ECU Innovator Awards 2013 Open to students and staff developing innovative products or services with commercial potential Introduction The Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) is now accepting submissions for the ECU Innovator Awards. The competition is open to all ECU staff and students, and is focused on identifying innovative products or services with commercial potential. There is a single cash prize of $20,000 to the winner. Applications will be assessed by a panel of judges with extensive industry experience, on the basis of novelty, market potential, market characteristics / feasibility, competitive advantage, and stage of development. All applications will be kept strictly confidential. Eligibility The awards are open to staff and students, both full time and part time, employed or enrolled at the University on 1 September 2013. Please note: in section 7 of the application form, student applicants should identify any contributions made to the intellectual property by their supervisor. The subject of any application must have achieved ‘proof of concept’ i.e. proof that the concept is technically possible, ideally with a working prototype. The subject of any application must not have received previous investment from the Commercialisation Office eg. In the form of patent protection. Applications must be less than 2,500 words (approximately 5 pages). Judging process The judging panel will comprise internal ECU staff from the Office of Research and Innovation, together with external experts in technology transfer and commercialisation. Entries will be judged against the following 5 criteria, each given equal weighting : Novelty Does the invention offer something new to the market ? Does an existing product or service already meet the market need ? Market potential Who are the end customers ? Why will they buy the product or service ?
How many of them are there ? Will that number grow, shrink, or remain the same? Market characteristics What are the direct competitors, or are there substitutes for the product or service ? How can end customers be reached ? Is it directly? Are there one or two well established global companies, or many small local suppliers? Is it easy for newcomers to get established? Competitive advantage What makes your product or service superior to your competitors? Cost, time, accuracy? Why do end-users value this advantage ? Stage of development Can you demonstrate that your idea is technically possible? Do you have a working prototype? Judges may contact applicants to seek clarification of the written submission. The judges’ decision will be based on the written submission and will be final. If the judges decide not to award the prize, it will be carried forward and made available as a second prize the next time the Awards are run. Feedback on submissions will be provided to all entrants. Use of prize money The following guidelines apply to the use of the prize money :
It is to be used in a way which furthers the commercial potential of the idea – this could include further technical development, protection of IP, market research, strategy development/business planning, engagement with potential strategic partners, attending relevant conferences/tradeshows. The Commercialisation Office will provide guidance to the winner on the optimum use of funds The prize money will be awarded in January 2014 and must be spent fully within the 2014 calendar year The Commercialisation Office is to be kept in touch with progress A short report is to be submitted to ORI at end of 6-12 months outlining how the money has been spent and any milestones achieved.
Closing date Entries close Friday, 27 September 2013. Email completed application forms to Jarrad Pyvis (
[email protected]) Application forms Application forms can be downloaded from www.research.ecu.edu.au/ori/promotions Further information If you have any questions contact Jarrad Pyvis (
[email protected], 6304 2624)
