GET YOUR

GENIUS ON

YOU ARE THE SOLUTION

TEAM
HANDBOOK 2
0
1
5

INNOVATION
CONRAD SPIRIT OF
CHALLENGE
PRESENTED BY
CATEGORIES
AEROSPACE & AVIATION
CYBER TECHNOLOGY SECURITY
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
HEALTH & NUTRITION

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge .................................................................................................... 3
Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge Overview .................................................................................. 4
Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge Timeline .................................................................................... 5
Step 1: J oin the Community, Form a Team & Team Registration ...................................................... 7
Step 2: Get Started Develop an Idea ................................................................................................... 9
Step 3: Initial Entry Round Investor Pitch .......................................................................................... 10
Step 4: Semi-Final Round The Draft Development Plan ................................................................ 11
Step 5: Final Round Innovation Summit ............................................................................................ 14
Coach Information .................................................................................................................................... 15
Competition: Rules and Regulations ..................................................................................................... 16
Team Resources ...................................................................................................................................... 18
Conrad Challenge Social Square: ......................................................................................................... 18
Questions? Contact us! ........................................................................................................................... 18
Conrad Challenge Community Code of Civility ............................................................................... 19
Respect Yourself and Others ......................................................................................................... 19
Protect Your Privacy ........................................................................................................................ 20
No-Spam Policy ................................................................................................................................ 20
A Word About Confidentiality and Patents ........................................................................................... 21

2

Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge
Congratulations on taking your first step to becoming an innovator and entrepreneur! Are you
ready to take your creativity to new heights as you develop your innovative idea into a
commercial product to benefit humanity? Then the Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge is for
you!

Nancy Conrad founded the Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge (Conrad Challenge) in honor
of her late husband, naval aviator and Apollo 12 astronaut, Charles Pete Conrad J r. and
passion for education, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Welcome to the Conrad Challenge Community! The Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge
brings together a dynamic community of innovators and entrepreneurs driving a collaborative
movement to develop extraordinary and viable solutions to benefit our world in one of four
areas: Aerospace & Aviation, Cyber Technology & Security, Energy & Environment, and Health
& Nutrition. In collaboration with NASA, and to celebrate the 45
th
anniversary of the lunar
landing, teams will have the opportunity to register to co-enter their concept in a new special
edition category, Giant Leap to Mars. For this category, teams will need to further demonstrate
how their proposed product or service will be valuable to a Mars mission.

This annual competition challenges teams to use science, technology, engineering and math
(STEM) innovation, entrepreneurship, and 21
st
century skills to create a more sustainable world
for this and future generations. Along the way, coaches and mentors from the best in business,
industry, research and academia worldwide will be there to help you turn your ideas into reality.

You are the solution! Get Your Genius Onand design things that matter!
3

Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge Overview
Who
The Conrad Spirit of Innovation Program challenges secondary (ages 13-18) and post-
secondary/military (ages 19- 25) teams (2 to 5 members) to use science, technology,
engineering, math (STEM), innovation, entrepreneurship, and 21
st
century skills to develop
world-changing solutions to create a more sustainable world for this and future generations.
Along the way, coaches and mentors from the best in business, industry, research and
academia worldwide will be there to help teams turn their ideas into reality.
What
The Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge is an annual, multi-phase innovation and
entrepreneurial competition that brings together a dynamic community of innovators and
entrepreneurs driving a collaborative movement to develop extraordinary and viable solutions to
benefit our world in one of four categories: Aerospace & Aviation, Cyber Technology & Security,
Energy & Environment, and Health & Nutrition. In addition, through collaboration with NASA and
to celebrate the 45
th
Apollo Lunar Landing, teams this year will have the opportunity co-enter in
the Giant Leap to Mars special edition category.
When
The 2015 Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge is held from August 8, 2014 through early April
2015.
Where
Investor Pitch (entry level) and Draft Development Plan (semi-final) rounds of competition are
conducted completely online. Student teams projects are submitted and judged via the Conrad
Challenge Online Community J udging Portal. The final round, Innovation Summit, gives invited
finalist teams the opportunity to present their innovations in-person to a panel of expert judges.
The Conrad Challenge recruits volunteer judges from among the best in industry, government,
research and academia. The Innovation Summit location will be announced in November.
Why
Conrad Challenge teams learn they can make a difference in their world through innovation and
entrepreneurship while applying science, technology, engineering, math, leadership,
collaboration, creative thinking, critical thinking and problem solving. Teams compete for the
opportunity to be recognized as Pete Conrad Scholars in addition to an anticipated $500,000+
in awards including seed funding grants, investment opportunities, patent support, business
services, scholarships (as provided by our partners & sponsors) to grow their solutions into a
real business.

