This Social Impact Entrepreneurship Competition is rooted in the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, which means "Repairing the World." All Stanford students committed to finding meaningful solutions to world problems are encouraged to apply.
​
Whether you’re developing a nonprofit, a social enterprise, a tech solution, or a creative new impact model, this competition is designed to help you launch.
​
We welcome a wide range of projects at any stage, from efforts to improve food access and support refugee communities to initiatives that expand mental health resources, promote environmental sustainability, or reduce hate and promote bridge-building and community.
​
Our goal is to create a space that give you the visibility and resources to make your idea for impact a reality.
Prizes!
Funding
Mentorship
The winning venture will be awarded up to
​
$30,000
in prize funds for their business
& potential for additional funds from investors
The winning venture will be awarded a 60-minute conversation with
Daniel Lubetzky
Founder and CEO of KIND and SHARK on Shark Tank
FAQ
Eligibility & Team Composition
-
Teams must consist of 1–6 members, including at least one current full-time Stanford student.
-
Additional team members may include students from other accredited universities or recent graduates (≤ 2 years).
-
Each project must demonstrate a social or environmental mission aligned with the value of Tikkun Olam (“Repairing the World”).
-
Businesses must be incorporated to collect prize funding, but incorporation can occur after the competition.
-
For-profit, non-profit, and public benefit models are all accepted as long as there is a clear social impact mission.
Competition Timeline
-
Initial applications are due at 11:59 pm on Feb 15th
-
4-8 Finalist teams will be selected by Feb 20th
-
Finalist teams will present their ideas at the final pitch competition event in early March
Submission Materials
-
One member of each team must complete the application form by 11:59 pm of Feb 15th.
-
The application form includes a submission of your business plan, a 90-second optional (but recommended) video submission, and optional appendices.
-
The business plan is the most important part of the submission. Guidelines and criteria for the business plan submission can be found HERE.
-
The optional 90-second video guidelines can be found HERE.
-
Optional appendices can include, but are not limited to, slide decks, financial statements, surveys, graphics, videos, or articles.
Judging Criteria
Initial applications will be judged primarily on the following criteria:
-
Alignment with the value of Tikkun Olam ("repairing the world")
-
How much positive impact will this business create?​
-
-
Feasibility and implementation
-
What is the likelihood that this business will be able to accomplish its goals once launched?​
-
-
Creativity and innovation
-
Are there other ideas like yours that already exist?​​ How novel is your idea?
-
-
Impact of prize fund on company goals
-
How well will your business utilize the prize funds?​
-
Distribution of Prize Funds
​
-
The winning team is eligible to receive the full $30,000 prize. If the judges conclude that awarding the entire amount is not the most efficient use of funds, the judges may allocate a portion of the prize money to one or more runner-up teams.
-
The judges have the discretion to award all prize money as they see fit.
Our Judges
Our judges represent a broad spectrum of expertise, including founding capital investment firms, overseeing the finances of multibillion-dollar startups, and creating social entrepreneurship labs.