share similar needs or characteristics and are willing to pay for a particular product or service.
17. Marketing and sales strategy: A plan that outlines how a business intends to attract and retain customers, generate revenue, and grow its business. Marketing and sales strategy should also include a plan for distribution, such as online sales, physical retail locations, or partnerships with other businesses.
18. Operating business: A business that is currently active and providing products or services to customers.
19. Operational: The day-to-day activities and processes that a business uses to deliver its products or services.
20. Permanent jobs: Jobs that are offered on a permanent basis, typically with a regular salary and benefits.
21. Probable outputs: The expected outcomes of a business venture, including revenue, profit, and growth.
22. Product replicable: A product that can be easily reproduced or copied by competitors in the market.
23. Profit: The amount of money a business earns after deducting all its expenses from its revenue.
24. Registered business: A business that has been formally registered with the relevant authorities in the country where it operates.
25. Revenue: The total income generated by a business from the sale of its products or services, before deducting any expenses or taxes.
26. Sector: A specific area of economic activity that includes businesses that produce similar products or services, and/or operate within similar market environments. Sectors can also be defined by the type of consumer or industry being served.
27. Temporary employment: Jobs that are offered for a limited duration or for a specific project, often without the same benefits as permanent positions.
28. Turnover: The total amount of revenue a business generates from sales of products or services during a specific period.

Business terms in the Investment Requirements section of the application form

1. Copyright: A legal right granted to a creator of original artistic or literary works, which gives them exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and sell their works.
2. Funding: Money or other resources that are provided to a business to help it start up, operate, or expand.
3. Patent: A legal right granted to an inventor or business owner that gives them exclusive rights to use, manufacture, and sell an invention or product for a certain period.

• Refer to the Terms and Conditions when reading this document.
• An “existing business” is an already operational for-profit or non-profit organisation. It encompasses existing businesses, whether formally registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) or operating informally. Additionally, it includes businesses that are well-established or relatively new.

EDHE designed this category specifically for established businesses within the technology sector. Technology encompasses the practical application of scientific knowledge, particularly in industry. It involves the development of machinery and equipment based on scientific principles, as well as the field of engineering and applied sciences.

• Tech businesses: These actively create and utilise new technologies.
• Tech-enabled businesses: While relying on technology for their operations, they primarily function within a different industry. Their core focus lies in integration rather than innovation.

Please note that this category does not include businesses using technology as an add-on or integration – such as delivery apps, e-commerce platforms, website development, graphic design, or digital media services. Here are some of the technology industries;

• FinTech (Financial Technology): Refers to technology-driven innovations in financial services, including digital payments, cryptocurrency, online lending, and robo-advisory.
• MedTech (Medical Technology): Encompasses products and solutions used in healthcare, such as surgical robots, health data systems, COVID-19 testing kits, and digital health trackers.
• EdTech (Education Technology): Involves hardware and software tools that enhance teaching and learning, from smart boards and online courses to interactive videos and remote teaching technology.
• AgriTech (Agriculture Technology): Involves utilising technology to improve agriculture efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. Examples include automated irrigation, drones for surveillance, and weather forecasting.
• CleanTech (Cleaning Technology): Focuses on environmentally friendly solutions for waste management, pollution reduction, and sustainable energy sources.
• DeepTech (Deep Technology): Encompasses advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain, biotech, and quantum computing.
• RetailTech (Retail Technology): Involves innovations in retail, such as online shopping systems, inventory management systems, and personalised customer experiences.
• RegTech (Regulatory Technology): Aids financial institutions comply with regulations by streamlining processes related to due diligence, fraud detection, and data management.
• LegalTech (Legal Technology): Applies technology to legal processes, including contract management, e-discovery, and case analysis.
• GovTech (Government Technology): Refers to technology solutions used by government agencies to improve public services, enhance transparency, and streamline administrative tasks.
• PropTech (Property Tech): Involves utilising technology in real estate, covering areas like property management, smart buildings, and real estate transactions.
• FoodTech (Food Technology): Innovations in food production, distribution, and safety, including precision agriculture, food delivery apps, and sustainable packaging.

