HANDBOOK, 2023/2024
FRESH GEEKS PLEDGE
I pledge to use technology for good and aim to make the world a better place. I will strive to give back to society and be inclusive of all people in our human race. I promise to never give up on my dreams and keep reaching for greatness. We are the Fresh Geeks generation that will build the future.
WHAT IS FRESH GEEKS?
In the time of a raging epidemiological crisis, the whole world is on the verge of global changes. It is now clear that existing economic, social and even political systems do not meet the new realities. At the same time, all the attempts to use the old approaches to deal with new challenges are losing their effectiveness every day. It is time for fresh ideas, global cooperation that aims to achieve the common good, new models of communication and interaction, new leaders of global change, a new role for Hi-Tech in solving global social problems.
In these conditions, the role of youth is radically changing. Now not graduates of higher educational institutions come to the fore, but school students that are 12-17 years old. It is they who become the main players in the innovation economy. It is their ideas and talents that create the qualitative changes that we need.
Based on this, it becomes critically important to build a system of hands-on, outcome-driven project education for adolescents in the field of Hi-Tech and Entrepreneurship. The new system should go beyond the framework of the school curriculum, be based on practical tasks, empower innovation, creativity and critical thinking, should not be outfitted within a country or region, but should freely transmit knowledge between students from different countries.
FRESH GEEKS - is a global program that encourages teenage teams to collaborate and create, monetize and launch their own hi-tech projects that address the need for social change. Fresh Geeks consists of 4 main elements - Community, Education, Hackathons and Accelerator and unites Young Innovators, Coaches, IT, Business and Community leaders and Investors from all over the world.
To start a project, Young Innovators should form a team with a minimum of 2 participants (could be from different countries) and at least one identified Coach to guide them. These teams come up with innovative ideas that fall under one of three competition categories: Software & Applications, IoT & Robotics or Web Projects. Each project should address social challenges identified for that competition year, based on the United Nations sustainable development goals.
During the school year participants remotely obtain the necessary knowledge from IT and Business leaders at our educational platform through our webinars and lessons, recommended videos and courses. They learn to create, develop, promote and monetize their startups. Next step is a virtual competition, where all teams are required to submit a 5-minute video pitch and a 1-pager of their project. Each project submission will be judged by a select panel of virtual judges, and the top finalists in each category will be invited to take part in the Fresh Geeks Global Hackathon that will take place in one of the participating countries.
At an international event, Young Innovators participate in workshops led by experts in various areas together with their peers from other countries and improve their projects in the hackathon format for presentation to a panel of vetted judges from the professional, education, and social sectors. The final presentations are followed by the Collaboration Expo, where teams showcase their projects to potential partners and investors and network with the Fresh Geeks community. At the conclusion of the event the top project teams are awarded and offered the opportunity to connect with mentors and potential investors, to take their projects to the next level.
The BIG GOAL of Fresh Geeks is to find talented dedicated Young Innovators all over the world, to support their ideas and desire to grow in life, to provide them with knowledge and instruments for realisation of their projects, leading them through all stages from psychological preparation to finding investors and launch of real businesses, while creating a like-minded community and network for making this world a better place!
In these conditions, the role of youth is radically changing. Now not graduates of higher educational institutions come to the fore, but school students that are 12-17 years old. It is they who become the main players in the innovation economy. It is their ideas and talents that create the qualitative changes that we need.
Based on this, it becomes critically important to build a system of hands-on, outcome-driven project education for adolescents in the field of Hi-Tech and Entrepreneurship. The new system should go beyond the framework of the school curriculum, be based on practical tasks, empower innovation, creativity and critical thinking, should not be outfitted within a country or region, but should freely transmit knowledge between students from different countries.
FRESH GEEKS - is a global program that encourages teenage teams to collaborate and create, monetize and launch their own hi-tech projects that address the need for social change. Fresh Geeks consists of 4 main elements - Community, Education, Hackathons and Accelerator and unites Young Innovators, Coaches, IT, Business and Community leaders and Investors from all over the world.
To start a project, Young Innovators should form a team with a minimum of 2 participants (could be from different countries) and at least one identified Coach to guide them. These teams come up with innovative ideas that fall under one of three competition categories: Software & Applications, IoT & Robotics or Web Projects. Each project should address social challenges identified for that competition year, based on the United Nations sustainable development goals.
During the school year participants remotely obtain the necessary knowledge from IT and Business leaders at our educational platform through our webinars and lessons, recommended videos and courses. They learn to create, develop, promote and monetize their startups. Next step is a virtual competition, where all teams are required to submit a 5-minute video pitch and a 1-pager of their project. Each project submission will be judged by a select panel of virtual judges, and the top finalists in each category will be invited to take part in the Fresh Geeks Global Hackathon that will take place in one of the participating countries.
At an international event, Young Innovators participate in workshops led by experts in various areas together with their peers from other countries and improve their projects in the hackathon format for presentation to a panel of vetted judges from the professional, education, and social sectors. The final presentations are followed by the Collaboration Expo, where teams showcase their projects to potential partners and investors and network with the Fresh Geeks community. At the conclusion of the event the top project teams are awarded and offered the opportunity to connect with mentors and potential investors, to take their projects to the next level.
The BIG GOAL of Fresh Geeks is to find talented dedicated Young Innovators all over the world, to support their ideas and desire to grow in life, to provide them with knowledge and instruments for realisation of their projects, leading them through all stages from psychological preparation to finding investors and launch of real businesses, while creating a like-minded community and network for making this world a better place!
OVERVIEW
VISION
Educate, inspire, and encourage our world's youth to pursue their interest in technology.
MISSION
To create a community for upcoming generations to collaborate on technology initiatives that will help solve global challenges.
VALUES
VALUE ADD
TARGET AUDIENCE
STRATEGY
PRIORITIES
OBJECTIVES
COMPETITION CATEGORIES
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Educate, inspire, and encourage our world's youth to pursue their interest in technology.
MISSION
To create a community for upcoming generations to collaborate on technology initiatives that will help solve global challenges.
VALUES
- Empower Today's Youth
- Encourage Partnerships
- Inspire Social Change
VALUE ADD
- Help close the gap between skills demanded in the technology sector.
- Increase proficiency of young students across the world.
- Encourage cross-country partnerships to align across different development levels
TARGET AUDIENCE
- Middle School & High School Education
- Age Range: 12-18 years
STRATEGY
- Invest in the youth of our world to inspire them to create.
- Provide tools to enhance skills and build professional confidence.
- Build a community for tech-curious youth to collaborate and excel.
- Establish partnerships to scale our mission globally and drive impact.
- Share our learnings and resources to encourage participation.
PRIORITIES
- Provide educational forums for participants to learn and better execute on their projects.
- Provide a platform for visibility of project ideas, for potential partnership or investment opportunities.
OBJECTIVES
- Global participation from countries representing each world continent.
- 50% of participants to declare a STEM major or embark in a STEM-related career.
COMPETITION CATEGORIES
- Software & Applications
- IoT & Robotics
- Web Projects
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
- SDG 3: Good Health & Well-Being
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
We invite Young Innovators throughout the world to participate in the Fresh Geeks Program to start Hi-Tech projects, learn and develop their skills, collaborate with other Young Innovators, and work together to make a positive global impact.
FORM YOUR TEAM & BEGIN IDEATION
Young Innovators can register as an existing team, or register as an individual to be paired with other Young Innovators across the globe to work together to create projects.
Teams will create projects / products, based on one of three competition categories and addressing one or more of the global challenge initiatives identified for that competition year.
TEAM REQUIREMENTS
Recommended number of positions: 4-5 members. It is not obligatory to have a team member for each recommended position - some may choose to have members in multiple roles; although we recommend all team members to be involved in identifying the social challenge they wish to address, building the project plan, and presenting their business idea.
TEAM POSITIONS MAY INCLUDE
Chief Executive Officer - A chief executive officer (CEO) is the highest-ranking position on the team, whose primary responsibilities include making major decisions, managing the overall operations and resources of the project. The CEO is the leader of the team, heading up communication and strategy.
Chief Financial Officer - A chief financial officer (CFO) is responsible for managing the financial actions of the project. The CFO's duties include creating a business model and budget, financial planning, and tracking cash flow.
Business Development / Marketing - A chief business development officer (CBDO) is expected to have a broad and comprehensive knowledge of all matters related to the development of the project; identifying potential partnerships and new sales prospects, creating and exercising marketing strategies, and driving business growth.
Product Manager - A product manager is a professional role that creates the innovative idea of the project based on the team's goals and mission, focused on meeting the needs of their target customers. The product manager specifies the technical requirements to make the product a reality, and generally manages the launch of features and final outcome.
Tech Lead - A Tech Lead is a software engineer responsible for leading a team and alignment of the technical direction of a project.
REGISTER YOUR TEAM
Register your team & project via the online Fresh Geeks Registration Form
LEARN & DEVELOP YOUR PROJECT
Participate in Fresh Geeks webinars to learn more about:
SUBMIT YOUR TEAM PROJECT FOR THE FRESH GEEKS VIRTUAL COMPETITION
SUGGESTED VIDEO PITCH STRUCTURE
SUGGESTED ONE-PAGER STRUCTURE
FRESH GEEKS VIRTUAL COMPETITION STRUCTURE
Fresh Geeks Judges will view all competition submissions and choose the most relevant and suitable projects in each category to advance to the Fresh Geeks Global Hackathon.
Judges will vote for the most innovative / potentially lucrative projects that address social challenges and have a well-structured, creative, and engaging video pitch.
Judges vote for the top team projects (from 1 to 10) based on:
Judges leave detailed feedback for teams to continue to improve their projects.
Wild Card - Fresh Geeks Founders vote for a wild card team to move on as a Finalist at the Fresh Geeks Global Hackathon.
The top 4 teams in each competition category will be invited to participate and compete in the Fresh Geeks Global Hackathon.
The Global Hackathon will be held in 2021 (official dates / location TBD).
FINALISTS PREPARE FOR THE FRESH GEEKS GLOBAL HACKATHON
Participate in Fresh Geeks webinars to learn more about:
Prepare for the event
Prepare to attend the event
Logistical details for attending the in-person Fresh Geeks Global Hackathon will be shared with all Finalists leading up to the event.
FORM YOUR TEAM & BEGIN IDEATION
Young Innovators can register as an existing team, or register as an individual to be paired with other Young Innovators across the globe to work together to create projects.
Teams will create projects / products, based on one of three competition categories and addressing one or more of the global challenge initiatives identified for that competition year.
TEAM REQUIREMENTS
- Age Range: 12-18 years (within competition calendar year)
- Coaches: Minimum of 1 Coach per team
- Team Size: 2 members minimum / 10 members maximum
Recommended number of positions: 4-5 members. It is not obligatory to have a team member for each recommended position - some may choose to have members in multiple roles; although we recommend all team members to be involved in identifying the social challenge they wish to address, building the project plan, and presenting their business idea.
TEAM POSITIONS MAY INCLUDE
Chief Executive Officer - A chief executive officer (CEO) is the highest-ranking position on the team, whose primary responsibilities include making major decisions, managing the overall operations and resources of the project. The CEO is the leader of the team, heading up communication and strategy.
Chief Financial Officer - A chief financial officer (CFO) is responsible for managing the financial actions of the project. The CFO's duties include creating a business model and budget, financial planning, and tracking cash flow.
Business Development / Marketing - A chief business development officer (CBDO) is expected to have a broad and comprehensive knowledge of all matters related to the development of the project; identifying potential partnerships and new sales prospects, creating and exercising marketing strategies, and driving business growth.
Product Manager - A product manager is a professional role that creates the innovative idea of the project based on the team's goals and mission, focused on meeting the needs of their target customers. The product manager specifies the technical requirements to make the product a reality, and generally manages the launch of features and final outcome.
Tech Lead - A Tech Lead is a software engineer responsible for leading a team and alignment of the technical direction of a project.
REGISTER YOUR TEAM
Register your team & project via the online Fresh Geeks Registration Form
- Each team member / parent to sign a participation waiver, which includes consent to photo / video / materials release for Fresh Geeks promotional and educational purposes.
- Indicate in the registration form who your Coach will be for the year, or if you need a Coach assigned to you from our Fresh Geeks Global Coaches Community.
- Complete your team profile in your Team Cabinet on the Fresh Geeks website.
LEARN & DEVELOP YOUR PROJECT
Participate in Fresh Geeks webinars to learn more about:
- Project Categories
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Competition Criteria
- Virtual Competition Preparation responsibilities
SUBMIT YOUR TEAM PROJECT FOR THE FRESH GEEKS VIRTUAL COMPETITION
- 5 minute video pitch + one-pager
- Upload video to your Google Drive.
- Upload one-pager to your Team Cabinet on the Fresh Geeks site, with the link to your video pitch included.
SUGGESTED VIDEO PITCH STRUCTURE
- Presentation of your Product: Prototype / MVP / Website / Blog - how will it ideally look, what already works and how, what technology is used, etc.
- Presentation of your Idea: What is it about, what are the goals, what problems it solves and for whom, and what is the innovation and uniqueness of the product and / or approach?
- Presentation of your Team: Young Innovators, Coaches, roles, motivation
- Call to Action: Why invest in us? - What do we ask of our potential partners / investors?
SUGGESTED ONE-PAGER STRUCTURE
- Project & Product Name
- Category
- SDG(s)
- Problem
- Solution (Idea + Technology)
- Business Model / Monetization
- Action Plan & Necessary Investments
FRESH GEEKS VIRTUAL COMPETITION STRUCTURE
Fresh Geeks Judges will view all competition submissions and choose the most relevant and suitable projects in each category to advance to the Fresh Geeks Global Hackathon.
Judges will vote for the most innovative / potentially lucrative projects that address social challenges and have a well-structured, creative, and engaging video pitch.
Judges vote for the top team projects (from 1 to 10) based on:
- Interesting and feasible ideas
- Attractiveness to partners and investors
- Potential for further development through webinars, hackathons, and mentorship
- Ambitiousness of the team that demonstrates their desire to learn and succeed
Judges leave detailed feedback for teams to continue to improve their projects.
Wild Card - Fresh Geeks Founders vote for a wild card team to move on as a Finalist at the Fresh Geeks Global Hackathon.
The top 4 teams in each competition category will be invited to participate and compete in the Fresh Geeks Global Hackathon.
The Global Hackathon will be held in 2021 (official dates / location TBD).
FINALISTS PREPARE FOR THE FRESH GEEKS GLOBAL HACKATHON
Participate in Fresh Geeks webinars to learn more about:
- Forming a Business Team
- Marketing & Promotion
- Presentation Preparation (PowerPoint, Public Speaking)
Prepare for the event
- Update one-pager and upload to the appropriate Fresh Geeks Global Hackathon competition category folder for Mentors and Judges to access during the event.
- Have your presentation polished, and accessible for editing / improvements during the Hackathon portion of the event.
- Have your product prototype / MVP available for demonstration during your presentation and at the Collaboration Expo.
- Practice for your team presentation for the competition portion of the event.
Prepare to attend the event
Logistical details for attending the in-person Fresh Geeks Global Hackathon will be shared with all Finalists leading up to the event.
COMPETITION CATEGORIES
1. SOFTWARE & APPLICATIONS
A project that competes in this category is a software product for PCs or application for smartphones, that will give a solution to an existing need and addresses a social challenge. This software or application can be installed on existing devices and doesn't require development of new devices.
For successful participation in the online selection of finalists for the Fresh Geeks Global Hackathon, teams with a project in this category should have a working demo that is available for testing. At the same time, it shouldn't be necessarily uploaded to AppStore / GooglePlay etc.
The project should have potential to be lucrative. We realistically don't expect income in the incubation phase, but we expect solving an existing need for customers with a viable business model.
Software & Application projects include Hi-Tech areas such as Machine Learning, AI, VR, etc.
Examples:
2. IOT & ROBOTICS
A project that competes in this category is a hardware IT device programmed to solve an existing need and addresses a social challenge. This category requires construction of a new Hi-Tech product or prototype with the existing parts.
For successful participation in the online selection of finalists for the Fresh Geeks Global Hackathon, teams with a project in this category should have a working prototype or MVP that is available for testing. At the same time, the product shouldn't be necessarily produced or launched for sales.
The project should have potential to be lucrative. We realistically don't expect income in the incubation phase, but we expect solving an existing need for customers with a viable business model.
IOT & Robotics projects include Hi-Tech areas such as Machine Learning, AI, VR, etc.
Examples:
3. WEB PROJECTS
A project that competes in this category is an online site or blog on any platform created to solve an existing need and addresses a social challenge. Web projects can be built on existing platforms and doesn't require programming of the code or development of devices needed for the content creation.
For successful participation in the online selection of finalists for the Fresh Geeks Global Hackathon, teams with a project in this category should have a published version of their webpage or blog accessible for users.
The project should have potential to be lucrative. We realistically don't expect income in the incubation phase, but we expect solving an existing need for customers with a viable business model, monetization and promotion plan.
Examples:
A project that competes in this category is a software product for PCs or application for smartphones, that will give a solution to an existing need and addresses a social challenge. This software or application can be installed on existing devices and doesn't require development of new devices.
For successful participation in the online selection of finalists for the Fresh Geeks Global Hackathon, teams with a project in this category should have a working demo that is available for testing. At the same time, it shouldn't be necessarily uploaded to AppStore / GooglePlay etc.
The project should have potential to be lucrative. We realistically don't expect income in the incubation phase, but we expect solving an existing need for customers with a viable business model.
Software & Application projects include Hi-Tech areas such as Machine Learning, AI, VR, etc.
Examples:
- Program that helps ADHD kids concentrate
- Application where students earn points for not using their phones during class
- Game that educates teenagers financial literacy
2. IOT & ROBOTICS
A project that competes in this category is a hardware IT device programmed to solve an existing need and addresses a social challenge. This category requires construction of a new Hi-Tech product or prototype with the existing parts.
For successful participation in the online selection of finalists for the Fresh Geeks Global Hackathon, teams with a project in this category should have a working prototype or MVP that is available for testing. At the same time, the product shouldn't be necessarily produced or launched for sales.
The project should have potential to be lucrative. We realistically don't expect income in the incubation phase, but we expect solving an existing need for customers with a viable business model.
IOT & Robotics projects include Hi-Tech areas such as Machine Learning, AI, VR, etc.
Examples:
- Smart cane for visually-impaired
- AR glasses that transform speech to text for deaf
- Robot that analyzes quality of air
- Drone for delivery of first-aid kits to remote areas
3. WEB PROJECTS
A project that competes in this category is an online site or blog on any platform created to solve an existing need and addresses a social challenge. Web projects can be built on existing platforms and doesn't require programming of the code or development of devices needed for the content creation.
For successful participation in the online selection of finalists for the Fresh Geeks Global Hackathon, teams with a project in this category should have a published version of their webpage or blog accessible for users.
The project should have potential to be lucrative. We realistically don't expect income in the incubation phase, but we expect solving an existing need for customers with a viable business model, monetization and promotion plan.
Examples:
- Online store that sells local souvenirs
- Video blog about global challenges
- Online touristic audio guide for less developed countries
- Web platform that supports kids with anxiety
SOCIAL CHALLENGES
SDG 3: GOOD HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages is important to building prosperous societies.
Examples:
SDG 4: QUALITY EDUCATION
Obtaining a quality education is the foundation to creating sustainable development. In addition to improving quality of life, access to inclusive education can help equip locals with the tools required to develop innovative solutions to the world's greatest problems.
Examples:
SDG 8: DECENT WORK & ECONOMIC GROWTH
To promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all is crucial for the social contract underlying democratic societies: that all must share in progress.
Example:
Web platform that allows tourists to have meals in the homes of local families when traveling - turning home kitchens into a workplace that brings additional income for the hosts; including residents of remote villages, women, and people with special needs.
SDG 10: REDUCED INEQUALITIES
There is growing consensus that economic growth is not sufficient to reduce poverty if it is not inclusive.
Example:
Instagram blog that motivates people to enjoy life and live it to the fullest, to overcome obstacles and be strong by telling inspiring stories and showing pictures of models with special needs who are given an opportunity to become part of fashion and advertising business.
SDG 12: RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION & PRODUCTION
Sustainable consumption and production is about promoting resource and energy efficiency, sustainable infrastructure, and providing access to basic services, eco-friendly, and decent jobs, and a better quality of life for all.
Example:
Application that helps kids to develop environmental thinking and a sense of responsibility for the well-being of the planet, as well as responsible food habits in gamified form.
(!) For more information about these and other UN Sustainable Development Goals please visit official site: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/
Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages is important to building prosperous societies.
Examples:
- IOT device that utilizes various sensors to detect elevated levels of harmful particles and chemicals in the air.
- Smart band specially designed for elders that sends an alert to family members/close friends/caretakers who have an app in case the user falls down or faces risk of having a heart attack/stroke.
SDG 4: QUALITY EDUCATION
Obtaining a quality education is the foundation to creating sustainable development. In addition to improving quality of life, access to inclusive education can help equip locals with the tools required to develop innovative solutions to the world's greatest problems.
Examples:
- We at Fresh Geeks address this challenge by increasing the number of youth who have relevant skills for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.
- System created for teachers to store materials and recorded lesson plans for students to access/reference following virtual/in-person classes.
SDG 8: DECENT WORK & ECONOMIC GROWTH
To promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all is crucial for the social contract underlying democratic societies: that all must share in progress.
Example:
Web platform that allows tourists to have meals in the homes of local families when traveling - turning home kitchens into a workplace that brings additional income for the hosts; including residents of remote villages, women, and people with special needs.
SDG 10: REDUCED INEQUALITIES
There is growing consensus that economic growth is not sufficient to reduce poverty if it is not inclusive.
Example:
Instagram blog that motivates people to enjoy life and live it to the fullest, to overcome obstacles and be strong by telling inspiring stories and showing pictures of models with special needs who are given an opportunity to become part of fashion and advertising business.
SDG 12: RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION & PRODUCTION
Sustainable consumption and production is about promoting resource and energy efficiency, sustainable infrastructure, and providing access to basic services, eco-friendly, and decent jobs, and a better quality of life for all.
Example:
Application that helps kids to develop environmental thinking and a sense of responsibility for the well-being of the planet, as well as responsible food habits in gamified form.
(!) For more information about these and other UN Sustainable Development Goals please visit official site: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/
WEBINARS & COACHING SESSIONS
To help our Young Innovators be successful, we will host a series of educational events for all participants leading up to the virtual competition - and will provide more personalized mentorship for the finalists to prepare them for the Fresh Geeks Global Hackathon. Participation in hosted educational events gives teams the opportunity to:
Young Innovators can also utilize the readily-available knowledge base on our website; which consists of featured videos, recommended books/courses, useful tools, etc.
Fresh Geeks educational events are provided to accelerate team projects - not only to help prepare for the Fresh Geeks Global Hackathon and to set teams up for success at the Global Competition, but to give them real-life experience in how to launch a startup.
- collaborate with other international Young Innovators;
- meet with Coaches to help develop their projects;
- learn from experts in the technology industry to continue to motivate their passion;
- receive guidance on how to successfully develop their projects and succeed in the Fresh Geeks program.
Young Innovators can also utilize the readily-available knowledge base on our website; which consists of featured videos, recommended books/courses, useful tools, etc.
Fresh Geeks educational events are provided to accelerate team projects - not only to help prepare for the Fresh Geeks Global Hackathon and to set teams up for success at the Global Competition, but to give them real-life experience in how to launch a startup.
FRESH GEEKS GLOBAL HACKATHON
The Fresh Geeks Global Hackathon is an international forum for the top Young Innovators' teams from each category to showcase their projects and network with Hi-Tech, business and community leaders. We provide a unique platform for international cooperation towards solving social challenges through Technology, Innovation and Youth Entrepreneurship.
BENEFITS TO PARTICIPANTS
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?
The Top 4 teams from each category will be invited to attend the Fresh Geeks Global Hackathon (3 Teams per category chosen by virtual judges, 1 wild card per category).
BENEFITS TO PARTICIPANTS
- Young Innovators gain insights and expertise from some of the world's best professionals to help improve their projects.
- Coaches transfer their first-hand experience and help Fresh Geeks Young Innovators take their ideas to the next level.
- Judges / Investors / Sponsors discover new talents and communicate with potential future partners, customers, and team members.
- All Participants exchange ideas, energy, connections, create and extend their partnership and friendship networks.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?
The Top 4 teams from each category will be invited to attend the Fresh Geeks Global Hackathon (3 Teams per category chosen by virtual judges, 1 wild card per category).
- The Event starts with Workshops where our Young Innovators from different countries collaborate, while gaining new knowledge and skills they can apply to their projects during the hackathon stage of the event. The Hackathon will be the final step in preparing the teams for Presentation day.
- The second part of the Event consists of two main components. The most anticipated is the live Competition, where each team will present their project to a panel of vetted judges from the professional, education, and social sectors. The final presentations are followed by the Collaboration Expo, where teams will showcase their projects and network with the Fresh Geeks Community.
- At the conclusion of the Event the top teams will be awarded and offered the opportunity to connect with mentors and potential investors, to take their projects to the next level.
JUDGING CRITERIA
Criteria 1. Innovation and creativity
20 Points (5 for each)
Criteria 2. Use of Technology
20 Points (5 for each)
Criteria 3. Business Model
20 Points (5 for each)
Criteria 4. Marketing & Business Development
20 Points (5 for each)
Mention of Fresh Geeks in all stages of marketing is highly recommended and will be considered as a bonus while judging this criteria.
Criteria 5. Social Impact
20 Points (5 for each)
Criteria 6. Presentation
10 Points (5 for each)
Overall Impression
Yes = 1 Point, No = 0 Points
Do you think this invention can succeed as a real IT business project addressing social challenge(s)?
Total Maximum Points Possible – 111
PRESENTATION FORMAT
Each team will have 15 minutes of the judges' time! Use it as you want - demonstration, presentation, Q&A, discussion, sales to investors, etc.
Teams are expected to attach an updated One-pager, based on learnings from the Hackathon/Workshops to the online scoring form.
20 Points (5 for each)
- Clear description of the product
- Evidence of an important and meaningful problem being solved
- Solution - why this is the best and most needed solution for your target audience
- Why is it innovative - new product or completely new use of the old product, or new combination of products to give innovative results
Criteria 2. Use of Technology
20 Points (5 for each)
- What technologies are used and what functions already work
- User experience and design
- MVP or working prototype or released product
- Strategy for the future features development
Criteria 3. Business Model
20 Points (5 for each)
- Market analysis
- Financial model - investments attracted and needed, expenses and incomes, and product price
- Go-to-market strategy - sales and/or monetization plan, distribution model - b2b/b2c/b2b2c
- Development and scaling strategy
Criteria 4. Marketing & Business Development
20 Points (5 for each)
- Marketing strategy - targeting and platforms, media plan, PR budget, promo materials, branding
- Partnerships - partners, sponsors, investors, mentors
- Participation in conferences, meet-ups, online and offline events to promote the project
- Use of social and mass media
Mention of Fresh Geeks in all stages of marketing is highly recommended and will be considered as a bonus while judging this criteria.
Criteria 5. Social Impact
20 Points (5 for each)
- Clear description of the SDGs and targets within each goal addressed by the project
- Description of the solution (sharing results and measured impact, if applicable)
- How the project's social impact benefits the team's local community/region
- Scaling strategy and planned future impact
Criteria 6. Presentation
10 Points (5 for each)
- Project improvements identified during the Hackathon/Workshops
- Quality of Live presentation
Overall Impression
Yes = 1 Point, No = 0 Points
Do you think this invention can succeed as a real IT business project addressing social challenge(s)?
Total Maximum Points Possible – 111
PRESENTATION FORMAT
Each team will have 15 minutes of the judges' time! Use it as you want - demonstration, presentation, Q&A, discussion, sales to investors, etc.
Teams are expected to attach an updated One-pager, based on learnings from the Hackathon/Workshops to the online scoring form.
WINNERS & PRIZES
IDENTIFYING THE WINNING TEAMS
Total points for each team will be calculated to identify 1st-4th place in each competition category. The teams with the highest total points will be awarded 1st place, etc.
(!) Any ties will be broken first by comparing the total number of Overall Impression points granted by the judges. If a tie remains, the Fresh Geeks leadership team will deliberate and make the final decision.
PRIZES
All teams will be awarded monetary prizes for each category:
Young Innovator's Choice Awards - Additional prizes will be given to the top team in each category that is voted most popular project by their fellow Young Innovators.
Special Awards - There is a possibility each year for special award grantors to provide scholarships, internships, or additional monetary prizes.
Special Awards are subject to change each competition year.
Total points for each team will be calculated to identify 1st-4th place in each competition category. The teams with the highest total points will be awarded 1st place, etc.
(!) Any ties will be broken first by comparing the total number of Overall Impression points granted by the judges. If a tie remains, the Fresh Geeks leadership team will deliberate and make the final decision.
PRIZES
All teams will be awarded monetary prizes for each category:
- 1st Place - $1,000
- 2nd Place - $750
- 3rd Place - $500
- 4th Place - $250
Young Innovator's Choice Awards - Additional prizes will be given to the top team in each category that is voted most popular project by their fellow Young Innovators.
Special Awards - There is a possibility each year for special award grantors to provide scholarships, internships, or additional monetary prizes.
Special Awards are subject to change each competition year.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
There are many opportunities to get involved in the Fresh Geeks program, whether you are a Young Innovator who wishes to participate and develop Hi-Tech projects or you are an established professional looking to pay it forward. We offer opportunities for both individuals and organizations to join the Fresh Geeks Community. Those interested in participating in Fresh Geeks in any capacity, may apply online via the Get Involved Form.
INDIVIDUALS
Ambassador
Supports the overall FG organization, and helps to cascade our message and broaden our reach.
Webinar Authors
Hosts live webinars as part of program milestones or provides short learning videos for anytime access.
Coach
Guides our Young Innovators through the process of project creation.
Judge
Rates projects and provides real-time feedback for the virtual competition and the FG Global Hackathon.
Investor
Supports the whole FG program or any student projects.
ORGANIZATIONS
Program Partner
Helps to build the FG program and develop mutually beneficial relationships.
Team Sponsor
Special Award Grantor
Provide scholarships, internships, or monetary prizes.
Examples:
Event Sponsor
Provides monetary and / or organizational resources for the FG Global Hackathon.
INDIVIDUALS
Ambassador
Supports the overall FG organization, and helps to cascade our message and broaden our reach.
Webinar Authors
Hosts live webinars as part of program milestones or provides short learning videos for anytime access.
Coach
Guides our Young Innovators through the process of project creation.
- Regional mentorship - We will connect you with teams in your respective local regions, to help advise teams throughout the competition year.
- Virtual mentorship - We will connect you with teams in need of guidance in a specified field.
Judge
Rates projects and provides real-time feedback for the virtual competition and the FG Global Hackathon.
- Virtual Hackathon Judges - We will recruit judges from the technology and education sectors, to review and rank competition submissions in categories relative to their expertise.
- Global Hackathon Judges - We will recruit judges from the technology and education sectors, to watch the top Fresh Geeks Finalists present live at the FG Global Hackathon.
- Commitment: Travel to the Fresh Geeks Global Hackathon host country and participate in the full event agenda.
Investor
Supports the whole FG program or any student projects.
ORGANIZATIONS
Program Partner
Helps to build the FG program and develop mutually beneficial relationships.
Team Sponsor
- Organizes a team of employee's teens, or sponsors an existing project - both via monetary means and providing professional guidance.
- You may choose to invest in a specific team project, by way of venture capital funding or charitable donation.
Special Award Grantor
Provide scholarships, internships, or monetary prizes.
Examples:
- A special award category for the team that best addresses a social challenge that resonates with your company.
- A scholarship for teams to participate in the FG Global Hackathon.
Event Sponsor
Provides monetary and / or organizational resources for the FG Global Hackathon.