4

Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge Timeline
Step1: Join the Community, Form a Team, and Team Registration
Team Registration Open 12:00 p.m. EDT on August 8, 2014 11:59 p.m. EDT on October 16, 2014
The Conrad Challenge features an online community of students and coaches interested in
innovating to improve the future. Teams can share ideas, tips and encouragement as they
advance through the Conrad Challenge. All team members must have a personal profile on the
Conrad Challenge Online Community. Team coaches must be 18 years of age or older.
2015 Conrad Challenge Basic Team Registration
o $95/team; $75 additional teams from same organization/institution
o Compete in one of four main categories
2015 Special Edition Giant Leap to Mars Team Registration
o $10/team
o Teams must be registered for Basic Team Registration to co-enter this category
Step 2: Get Started Develop an Idea & Create a Team Name
Teams choose one of four categories in which they will compete: Aerospace & Aviation, Energy
& Environment, Cyber Technology and Security, and Health & Nutrition. After selecting a
category, teams research a current problem facing that industry and begin to develop their
innovative solutions. Teams also registered to compete in the Giant Leap to Mars category will
research how their innovative solutions will be valuable to a mission to Mars.
Teams must select a Team Name that will transfer appropriately to a company name. Teams
may change their Team Name after registration until October 16, 2014 11:59pm EDT.
Step 3: Initial Entry Round - The Investor Pitch
Investor Pitch Round Open 12:00 p.m. on August 8, 2014 11:59 p.m. EDT on October 17, 2014
Submission Open 12:00 p.m. EDT on September 30, 2014 11:59 p.m. EDT on October 17, 2014
The Investor Pitch entry round is conducted completely online. Teams answer a set of prompts
and create a short video about their idea to explain and defend its viability as an innovative
solution to a real-world problem. Investor Pitches must be submitted via the online judging portal
by October 17, 2014 11:59pm EDT. The teams with the top Investor Pitches will advance to the
semi-final round.
Step 4: Semi-Final Round - The Draft Development Plan
Submission Open 12:00 p.m. EST on November 28, 2014 11:59 p.m. EST on January 9, 2015
The Draft Development Plan semi-final round is conducted completely online. Take your teams
Investor Pitch to the next level by creating a full development plan (business plan, technical plan
and graphic representation) to turn your idea into reality. The Draft Business Plan submission
deadline is J anuary 9, 2015 11:59pm EST. Teams with successful Development Plans will be
eligible to advance to the Conrad Challenge Finals at the Innovation Summit to be held in early
April 2015. Innovation Summit location will be announced in November 2014.

5

Step 5: Final Round Final Development Plan & The Innovation Summit
Submission Open 12:00 p.m. EST February 20, 2015 11:59 p.m. EDT on March 20, 2015
Innovation Summit - Early April 2015 (location & dates to be announced by November 2014)
The Innovation Summit gives invited finalist teams the opportunity to present their innovations
through marketing pitches, technical Q&A and prototyping in-person to a panel of judges from
relevant industry, government and academia leaders. Winners are honored as Pete Conrad
Scholars and are eligible to apply for an anticipated $500,000+in total seed funding grants,
investment opportunities, scholarships, patent support, business services and other
opportunities as provided by our partners and sponsors. Final Development Plans and
marketing videos must be submitted for initial review by March 20, 2015 11:59pm EDT.
Mini Challenges
Mini Challenges are free, shorter opportunities for Online Community members to practice and
hone their entrepreneurial and innovation skills. Members from the top three entries of each Mini
Challenge offered throughout the year will be eligible to advance to the Innovation Summit to
compete in the Mini Challenge Championship (MC^2).
6

Step 1: Join the Community, Form a Team & Team
Registration
Join the Community Create a Personal Profile
Conrad Challenge Online Community Navigation Tips:
Conrad Challenge Community: The Conrad Challenge Online Community is a unique
educational platform, supportive community and social environment for students and
educators. It features a dynamic group of leading experts in science, technology,
business, marketing, innovation and entrepreneurship driving a collaborative movement
to develop extraordinary and viable solutions to benefit our world. They are here to
mentor you. It is also a great place to connect with students from around the world
sharing similar interests and ambitions.

