Participant toolkit
Everything you need to show up ready.
A lightweight kit so any student — at any age — can walk in and start building. No prep required, but it helps.
Idea Worksheet
A one-page guide that walks any age from a problem they've noticed to a simple solution.
Coming soonPitch Template
The five-part structure: problem, solution, who it's for, why it matters, and what's exciting.
Coming soonJudging Rubric
The same criteria judges use, so teams know exactly what they're being recognized for.
Coming soonDay Schedule
The full run of the day, from kickoff energy to the closing awards.
Coming soonSlide Template
An optional, clean deck so teams can present with confidence — polish is never required.
Coming soonExample Concepts
Student-friendly startup ideas, by division, to spark thinking without boxing anyone in.
Coming soonIdea worksheet
From a hunch to a concept.
The six questions your advisor will help you answer — in order.
- 01What problem are you solving?Start with something you've actually noticed.
- 02Who has this problem?Picture one real person it affects.
- 03What is your solution?Keep the first version simple.
- 04Why is it useful or interesting?What makes someone care?
- 05What would the first version look like?A sketch, a screen, a story.
- 06How would you explain it to others?One clear, confident sentence.
Pitch template
Five slides. Two minutes. Done.
Answer these five and you have a complete pitch — clarity over polish.
- 01The problemWhat did you notice that bugs people?
- 02The solutionYour idea, in one clear sentence.
- 03Who it's forWho has this problem most?
- 04Why it mattersWhat changes if your idea exists?
- 05What's excitingWhat makes it different or surprising?
Judging rubric
Exactly what judges look for.
No surprises — teams are scored against these, scaled to their division.
| Criterion | What it means |
|---|---|
| Originality & creativity | A fresh angle, an unexpected idea, or a clever twist. |
| Understanding of the problem | Real insight into who hurts and why it matters. |
| Clarity of solution | A solution that's easy to grasp and clearly connected to the problem. |
| Communication & pitch | A confident, clear, and engaging presentation. |
| Thoughtfulness & effort | Care, curiosity, and genuine work put into the idea. |
| Age-appropriate potential | How far the idea could go, judged against the division. |
Got the gist? Come build with us.
Thursday, August 27, 2026 · South Orange + Maplewood, NJ.