Forms

Sample Application Form

Here’s a preview of the questions you will be asked to answer:

Have you previously applied to one of the Converge Challenges?

☐Yes

☐ No 

If yes, please clarify what progress you have made since your last application (200 words).

Non-confidential summary (100 words) 

  • Please provide a brief summary of your idea for an innovative new product/service. This summary may be publicly shared and should not include any confidential information about your business idea.

Marketing Information

  • Please provide your business description in 280 CHARACTERS (not words), in the style of a Twitter bio.

Your Business Proposition (500 words)

  • Describe your idea for a product/service and the problem your idea solves
  • How is your idea innovative?
  • If relevant, what is the potential social, cultural, educational or environmental impact of your idea?
  • What stage of development is your idea? (e.g., concept stage, prototype stage)
  • How will you prevent others from copying your idea?
  • How will your business generate income and become financially sustainable?
  • Please provide details of any previous funding/investment received

Your Customers (250 words)

  • Who is likely to buy your product/service?
  • What is your evidence that these customers need/want your product/service?
  • How have you interacted with your potential customers?
  • How will you get your product/service to your customers?

Resource Planning (250 words)

  • Please outline your plan for the next 12 months to develop your business idea
  • In which areas do you need support to meet your 12-month plan?
  • How much money do you think you need to get your idea to the next stage of development? (e.g., from concept to first prototype; from prototype to minimum viable product) 
  • What skills/team do you need to turn your idea into a business?
  • What other resources will you need to develop your plan? (e.g., lab access, equipment, software, etc.)