Videos: Seek guidance by participating in webinars or watch previously recorded
webinars. Use the video resources to inspire new ideas or to view team videos from
previous Conrad Challenges.
.

Invite Friends: Invite friends to join the Conrad Challenge Online Community. The
Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge partners with many organizations to offer
students and educators opportunities beyond the Conrad Spirit of Innovation
Challenge. You do not need to participate in the competition to be a member of the
Conrad Challenge Online Community.

Calendar: The calendar is your personal calendar to stay on top of important Conrad
Challenge dates including submission deadlines and Mini-Challenges.


Teams: Check out teams from previous challenges to see what ideas have succeeded
in the past. Create and customize your teams page.

News: Stay up-to-date on all Conrad Challenge news. Learn about new programs and
share press releases as the competition progresses.


Team Registration
Team Registration opens August 8, 2014 12:00pm EDT. Team coaches must register
teams online.
Teams must be registered by October 16, 2014 11:59pm EDT
Each person on your team must have his or her own Conrad Challenge Online
Community personal profile.
Team Registration Fee:
o 2015 Conrad Challenge Basic Team Registration
$95/team; $75 additional teams from same organization/institution
Compete in one of four main categories
o 2015 Special Edition Giant Leap to Mars Team Registration
$10/team
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Teams must be registered for Basic Team Registration to co-enter this
category
Team Profile Requirements
Each team must have a team profile on the Conrad Challenge Online Community to promote
their team, post videos and write blogs. Your team profile is where everyone will go to learn
about your team. Update your profile regularly, including adding photos and articles - use it as a
promotional tool.

Eligiblity
1. Entrant teams must consist of 2 to 5 students.
2. Entrant teams must have one team coach (adult supervisor) 18 years of age or older.
Post-secondary/military teams may have a team member serve as the Coach provided
the team member meets the team age requirement.
3. Teams must provide a Team Name which could serve as a business name. Teams may
use the name of their proposed product, but it is suggested that the teams select a
separate name for their Team Name and product name (For example: Team Name
might be Apple, Inc. and the product might be iPhone). Teams are permitted to change
their Team Name until 11:59 p.m. EDT on October 16, 2014.
4. Teams will submit one project in one of the four main categories. Teams may also
submit their product in the special edition category if they are registered to do so. If a
team wishes to compete in an additional main category (Aerospace & Aviation, Energy &
Environment, Cyber Technology & Security, Health & Nutrition), they must purchase an
additional team registration. They may use the same Team Name, but must use a
substantially different product name (e.g., Team Name: Apple; Product Name #1:
iPhone; Product Name #2: iPad).
5. Teams will select their academic level: either secondary or post-secondary/military
6. Your team may have team members from both academic age levels, but the academic
level in which your team must compete is determined by the team member in the highest
grade level or by the team member who is the oldest.
a. Secondary: ages 13 18 with no student reaching age 19 by April 1, 2015.
b. Post-secondary/military: ages 19 -25 (actively enrolled in college, university,
trade or technical school; active military members or military veterans) with the
oldest member not reaching age 26 by April 1, 2015.
7. Each team coach must acknowledge that he/she has read and understands the terms
and conditions set forth in the competition rules & regulations in order for the team to be
eligible for any awards.
8. The competition is open international participants.
9. Students who have competed in the past:
a. May compete again, so long as they still meet the above criteria.
b. Must have made significant advancements or changes to a product, if they opt to
submit an innovation similar to what was submitted in a previous year.
8

