KTH Innovation Challenge: PhD Idea of the Year
Are you a PhD student at KTH with an idea that you can’t get out of your head, or are you sitting on a research result that could have commercial potential? In cooperation with the PhD Chapter, KTH Innovation has a challenge for you!
Enter your idea and join the run for 50 000 SEK in proof of concept funding, and being named KTH PhD Student Idea of the Year.
Do you have the best PhD student idea at KTH? Enter your idea by following this link .
The deadline to submit your application is May 8th.
Your entry can be related to your research or not, the only criteria are that it should be technology-based. The funding can for example be used to build a prototype, conduct market research, or showcase your idea to the world at a fair.
The definition of technology is “science or knowledge put into practical use to solve problems or invent useful tools”. Your idea can therefore be anything from a new material, to an app, an innovative way of producing food, an algorithm that improves transportation routes, or something else entirely. You don’t need any prior experience in business development to join, your technical knowledge and drive is enough.
Teams formed of PhD students from different KTH research groups get extra credit in the evaluation process.
Your idea is completely confidential, and KTH Innovation never takes any equity.
Terms and conditions:
Who can compete?
Join the challenge if:
- You are a PhD student at KTH
- You have a tech-based idea or project.
- You have started development of the technology and have made some progress
- The core of the project team is from KTH.
- The idea or project has not already been supported financially by KTH Innovation
Who will win?
The winning project will be selected based on the following criteria:
- Impact and potential.
- Innovative, i.e. uniqueness and novelty in key aspects
- Realizable: the feasibility of developing the project and bringing it to the market
The evaluation process will be carried out by KTH Innovation. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for interviews.
Teams formed of PhD students from different KTH research groups get extra credit in the evaluation process.
What can I win?
- The winning project is awarded 50 000 SEK to develop their idea and fund relevant activities. The team will also receive support from KTH Innovation.
- Relevant activities are such that are aimed at developing the project towards the market. Examples can be activities to meet potential users, customers and partners, developing a demo or prototype to use in tests or market activities, or carrying out pilot trials.
- The final budget, and activities will be decided in discussion with KTH Innovation
- Funding cannot be used to file patents, pay salaries, or conduct research-related activities
How can I participate?
Fill out the online template on the KTH Innovation website.
Describe the idea/project (max 4000 characters) according to the NABC model
- Need: What are the problems you seek to solve? What/which of the global goal(s) you are targeting?
- Approach: What is your solution (technical solution, business concept)?
- Benefits: What are the benefits/values for the user/customer?
- Competition: What makes your idea unique? What are the alternatives and competition?
- Current status (max ca 1500 characters)
- Description of the status of the project and what you have done so far
- Motivation, plan (use of the prize money), (max ca 1500 characters)
- Description of y0ur plan, how to use the prize money and how it would advance your project