Other (please specify and explain the industry)

1. Business description and industry integration: The contestant must explain how they integrated technology into the business and specify its industry (e.g., FinTech, AgriTech, BioTech).
2. Product analysis: Clarify technology functionality and usage.
3. Innovation: Highlight the business’s advancements over current methods or its introduction of new technology to the South African market.
4. Business model and value proposition:
   • Market research and analysis: Provide evidence of conducted market research and present its key findings. Define the target market, market size, and prototype testing.
   • Value proposition: Describe the unique value offered to these customer segments.
   • Distribution channels: Specify how value is delivered to customers effectively.
   • Revenue streams: Explain how your business generates income or collects customer payments. (e.g., sales, subscriptions).
   • Competitive advantage: Describe unique advantages over direct and indirect competitors.
5. Financials:
   • Opex: Explain the operational expenses involved in running the business.
   • Capex: Define the capital expenditures, such as assets, required to operate the business.
   • Sales: Provide information on the number of products sold and the cost per product.
   • Profitability: Explain the current profit margins of the business and well-supported projections for future profitability.
6. Essential resources and activities: List the vital assets and resources necessary for the effective operation of the business. Emphasise the fundamental tasks the business must execute to generate and deliver value. Recognise external entities, such as suppliers, partners, and collaborators, essential to your business.
7. Scalability: Outline plans and strategies to scale impact to reach a larger audience effectively.
8. Marketing strategy: Explain the go-to-market plan and tools for effectively capturing the target market.
9. Operations: Detail procedures for business operations’ inputs, processes, and outputs.
10. Team composition and presentation skills: Outline the team’s skills and expertise. Clarify the knowledge and strategies employed to manage complex challenges effectively. Evaluate presentation skills, including readiness, engagement, confidence, utilisation of visual aids, effectiveness of the pitch, and time management during delivery.

A Social Impact business deliberately creates positive and sustainable changes in a country’s social, economic, and environmental fabric. Let’s delve into the key aspects:

• Purpose beyond profit: Traditionally, businesses primarily aimed at generating profits and serving shareholders. However, there’s a growing recognition that businesses should transcend their financial bottom line. Social impact businesses prioritise making a tangible difference in society alongside their business objectives.
• Addressing unique challenges: These businesses identify and tackle specific social challenges and needs within South Africa. These challenges include unemployment, poverty, inequality, healthcare disparities, and environmental concerns.
• Contributing to well-being: By aligning their investments with societal needs, social impact businesses contribute to the country’s overall well-being and sustainable development. They allocate resources to critical areas like job creation, socio-economic inclusion, community development, and environmental sustainability.
• Embracing innovation and technology: Social impact businesses recognise that innovation and technology can drive positive change. Through the development and implementation of innovative solutions, they enhance access to essential services, improve efficiency, and champion sustainable practices.

Social impact industries;

• Education: Companies that support education initiatives, including scholarships, teacher training, and school infrastructure development, make a valuable contribution to social impact.
• Healthcare: Businesses engaged in healthcare services, medical research, and community health programmes are crucial in enhancing well-being.
• Renewable energy: Companies that promote clean energy solutions, solar power, and sustainable energy access to positively impact the environment and society.
• Agriculture and food security: Initiatives related to sustainable farming practices, food distribution, and nutrition education address critical social needs.
• Financial inclusion: Businesses focusing on financial literacy, microfinance, and affordable banking services empower underserved communities.
• Environmental conservation: Organisations working towards conservation, waste reduction, and ecosystem protection contribute to social well-being.
• Technology and innovation: Companies leveraging technology for social good, such as digital literacy programs and tech-based solutions, drive positive change.

1. Societal impact description: Clearly articulate the social problem the business addresses and emphasise its impact on the targeted community.
2. Innovation: Explain the novelty of the business approach in solving social problems, whether through new business models, technology, products, services, or production methods.
3. Feasibility: Does the solution’s implementation successfully address the targeted social issue and create a significant impact?
4. Business model and value proposition: How directly is the business model linked to social impact?
   • Market research and analysis: Provide evidence of conducted market research and present its key findings. Define the target market and market size.
   • Value proposition: Describe the unique value offered to these customer segments.
   • Distribution channels: Specify how value is delivered to customers effectively.
   • Revenue streams: Explain how your business generates income or collects customer payments. (e.g., sales, subscriptions).
   • Competitive advantage: Describe unique advantages over direct and indirect competitors.
5. Finances:
   • Opex and capex: Explain operational and capital expenses, such as assets, required to operate the business comprehensively.
   • Sales: Detail the quantity of products sold and their respective prices.
   • Profitability: Explain the current profit margins of the business and well-supported projections for future profitability.
6. Essential resources and activities: List the vital assets and resources necessary for the effective operation of the business. Emphasise the fundamental tasks the business must execute to generate and deliver value. Recognise external entities, such as suppliers, partners, and collaborators, essential to your business.
7. Scalability and sustainability: Is the solution commercially viable and financially sustainable to guarantee enduring social success? Outline plans and strategies for scaling impact to reach a larger audience effectively.
8. Marketing strategy: Explain the go-to-market plan and tools for effectively capturing the target market.
9. Operations and efficiency: Describe how the business operates efficiently to achieve its social impact goals.
10. Team composition and presentation skills: Outline the team’s skills and expertise. Clarify the knowledge and strategies employed to manage complex challenges effectively. Evaluate presentation skills, including readiness, engagement, confidence, utilisation of visual aids, effectiveness of the pitch, and time management during delivery.