10. The Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge reserves the right to disqualify a team at any
point in the registration, submission or judging process if the team does not meet one or
more of these rules.
Step 2: Get Started Develop an Idea
The Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge gives teams the chance to develop products or
innovations centered around four different categories: Aerospace and Aviation, Cyber-
Technology and Security, Energy and Environment, and Health and Nutrition. These categories
are intentionally broad to allow students a wide range of opportunities to innovate new ideas.
The descriptions below are a guide for determining in which Conrad Challenge category your
teams solution would best fit.
Four Main Categories:
Aerospace & Aviation: describe the human effort in science, engineering and business to fly in
the Earths atmosphere and surrounding space. Aerospace organizations research, design,
manufacture, operate, or maintain aircraft and/or spacecraft. Examples include: avionics,
aerodynamics, human factors/cockpit design, and propulsion systems.
Cyber-Technology & Security: is information technology and security as applied to computing
devices such as computers and smartphones, as well as computer networks such as private
and public networks, including the Internet as a whole. The field covers all the processes and
mechanisms by which computer-based equipment, information and services are protected from
unintended or unauthorized access, change or destruction. The field also includes protection
from unplanned events and natural disasters. Examples include: J ava-based solutions in the
areas of artificial intelligence applications, network defense systems, counter intelligence
technologies for government, and safety. **Students are required to develop Java-based
solutions for this category.
Energy & Environment: includes all fields that study the human use of natural resources and
the impact of human activity on the environment. Examples include: Energy storage, energy
efficiency, renewable resources, sustainable land use, recycling solutions, environmental health,
water resources, biodiversity, climate change, waste management, and other clean technology
innovations.
Health & Nutrition: encompasses fields of study regarding the human body and behavior as
they relate to wellness and medicine. Examples include: prosthetics, nutrition science, exercise
science, medical technology, hunger solutions, mental health, assistive technology, healthcare
services, healthcare safety, and biomedical engineering.
2015 Special Edition Category
Giant Leap to Mars: This special edition 2015 category is a supplement to the four main
categories and invites teams to tailor their 2015 Aerospace & Aviation, Cyber Technology &
Security, Energy & Environment or Health & Nutrition category project ideas to explain how their
project would benefit a successful mission to Mars.
9

Some examples of project ideas that could segue from one of the main categories to the add-on
Giant Leap to Mars category include the following technology and human factors: nutrition &
fitness, long-term environment factors & countermeasures, sleeping facilities, hygiene & privacy,
renewable energy, food management, solar & cosmic radiation and life support systems.
Step 3: Initial Entry Round Investor Pitch
Submit Your Investor Pitch
Investor Pitch Round Open: 12:00 p.m. EDT on August 8, 2014 11:59 p.m. EDT on October 17, 2014
Investor Pitch Submission Open: 12:00 p.m. EDT on September 30, 2014
Investor Pitch Submission Deadline: 11:59 p.m. EDT on Oct. 17, 2014
The Investor Pitch is the first communication tool for your innovative idea to help you raise
interest, support and money with a potential investor. The content of the pitch, along with your
presentation, can help the investor determine whether or not to continue evaluating your
business opportunity. For the purposes of the Conrad Challenge, the answers to five prompts (6
prompts for Giant Leap to Mars submission) and a short video about the teams idea serve as
the Investor Pitch.
Part 1: Investor Pitch Form:
Complete a short, online form* (available in the submission portal in the Online Community) by
responding to five prompts (6 prompts for Giant Leap to Mars submission) that provide the
judging panel with information about your innovative product or idea:
1. Provide a short description of your product.
2. Explain the problem your product is designed to solve.
3. List the key features of your product.
4. Describe the ways in which your product is innovative.
5. Describe how your product benefits the world.
6. Giant Leap to Mars: Describe how your product benefits a mission to Mars.

Responses are limited to no more than 100 words per prompt.
Your team will provide a product tagline or 15-word product description.
Your Investor Pitch must be submitted in English.

*Investor Pitch submission portal will open September 30, 2014 at 12:00pm EDT. Teams should
develop answers to the required Investor Pitch prompts in a Word document prior to submission
portal opening. Once portal opens, teams answers may be copied and pasted from the Word
document into the Online Community Submission Portal form

Part 2: The Investor Pitch Video
Produce a short video in which your team presents its innovative idea to the judging panel.
Your presentation should address your responses to the five prompts (6 prompts for Giant Leap
to Mars submission) from the Investor Pitch Form as well as include a creative presentation of
your product idea.
10

1. The video must be no longer than 2 minutes in length.
2. The video must be in English or with English subtitles.
3. Your video must begin with the phrase This is the (Team Name) Investor Pitch
submission for (Product Name) for the 2015 Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge.
4. Your video must be submitted via the Online Community submission portal.

Judging: The Investor Pitch - up to 100 points
Each submission will be reviewed by at least three technical experts for scoring. Submissions
earn points based on innovation and viability as evident in their Investor Pitch Video and Project
Data Form. Teams earn points as follows:
1. Up to 10 points for the clarity and effectiveness of their product description
2. Up to 10 points for the effective depiction of the problem to be solved
3. 0 or 10 points for listing the key features of your project
4. Up to 20 points for the thorough description of how the product is innovative
5. Up to 20 points for evidence of research in how the product benefits the world
6. Up to 30 points for the overall effectiveness of the Investor Pitch Video
7. Giant Leap to Mars: Yes or No - does the product or service benefit a Mars mission?
Step 4: Semi-Final Round The Draft Development Plan
Submit Your Draft Development Plan
Draft Development Plan Submission Open: 12:00 p.m. EST on November 28, 2014
Draft Development Plan Submission Deadline: 11:59 p.m. EST on January 9, 2015
A business plan is a written description of your businesss future. It tells what you are going to
do and how you are going to it. It outlines the strategy for how your business will take your
innovative idea to viable product solution. By writing a business plan, your team will look to the
future and set goals for your product and business. You will explain how those goals are
attainable and how your business would propose to meet those goals. The business plan tells
investors what you plan to do and how your business and investors can benefit from the
business goals. A business plan represents all aspects of the business planning process
alongside sub-plans including marketing, finance, intellectual property management, human
resources management, and operations management, among others.
The Draft Business Plan is composed of three sections:
1. Business Prospectus An explanation of the concepts market, expected development
costs and sales strategy. Sections include:
Business Description Describe your product(s) or service(s) and what makes your
business different from existing businesses. Describe the industry in which your
business best fits and demonstrate knowledge of the industry practices for similar
businesses. Describe the factors you think will make your business successful. (500
words maximum)
Market Analysis Explain the market that your business is attempting to reach using its
product(s). Do you plan to sell products commercially, license them to other companies,
11

pursue government contracts, or some combination of these options? If commercial,
who are the buyers? (500 words maximum)
Competitive Analysis Describe similar products already on the market or in
development. Why is your product better than those already in existence? (500 words
maximum)
Cost Estimate the expenses in creating, operating, and marketing the business and its
products. You will need to include the proposed team budget for attending the Innovation
Summit should your team advance to the Final Round (see community resources -
Innovation Summit Team Budget). (750 word maximum)
Funding Sources How will you gather funding needed to create your product (i.e.,
government research and development grants, venture capital, private investors, etc.).
You will need to include your proposed method of raising the funds to attend the
Innovation Summit should your team advance to the Final Round. (750 words maximum)
Business Prospectus must be submitted as a PDF via the online judging portal
Business Prospectus must be submitted in English

2. Technical Concept Report An explanation of the products technical and scientific
details. Sections include:
Technical Summary Outline key technical and scientific principles your solution utilizes
in its design and functionality. (500 words maximum)
Need Statement - Describe the problem area or need that the proposed project will
address. Provide information and resources on why the concept is important and how it
will be used in the selected industry. (1,000 words maximum)
Background Technology State existing technology upon which the product or concept
is built. Note any competing technologies and explain how this proposed concept is
innovative and better than existing technologies that produce similar results. (1,000
words maximum)
Concept Details Describe in detail the concepts conceived function, operations,
proposed development and any other information about the technical or scientific merits
that will make this product successful. (2,000 words maximum)
Technical Concept Report must be submitted as a PDF via the submission portal.
Technical Concept Report must be submitted in English.

3. Graphic Concept Representation Develop a graphic depiction of your product or
concept that will help the judges understand your idea. This could be a computer graphic
program drawing (e.g., Photoshop), a 3-D computer model, or a photograph(s) of an actual
prototype or model.
Graphic Concept Representation must be submitted in JPEG, GIF, TIFF or PDF
format via the submission portal.
Giant Leap to Mars: for teams also competing in this category, be sure to include in your
additional Giant Leap to Mars submission information for all of the above sections regarding
your products applicability to a Mars mission.
12

Judging: Draft Development Plan up to 100 points
1. Technical Innovation (20 Points)

Description: How new or unique is the idea? Does the product already exist?

We look for innovation in any of 3 forms:

1. The technology itself
2. A combination of existing technologies into a new system
3. Innovative business concepts
a. The team should show how their product uses one or more of these types of
innovation.

2. Technical Practicality (20 Points)
Description: Will this product work technically?

The team must show that its product does not break any physical laws.
The team does not have to show proof that the product will work, but should
show an understanding of what research or experiments are needed to prove
that it will work.

3. Marketability (10 Points)
Description: Understanding of the key markets for their product must be demonstrated.

Who is the buyer?
Will the team pursue government Research & Development (R&D) grants,
licensing to another company, or create an entrepreneurial startup?
Is there data showing how similar products have been successful?

