FAQs:  IDEA TO PRODUCT (I2P) COMPETITION

What is the I2P Competition?

The I2P® UT Austin Competition is an early-stage technology commercialization plan competition that is open to UT Austin students of all disciplines who are interested in technology-focused entrepreneurship.  The I2P® Competition gives competitors hands-on commercialization experience, mentoring and feedback from experienced entrepreneurs on the UT-Austin faculty and from industry, and a chance to win cash prizes.  Based on the work done by past student teams, university patenting efforts for certain technologies have been stepped-up, university technologies have been licensed, and new companies have been formed.
(adopted from ideatoproduct.org)

What is the format for the I2P Competition?

The initial round of judging is based on the I2P First-Round Submission (can be submitted online).  This is essentially a short overview of your idea/product, including why you think it addresses a marketplace need and what value it can bring to the table.  The First-Round Submissions are narrowed down to approximately 12-15 by the TES officers and the I2P Coordinator.

A few months after the First-Round Submission Deadline, the I2P Semifinals and Finals come around.  The semifinals are always held on a Friday morning, and the finals, a Saturday morning.  Both days, teams will make a 10-minute presentation, followed by 15 minutes of Q&A by the judges.  All semifinals teams will have a chance to get feedback from a judge about their presentations.  The teams from the semifinals round will be narrowed down to four for the finals.

I have made it to the Semifinals Round!  Now what?

Great.  Your team will be assigned a mentor who will guide you through the process of preparing your presentation for the Semifinals and Finals rounds, which consist of teams giving 10-minute presentations, followed by 15-minute Q&A sessions by the judges.  Don't forget to attend the remaining I2P Workshops to gain the edge over (or keep up with) other teams.

Can I add new team members after submitting my first-round entry?

Absolutely.  We understand you might have had trouble getting together the right group in time for the submission deadline.

Do all team members have to take part in presenting the idea in the semifinals and finals?

No.  However, it would be a good idea to have all team members present so that everyone's expertise is available during the Q&A period.

How is TES involved with I2P?

TES was part of the founding team of the I2P program.  We co-host and organize the I2P UT Austin Competition every spring semester.  Every fall semester, the Chair of Free Enterprise hosts and organizes the I2P Global Competition.  The Chair of Free Enterprise is our sponsoring organization and is situated within the Cockrell School of Engineering.  TES is not the primary organizer of I2P Global, but does play a vital marketing and volunteering role.

How can I get involved in I2P?

Click here for our I2P To-Do List.

What is Rapid Challenge?

Rapid Challenge is essentially a mini-version of the I2P Competition.  It takes place like a regular event and usually lasts about two hours.  It gives students a chance to work in teams, meet potential I2P teammates, and get a feel of what the actual competition will be like.  It's great fun too!  Basically, we give you a piece of technology, and then you build an innovative product/service around this technology that fulfills a marketplace need.  Free food and prizes!

Where can I find more information about I2P Competition procedures?

On the I2P Website (here).

Obviously this FAQ is a bit short, but with your help, we can provide a wealth of information.  Please email TES President Nimesh Bulsara for questions you'd like addressed.