This category is open to all types of existing businesses that meet the competition’s Terms and Conditions. It focuses on businesses with a track record of success, proven products or services, and a clear understanding of their market. Judges will evaluate businesses based on their alignment with the 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their potential positive impact on society and the environment. Contestants in this category should showcase how their existing ventures contribute to achieving specific SDGs. Here is the list of the 17 SGDs to choose from;

• No Poverty: The goal is to end poverty in all its forms everywhere.
• Zero Hunger: End hunger, achieve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture.
• Good Health and Well-Being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.
• Quality Education: Ensure inclusive and equitable education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
• Gender Equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
• Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
• Affordable and Clean Energy: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
• Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promote sustained, inclusive, sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work.
• Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.
• Reduced Inequalities: Reduce inequality within and among countries.
• Sustainable Cities and Communities: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
• Responsible Consumption and Production: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
• Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
• Life Below Water: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.
• Life on Land: Protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, manage forests sustainably, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.
• Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
• Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development.

1. Business description and SDG alignment: Clearly describe the business and specify which of the 17 global SDGs it aligns with.
2. Solution analysis: Clearly define the product or service, highlighting key features and benefits.
3. Feasibility: Does the solution’s implementation successfully create a significant impact?
4. Business model and value proposition:
   • Market research and analysis: Provide evidence of conducted market research and present its key findings. Define the target market and market size.
   • Value proposition: Describe the unique value offered to these customer segments.
   • Distribution channels: Specify how value is delivered to customers effectively.
   • Revenue streams: Explain how your business generates income or collects customer payments. (e.g., sales, subscriptions).
   • Competitive advantage: Describe unique advantages over direct and indirect competitors.
5. Financial overview:
   • Opex and capex: Explain operational and capital expenses, such as assets, required to operate the business comprehensively.
   • Sales: Detail the quantity of products sold and their respective prices.
   • Profitability: Explain the current profit margins of the business and well-supported projections for future profitability.
6. Essential resources and activities: List the vital assets and resources necessary for the effective operation of the business. Emphasise the fundamental tasks the business must execute to generate and deliver value. Recognise external entities, such as suppliers, partners, and collaborators, essential to your business.
7. Scalability and sustainability: Is the solution commercially viable and financially sustainable to guarantee enduring success? Outline plans and strategies for scaling impact to reach a larger audience effectively.
8. Marketing strategy: Explain the go-to-market plan and tools for effectively capturing the target market.
9. Operations: Detail procedures for business operations’ inputs, processes, and outputs.
10. Team composition and presentation skills: Outline the team’s skills and expertise. Clarify the knowledge and strategies employed to manage complex challenges effectively. Evaluate presentation skills, including readiness, engagement, confidence, utilisation of visual aids, effectiveness of the pitch, and time management during delivery

The Research-Based Business category aims to nurture innovation and bolster the growth of early-stage, research-based startups that have established a proof of concept. The technology should be in the pre-commercialisation or commercialisation phase, backed by ample validation data to support the commercialisation hypothesis.
The judges will seek individuals or teams who have significantly contributed to scientific and technological research through data collection, analysis, and interpretation. They will also be interested in businesses that have developed innovative products or services, whether they are yet to be commercialised or already in the market. This category welcomes businesses that have devised innovative solutions to social or environmental challenges.
Now, let’s explore the concept of a “proof of concept” (PoC).

