this toolkit gives you an overview on how to organize an innvoation challenge in university level.

1. INTERNAL. This information is accessible to ADB Management and staff. It may be shared outside ADB with appropriate permission.
Toolkit:
How To Organize An University
Innovation Challenge
A Step-By-Step Guide
by CAREC Digital TA6602

2. INTERNAL. This information is accessible to ADB Management and staff. It may be shared outside ADB with appropriate permission.
1. Define the Objective
and Scope of the
Challenge
 Determine what you hope to achieve from
the challenge and what problem areas you
want the participants to address.
 This will help you in determining the target
audience, theme, rules and regulations, and
the format of the challenge.

3. INTERNAL. This information is accessible to ADB Management and staff. It may be shared outside ADB with appropriate permission.
2. Target Audience
 This could be students from different
departments or faculties, alumni, or even
members of the public. Define the eligibility
criteria for participation, including the
nationality, team size, age limit, and other
necessary requirements.

4. INTERNAL. This information is accessible to ADB Management and staff. It may be shared outside ADB with appropriate permission.
3. Theme and Format
 Determine the theme of the
challenge and the format for
participation. You could opt for a
hackathon format, ideathon, design
thinking challenge, or a business
model competition. Ensure that the
format aligns with the theme and
objective of the challenge.
 See the example of 3 themes with
guiding questions on the image.

5. INTERNAL. This information is accessible to ADB Management and staff. It may be shared outside ADB with appropriate permission.
4. Timeline
 Develop a timeline for the challenge, including the launch date, application
deadline, selection of finalists, and the final event. Ensure that the timeline is
realistic and achievable, and that it allows sufficient time for participants to prepare
and submit their entries.

6. INTERNAL. This information is accessible to ADB Management and staff. It may be shared outside ADB with appropriate permission.
5. Form a Committee
 Form a committee to oversee the
organization of the challenge. The
committee should consist of individuals from
different backgrounds, including academics,
industry professionals, and entrepreneurs.
Assign specific roles and responsibilities to
each committee member, including the
planning of the launch event, application
screening, and selection of finalists.

7. INTERNAL. This information is accessible to ADB Management and staff. It may be shared outside ADB with appropriate permission.
6. Marketing Strategy
 Develop a marketing strategy to attract potential
participants. Utilize social media platforms, email
marketing, and other channels to promote the
challenge.
 Reach out to different universities, student
organizations, industry partners, and media outlets
to generate interest and support for the challenge.

8. INTERNAL. This information is accessible to ADB Management and staff. It may be shared outside ADB with appropriate permission.
7. Tasks and Training
Plans
Developing guiding tasks and training plans for
participants can help students develop their innovative
solutions and gain the skills and knowledge they need
to succeed.
This can also help to build a supportive and
collaborative community of innovators, which can
benefit the university and the broader ecosystem.

9. INTERNAL. This information is accessible to ADB Management and staff. It may be shared outside ADB with appropriate permission.
Elements for Tasks and Training Plans
 7.1 Guiding Tasks: Develop a series of guiding tasks
that participants must complete throughout the
challenge. These tasks should be designed to help
participants develop their innovative solutions, and
should align with the theme and objective of the
challenge. Consider including tasks such as
research and analysis, ideation and brainstorming,
prototyping and testing, and business planning.
[see Annex XXX: Timeline & Tasks]
 7.2 Training Plans: Provide participants with timely
training and mentorship to help them better
understand where to go and what to do next. This
could include workshops, webinars, or one-on-one
sessions with mentors or industry experts. Make
sure that the training and mentorship align with
the guiding tasks and support the development of
the participants‘ solutions. Link to Timeline & Tasks

10. INTERNAL. This information is accessible to ADB Management and staff. It may be shared outside ADB with appropriate permission.
Elements for Tasks and Training Plans
 7.3 Feedback and Evaluation: Provide participants with
regular feedback on their progress, and evaluate their
submissions according to the selection criteria. Use a scoring
rubric or a judging panel to assess the quality and viability of
the entries, and provide constructive feedback to help
participants improve their solutions. Make sure that the
feedback and evaluation are transparent and fair, and that
participants have an opportunity to ask questions or seek
clarification.
 7.4 Collaboration and Networking: Encourage collaboration
and networking among participants, mentors, and industry
experts. Provide opportunities for participants to connect
with each other and with potential partners, investors, or
customers. This could include networking events, pitch
sessions, or online forums

11. INTERNAL. This information is accessible to ADB Management and staff. It may be shared outside ADB with appropriate permission.
8. Launch the Challenge
Launch the challenge and start accepting
applications. Ensure that the application process is
straightforward and user-friendly, and that it includes
all the necessary information and guidelines for
participation.

