The Innovation Competition, sponsored by GW’s Technology Commercialization Office (TCO), showcases promising and impactful GW research with commercial potential. The event provides a forum for idea sharing between GW researchers, entrepreneurs and members of the venture community, as well as the opportunity to present technologies to a panel of judges including experienced entrepreneurs, investors and industry professionals. In addition to winning cash prizes, many participants go on to license and commercialize their technologies after presenting at this event.
Inventors will present their technologies for a chance to win. A total of $40,000* in prizes will be awarded!
*Prize money is for the development of a prototype or proof-of-concept. $10,000 prizes awarded for best physical science and best life science project, as well as $5,000 prizes for 2nd place in each category. Additional prizes of $5,000 will be awarded to audience's choice poster in each category.
Applicants must have an unlicensed invention disclosed to TCO at the time of application. Meet with TCO to discuss your invention and get help disclosing your invention through the GW Inventor Portal (entry via single sign-on) prior to application. All participant teams must include a GW inventor.
Participants will submit a 10-minute slide presentation with notes and a 3-5 sentence elevator pitch for the technology. Judges will choose finalists to give talks. Non-finalists will present in the poster session. All application materials will be due March 9th.
To participate, email us at tco@gwu.edu to ask for the full application details and confirm your interest. Confirm early, and TCO will help you improve your application before the deadline to increase your chance of the judges choosing your project as a finalist!
All are welcome to attend the event, but GW researchers must confirm their eligibility to participate in the competition with TCO and submit an application by March 9th.