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Eligibility & Evaluation Criteria

Kickstart VT

Eligibility

  • Participants must be currently enrolled Virginia Tech students to be eligible for consideration and seed grant awards.

  • Teams must include at least one Full time enrolled Virginia Tech student.

Evaluation Process

Ideas are reviewed by judges from the Apex Center. Submissions are evaluated based on a video pitch, scored across several criteria on a 1–5 scale. Applications that best address these criteria will be selected to pitch live.

Evaluation Criteria

1. Does the student describe the idea and the problem that it solves clearly?

  • 1 Point (No): The idea and problem are unclear.

  • 3 Points (Somewhat): General understanding is provided, but key elements are missing.

  • 5 Points (Yes): The idea and problem are clearly and fully explained.

2. Has the student identified the appropriate milestones for developing the idea into a viable business?

  • 1 Point (No): Earlier stages must be completed before moving forward.

  • 3 Points (Maybe): Some earlier stages could still be addressed but aren’t blockers.

  • 5 Points (Yes): The milestone is clear and necessary for progress.

3. Does the Student require funding to achieve their milestones?

  • 1 Point (No): The milestone could be completed with little to no funding.

  • 3 Points (Maybe): The milestone could be achieved with less funding.

  • 5 Points (Yes): The requested funding is necessary to complete the milestone.

4. Has the student identified potential customers for their idea?

  • 1 Point (No): No potential customers identified.

  • 3 Points (Maybe): Possible customers identified but not clearly defined.

  • 5 Points (Yes): Clear identification of potential customers.

Questions?

Email us at apexcenter@vt.edu or book office hours to discuss your submission if not selected to pitch live.