12. INTERNAL. This information is accessible to ADB Management and staff. It may be shared outside ADB with appropriate permission.
8.1 Application Guidelines
 Clearly outline the application
guidelines and requirements in the call
for applications.
 These should include eligibility, team
size, how to register, timeline,
submission format, selection criteria,
awards, jury panels, and any other
specific rules or instructions.
 Be sure to add a navitation guide to
your platform.

13. INTERNAL. This information is accessible to ADB Management and staff. It may be shared outside ADB with appropriate permission.
8.2 Application Platform
 Decide on the application platform that you will use
to collect and review submissions. This could be a
web-based platform, a social media platform, or a
custom-built solution. Ensure that the platform is
user-friendly, secure, and able to handle a large
volume of submissions
 ADB Challenge is using Agorize powered platform
for challenge management. Visit CAREC University
Startup Generator 2023.
 Explore ADB Challenge platform here.

14. INTERNAL. This information is accessible to ADB Management and staff. It may be shared outside ADB with appropriate permission.
8.3 Promotion and Outreach
 Promote the challenge and reach potential
participants. Use a variety of channels, including social
media, email marketing, and university communication
channels, to generate interest and awareness.
 Consider reaching out to university alliance, innovation
hubs, industry partners, alumni networks, and student
organizations to expand your reach.
 Consider organizing a Launching event to officially
kick off the Innovation Challenge and increase
awareness and interest among potential participants
and stakeholders. This can also help to build
partnerships and collaborations with other universities,
industry leaders, and relevant stakeholders, and to
create a buzz around the challenge.

15. INTERNAL. This information is accessible to ADB Management and staff. It may be shared outside ADB with appropriate permission.
9. Select Finalists
 Once the application deadline has passed, screen and select the finalists. Use a scoring rubric or a
judging panel to assess the quality and viability of the entries. Notify the finalists and provide them
with any necessary information and support to prepare for the final event.

16. INTERNAL. This information is accessible to ADB Management and staff. It may be shared outside ADB with appropriate permission.
9.1 Jury Panel
 Recruit a diverse and knowledgeable jury panel to
evaluate the submissions and select the finalists. The
panel should include experts in the relevant field or
industry, as well as representatives from the
university and other key stakeholders.
 Make sure that the jury panel is unbiased and fair,
and that they have the necessary expertise and
resources to assess the submissions.
 Provide a comprehensive briefing to the jury panel
that outlines the overview of the challenge, selection
criteria, evaluation form, and submission guidelines.

17. INTERNAL. This information is accessible to ADB Management and staff. It may be shared outside ADB with appropriate permission.
9.2 Evaluation Form
 Prepare an evaluation form that outlines the
selection criteria and provides a clear and
consistent way to score and rank the
submissions.
 The form should be tailored to the specific
theme and objective of the challenge, and
should be transparent and fair.
 Consider using a scoring rubric that covers
different aspects of the submissions, such as
creativity, feasibility, impact, and scalability.

18. INTERNAL. This information is accessible to ADB Management and staff. It may be shared outside ADB with appropriate permission.
9.3 Mock Pitching Session
 Organize a mock pitching session and mentorship
session for the finalists to help them prepare for the
final event.
 This could include a practice pitch session with the
jury panel or mentors, as well as one-on-one
mentorship sessions to provide feedback and
guidance on their solutions.

19. INTERNAL. This information is accessible to ADB Management and staff. It may be shared outside ADB with appropriate permission.
10. Pitching Day
 Organize the final pitching day, where the finalists
will showcase their innovative solutions and pitch
their ideas to the jury panel and audience. Make
sure that the event is well-organized, with clear
guidelines and instructions for the finalists and
audience.
 By organizing a well-structured and engaging
pitching day, you can showcase the innovative
solutions and foster collaboration and networking
among participants and stakeholders.

20. INTERNAL. This information is accessible to ADB Management and staff. It may be shared outside ADB with appropriate permission.
11. Award Ceremony
 By organizing an award ceremony, you can
celebrate the achievements of the participants and
showcase the innovative solutions and positive
social impact to a wider audience.
 This can also help to build the reputation and
visibility of the universities, organizers, and
sponsors, and foster collaboration and networking
among participants and stakeholders.

21. INTERNAL. This information is accessible to ADB Management and staff. It may be shared outside ADB with appropriate permission.
Elements to consider for Award Ceremony
Venue and date
Program and
agenda
Prizes and awards
Invitations and
RSVPs
Logistics and
support
Media release and
PR

22. INTERNAL. This information is accessible to ADB Management and staff. It may be shared outside ADB with appropriate permission.
12. Evaluate the
Challenge
 Evaluate the success of the challenge based on the
objectives and metrics established at the outset.
 Collect feedback from the participants, judges, and
other stakeholders to identify strengths and areas
for improvement. Use this information to plan for
future challenges and to build on the successes of
the current one.

23. INTERNAL. This information is accessible to ADB Management and staff. It may be shared outside ADB with appropriate permission.
Thank you
For inquiries, please contact: ssu1.consultant@adb.org