1. Definition:
   • A PoC demonstrates that a specific idea, product, or technology is feasible and can function as intended.
   • Businesses validate it initially, indicating they can successfully implement the proposed concept because it has practical viability.
   • Essentially, a PoC answers the question: “Can this idea or innovation be transformed into a functional solution?”
2. Key Aspects:
   • Feasibility: A PoC seeks to validate the technical feasibility of an idea by testing whether the core components or mechanisms operate as expected.
   • Risk Reduction: By developing a PoC, entrepreneurs can identify potential challenges, risks, and limitations early in the development process.
   • Decision-Making: A successful PoC offers data-driven insights that guide decisions about whether to proceed with full-scale development or to pivot.
3. Process:
   • Design and Build: Entrepreneurs construct a small-scale prototype or model that encapsulates the core features of their concept.
   • Testing: The prototype undergoes testing under controlled conditions to verify its functionality and performance.
   • Results: If the PoC demonstrates feasibility and aligns with business goals, it lays the groundwork for further development.

Technology readiness level (TRL)
Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) are a method used to estimate the maturity of technologies during the acquisition phase of a programme. TRLs are scaled from 1 to 9, with 9 being the most mature technology. Here are the definitions of each level:

• • TRL 1: Basic principles are observed and reported.
  • TRL 2: Business formulates the technology concept and application.
  • TRL 3: Business prove the critical functions and characteristics of the technology through analytical and experimental methods.
  • TRL 4: Business validate the component and breadboard in a laboratoryenvironment.
  • TRL 5: The business validated the component and breadboard in a relevant environment.
  • TRL 6: The business demonstrated the system/subsystem model or prototype in a relevant environment.
  • TRL 7: The business demonstrated the system prototype in an operational environment.
  • TRL 8: The business completes the system and is “flight qualified” through tests and demonstrations.
  • TRL 9: The system is “flight proven” through successful mission operations.

1. Identified problem/need: What is the identified problem/need, how was it validated through your research findings, and what is its significance?
2. Proposed solution: What are the uniqueness and benefits of the proposed solution (product/process/service) to customers?
3. Technology readiness level (TRL): What is the current technology readiness and development level of the proposed solution?
4. Business model and value proposition:
   • Market research and analysis: Provide evidence of conducted market research and present its key findings. Define the target market and market size.
   • Value proposition: Describe the unique value offered to these customer segments.
   • Distribution channels: Specify how value is delivered to customers effectively.
   • Revenue streams: Explain how your business generates income or collects customer payments. (e.g., sales, subscriptions).
   • Competitive advantage: Describe unique advantages over direct and indirect competitors.
5. Intellectual Property (IP): What steps has the business taken to protect any innovationrelated intellectual property? Is there a strategy for managing and leveraging intellectual property rights to support the commercialisation process? Mention the critical primary collaborators and a breakdown of the IP ownership.
6. Regulatory considerations: Are there any regulatory or legal requirements for the business to address when developing and implementing the proposed solution? How will compliance with these regulations be ensured?
7. Financial overview:
   • Opex and capex: Explain operational and capital expenses, such as assets, required to operate the business comprehensively.
   • Sales: Detail the quantity of products sold and their respective prices.
   • Profitability: Explain the current profit margins of the business and well-supported projections for future profitability.
8. Scalability and sustainability: Is the solution commercially viable and financially sustainable to guarantee enduring success? Outline plans and strategies for scaling impact to reach a larger audience effectively.
9. Marketing strategy: Explain the go-to-market plan and tools for effectively capturing the target market.
10. Product development process: Explain the product development process for your research-based business. Additionally, specify the current stage of your business within this process.
11. Team composition and presentation skills: Outline the team’s skills and expertise. Clarify the knowledge and strategies employed to manage complex challenges effectively. Evaluate presentation skills, including readiness, engagement, confidence, utilisation of visual aids, effectiveness of the pitch, and time management during delivery.

1. Judges’ overall score: EDHE will present the Studentpreneur of the Year award to the student entrepreneur who earns the highest score from the judges among the winners of the Existing Business categories. This category carries the most weight in the evaluation process.
2. Financial performance: The student entrepreneur must have presented a business demonstrating exceptional financial performance in the past year. This category evaluates the student’s ability to manage finances effectively and generate revenue.
3. Growth potential: The business presented by the student entrepreneur should demonstrate long-term profitability and sustainability. This category assesses the student’s ability to scale their business and adapt to changing market conditions.
4. Impact: Finally, the Studentpreneur of the Year should positively impact the economy by uniquely solving economic or socio-economic issues.
5. Personal attributes: the student entrepreneur must show passion, resilience, perseverance, and commitment to their business. The student must have shown dedication, hard work, the ability to overcome challenges, demonstrate exceptional business acumen, creativity, leadership, commitment to creating a positive impact, and

Contact list of University student Entrepreneurship Coordinators: