Judging Process

In both Competition categories, a corps of judges conducts three rounds of evaluation. Judges are selected for their skills in evaluating scaling opportunities and are matched with entrants according to their specific expertise and experience.

Growth Philanthropy Network and Duke University facilitate the recruitment of judges for the Competition. They are identified from a pool of experts in the field, Duke University alumni, and Competition sponsors.

Each business plan is evaluated independently by three judges who submit customized, written feedback that is sent to entrants. All judges provide their services on a pro bono basis.

Competition administrators tabulate the results of the judges’ evaluations and, based on their scores, select those entrants who will proceed to the next round.

The third and final round of evaluation is held in New York City in June. During Round III, Competition finalists give a PowerPoint presentation and respond to Q&A before a new panel of judges. Following a formal deliberation process by the judges, awards are presented.