Back of the Napkin Challenge

Got an idea for an original business, product, or service?

Are you a student at Thomas, Colby, or KVCC?

Could you use a $500 gift card?

How do you win?

Draw your idea out on a napkin.

The drawing should be no larger than a cocktail napkin which is about 5″ x 5″.

Submit your napkin here.

Submit image of the napkin with a 60 second video explanation.

Why is your idea original? Why does the world need your idea? How did you come up with it?

Submit your napkin here.

Attend the Back of the Napkin Challenge Event.

Top 10 ideas will pitch to a panel of judges for a chance to win 1 of 5 $500 visa gift cards. That’s a least a textbook or two.

Judging Criteria

Innovation

How unique, imaginative, and innovative is the idea being conveyed through the sketch? Does it show an ability to think outside the box?

Impact

How new or creative is your idea? Does it represent a huge leap forward or a significant change from current products, services, or businesses?

Communication

How well does the sketch and video pitch communicate the core essence of the idea? Is it visually clear and easy to understand?

Feasibility

Does the sketch depict an idea that could realistically be implemented? Is it grounded in some level of practicality while still being creative?

Back of the Napkin Challenge Pitch Event

Location: Greene Block + Studios

Date: November 16, 2023

Time: 6:00 – 8:00pm

Food and beverages provided

Rules & Guidelines

Idea must be written on a napkin no larger than 5″ x 5″ and hand written.

Idea must be your original idea for a new business, product, or service. Napkin should include enough information to understand your idea, feel free to include descriptions, images, or numbers as needed.

Video explanation of idea must be no longer by 60 seconds.

Video should describe the idea depicted on the napkin. Please do not include any vulgar content, you will be immediately disqualified.

You must be a current student at a Thomas College, Colby College, or Kennebec Valley Community College.

All members of the community are welcome to attend the Back of the Napkin Challenge Pitch Event at the conclusion of the competition.

You must be present at the Back of the Napkin Pitch Event to win one of the $500 visa gift cards.

The top ten ideas will be chosen to pitch live to a panel of judges at the Back of the Napkin Challenge Pitch Event. Judges will choose 5 winners to win a $500 visa gift cards.