4. Costs (10 Points)
Description: The team should break down estimated costs (including costs for the team to
participate at Innovation Summit) of taking this product to the ultimate market (whichever
end-market the team describes).

Costs should include any material estimates, R&D (including grants), market studies,
and labor costs.
Teams should be as detailed as possible.

5. Industry Relevance (15 Points)
Description: How important is the idea to the industry?

Does the product represent a substantial improvement in its industry or are there
already products on the market that fill the need?
The team should list examples of similar products, including patent searches or other
examples of technology on the market, and explain how its product is an
improvement of what already exists.



13

6. Funding Mechanisms (10 Points)
Description: Does the team understand the basics of how its product could be funded?

If it is relatively simple, can the team raise money for prototypes and begin sales
through friends and family?
Does the team need to consider grants, loans, or bringing on investors or
partners in their efforts?

7. Overall Completeness (15 Points)
Description: Has the team neglected to mention any important aspects of the product?

Has the team forgotten to mention how specific parts of its product work?
Has the team explained how it came to certain cost estimates?

Step 5: Final Round Innovation Summit
Final Development Plan Submission Open: 12:00 p.m. EST on February 20, 2015
Final Development Plan Submission Deadline: 11:59 p.m. EDT on March 20, 2015
Innovation Summit: Early April 2015 (location & dates to be announced by November 2014)

J ust as entrepreneurs pitch their startups to investors, the finalist teams will present their
concepts to a panel of experts. The Innovation Summit gives teams the opportunity to present
in-person their innovations through public marketing pitches, technical Q&A and prototyping to a
panel of expert judges from industry, government and academia. Innovation Summit finalist
teams are required to develop a prototype to be included as part of their in-person
presentations. Winners are honored as Pete Conrad Scholars and are eligible to apply for an
anticipated $500,000+in awards including seed funding grants, investment opportunities, patent
support, business services, scholarships and other opportunities provided by our partners and
sponsors.

Innovation Summit Team Handbook will be available January 2015
14

Coach Information

About Our Coaches
The Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge is a dynamic way for teachers, parents and after-
school coordinators to provide context and depth to their curriculum by integrating STEM
education, innovation and entrepreneurship with 21
st
century skills. As adult participants in the
Conrad Challenge, coaches receive access to peer mentors and worldwide experts who can
provide unique perspectives of the industries they serve.

Why Coach a Team?
Help your students excel in comprehending STEM principles
Engage students by combining STEM principles with entrepreneurship to enhance
classroom curriculum
Create an interdisciplinary environment for learning through innovation, creativity and
design
Provide a real-world context to curriculum
Incorporate 21
st
century skills including leadership, collaboration, creativity, problem
solving, patience, persistence and team building into the classroom
Participate in an online community dedicated to STEM, entrepreneurship and innovation
Have FUN teaching and learning with your students

A Coachs Responsibility
Encourage students to create or join a team and assist them with team registration
Facilitate and encourage your students to discuss their ideas with mentors in the Online
Community
Ensure students have completed all submission requirements
Serve as the supervisor for the team by approving competition submissions, managing
team travel arrangements and handling any financial awards received by the team
Complete the official forms required for the competition if selected as a finalist or beyond
If selected as a finalist, serve as chaperone for your team at the Innovation Summit

Time Commitment
Time commitments are flexible to your situation and the complexity of your teams project. We
recommend the following guidelines when planning your schedule:
Initial Entry: minimum of 1 hour/week to guide your team through the Investor Pitch and
Video entry submissions
Semi-Finals: 2-4 hours/week to support the team in prototype development and
submitting a Draft Development Plan (business prospectus, technical plan and graphic
representation)
Finals minimum of 1 hour/week to support the team prepare for Innovation Summit
presentations (finalize Development Plan, marketing pitch presentation, finalize
prototype prepare for technical Q&A, etc.). Serve as team chaperone at the Innovation
Summit.
15

Competition: Rules and Regulations
Please read the Rules & Regulations in their entirety before beginning the Conrad Spirit of
Innovation Challenge:

Eligiblity
1. Entrant teams must consist of 2 to 5 students.
2. Entrant teams must have one team coach (adult supervisor) 18 years of age or older.
Post-secondary/military teams may have a team member serve as the Coach provided
the team member meets the team age requirement.
3. Teams must provide a Team Name which could serve as a business name. Teams may
use the name of their proposed product, but it is suggested that the teams select a
separate name for their Team Name and product name (For example: Team Name
might be Apple, Inc. and the product might be iPhone). Teams are permitted to change
their Team Name until 11:59 p.m. EDT on October 16, 2014.
4. Teams will submit one project in one of the four main categories. Teams may also
submit their product in the special edition category if they are registered to do so. If a
team wishes to compete in an additional main category (Aerospace & Aviation, Energy &
Environment, Cyber Technology & Security, Health & Nutrition), they must purchase an
additional team registration. They may use the same Team Name, but must use a
substantially different product name (e.g., Team Name: Apple; Product Name #1:
iPhone; Product Name #2: iPad).
5. Teams will select their academic level: either secondary or post-secondary/military
6. Your team may have team members from both academic age levels, but the academic
level in which your team must compete is determined by the team member in the highest
grade level or by the team member who is the oldest.
a. Secondary: ages 13 18 with no student reaching age 19 by April 1, 2015.
b. Post-secondary/military: ages 19 -25 (actively enrolled in college, university,
trade or technical school; active military members or military veterans) with the
oldest member not reaching age 26 by April 1, 2015.
7. Each team coach must acknowledge that he/she has read and understands the terms
and conditions set forth in the competition rules & regulations in order for the team to be
eligible for any awards.
8. The competition is open international participants.
9. Students who have competed in the past:
a. May compete again, so long as they still meet the above criteria.
b. Must have made significant advancements or changes to a product, if they opt to
submit an innovation similar to what was submitted in a previous year.
The Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge reserves the right to disqualify a team at any point in
the registration, submission or judging process if the team does not meet one or more of these
rules.

Submission
1. Each student must be registered on the Spirit of Innovation Challenge Online
Community.
16

2. Each student may submit once in all four categories but cannot submit more than once
in any one category. In total, students may submit up to four times on as many as four
different teams.
3. Submissions must be entirely the work of the student team members. Team coaches
may guide students, but may not do any writing of the submissions and may not have
excessive influence on the concept design. (The determination of excessive influence is
the sole discretion of the award management team.)
4. All team submissions must be in English and submitted through the online portal.
5. Submissions must not copy or use other materials without properly citing the source.
6. General entry, semi-finalist and finalist teams are responsible for submitting required
content on or before posted submission deadlines.
7. Semi-finalist teams must submit the Business Prospectus, Technical Concept Report,
and Graphical Representation electronically via the Spirit of Innovation Challenge
submission portal in the Online Community. A teams submission will only be considered
complete if a video has been uploaded to the website and all three files have been
entered by the submission deadline.
8. The teams basic information (name, location, student members) will be posted on the
teams online profile. Each team has the option of posting information about their product
to the public profile sections of the Conrad Challenge Online Community. It is the
responsibility of each team to determine how much detail about their concept is publicly
viewable. It is advised not to post any proprietary information about your product on your
profile. The Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge accepts no responsibility for any
damages due to publicly posting a teams concept information.
9. The Conrad Challenge reserves the right to use team information to promote the Conrad
Spirit of Innovation Challenge competition. Possible team information for use includes,
but is not limited to, the following: concepts, videos, pictures and team member names.
The Conrad Challenge will not use such information for any other purpose without team
consent. Furthermore, the Conrad Challenge will not disclose proprietary information
surrounding the teams product to the public.
10. The Conrad Challenge reserves the right to update competition rules at any time for any
reason. All registered teams will receive notice of any changes to the rules.


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Team Resources

General Entry - Develop an Idea & Investor Pitch
Semi-Final Draft Development Plan
Final Final Development Plan
Special Edition: Giant Leap to Mars
Mini Challenges

Conrad Challenge Social Square:
For competition news & info
YouTube
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest

Questions? Contact us!

Ask Alex:
Email: alexp@dihq.org
Office: 856-324-4540
General Contact:
Email: conradchallenge@dihq.org
Main: 832-864-7223


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Conrad Challenge Community Code of Ci vility

As part of our commitment to making the Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge (Conrad
Challenge) and www.conradchallenge.com (the "Site") a great place to meet and interact with
others around the world who have a passion and commitment to science, technology,
engineering, math, innovation and entrepreneurship, you agree to abide by this Code of Civility.
By participating on the Site, you give your commitment to abide by this Code when contributing
to all Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge resources and programs, including for example
profiles, team pages, forums, chats, posts and comments, emails, social media sources, etc.
("Communication Services"), and to help create a positive experience for all the communitys
users.

We reserve the right in our sole discretion to eject or ban any user from participating in the
Conrad Challenge or the Site who behaves in a manner deemed inappropriate, offensive or who
violates guidelines of this Code of Civility.
Honest Communication
As a general matter, all contributions are expected to:
Be in compliance to this Code of Civility
Be accurate (where they state facts)
Be genuinely held (where they state opinions)
Be in compliance with applicable law in the United States and in any country from which they
are posted.

Respect Yourself and Others
We require everyone to treat each other with respect. Do not use Communication Services to
threaten, harass, stalk or abuse others participating in these services.
We reserve the right to remove posts that advocate or encourage expressions of violence,
bullying, general cruelty, bigotry, racism, illegal activity, hatred or profanity. This includes
postings that are deemed inappropriate, offensive or that violate guidelines in the Terms of
Service or this Code of Civility. You know how bullies work. We'll do our best to spot them and
get rid of them.
Falsely impersonating a Conrad Foundation or Destination Imagination Conrad Spirit of
Innovation Challenge employee, agent, manager, host, or any other person other than yourself,
is forbidden.


Anti-Flaming/Baiting Policy:
Flaming is a hostile and insulting interaction between Internet users. A flame response to other
posts or users posting on a site is usually not constructive, does not clarify a discussion, and
does not persuade others.
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Flamers tend to end conversations by entering them; they create a hostile environment in which
real discourse is quashed in favor of insults and abuse. We wont stand for it. Deciding who is or
isn't a flamer, and how that contributor will be handled, is at the final and sole discretion of the
Conrad Challenge staff.

Protect Your Privacy
We caution you against giving out unnecessary personally identifiable information (such as
social security numbers, credit card numbers, driver license numbers) online, which may be
inadvertently obtained by others or, in rare instances, used for illegal or harmful purposes. Talk
to your coach, parent or the Conrad Challenge staff if you have a question or concern. To read
the Site's Privacy Statement please click here.

No-Spam Policy
Please don't "spam" through our Communication Services, none of our users like it. To spam
includes sending identical and irrelevant submissions to many different discussion groups,
mailing lists, chats or communities. Usually, such postings have nothing to do with the particular
topic of the group or are of no real interest to those on the mailing list. All spam will be deleted
and the person who sent it may be ejected from the community.

Thanks for following this Code of Civility and joining the Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge
Online Community!

The Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge is not responsible for any user-created content or
other user activities through the Communication Services. All activity on the Site is also
governed by the Site's Terms of Service ("TOS")








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A Word About Confidentiality and Patents
When you conceive, design and create an innovative product as part of the Conrad Spirit of
Innovation Challenge competition, you are creating intellectual property that belongs to you.
When you start work on your product, you should think about whether you want to try and
protect your intellectual property through patents or confidentiality agreements. You may want to
share your ideas with the public at large and decide not to seek any special legal protections for
them. The choice is up to you. You should bear in mind, however, that venture capitalists and
other investors usually consider whether the intellectual property in an innovative product has
been kept confidential or claimed in a patent application, in deciding whether to invest in efforts
to commercialize the product.

For this reason, the Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge is asking all participants particularly
J udges and Mentors to keep confidential any technical or business information they learn by
reading the Product Documents (the Technical Report, Business Plan, and Graphic
Representation) submitted by the teams. In addition, the Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge
is asking all participants in discussions or presentations to keep confidential the information they
learn about each teams innovative product. By participating in the Conrad Spirit of Innovation
Challenge, you agree to keep the details of the other teams products confidential. We cannot
be sure, however, that all participants in the Conrad Challenge will respect these confidentiality
restrictions.

As an additional measure of protection, the Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge encourages
all teams to consider filing a provisional patent application covering their product and including
any important confidential details from their Product Documents before making their
presentations at the Innovation Summit should they be invited. You can find information
regarding the process and requirements for filing a patent application at the U.S. Patent and
Trademark Offices website, at www.uspto.gov.

If you have any questions about the value or procedures for filing a patent application, we
encourage you to consult your own patent attorney or agent who can give you advice tailored to
your particular product. Unfortunately, because of the number of submissions, the Conrad Spirit
of Innovation Challenge cannot provide you any advice regarding whether to file a patent
application before the Innovation Summit.

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