Special Recognition Awards
In addition to the live competitions at e-Fest, finalist teams may submit entries for three Special Recognition Awards: The Social Impact Award, the Ready for Market Award, and the Brand Builder Award. These pre-event competitions provide additional opportunities for teams to showcase the strength of their ideas and their ability to connect with broader audiences.
Social Impact Award
The Social Impact Award recognizes ventures with the potential to create meaningful, measurable, and sustainable social or environmental change. Judges will evaluate how clearly the team defines the problem, how their solution creates impact, and how that impact is sustained and built into the business model.
Prize
$10,000 awarded to one team
Ready for Market Award
The Ready for Market Award recognizes a venture that is prepared to take the next step toward launch. This award supports teams with a clear path to market, strong execution plans, and the readiness to turn their concept into a viable business. Judges will assess how well the team is positioned to move forward and how effectively this funding would support near-term progress.
Prize
$10,000 awarded to one team