The Panel
More the merrier.
A rolling panel, sized to entries — it grows publicly as invitations go out. Reviewers read anonymized copies, and recuse from entrants they know. Names announced before submissions open.
Reads every essay for how the dots connect.
Brings an academic's eye for rigor and honesty.
Looks for ideas that could actually ship.
Was in the reader's seat a few years ago.
Helped shape what this challenge rewards.
Rotates in for a single reading cycle.
Peer-elected from the season's Top Peer Reviewers.
Represents the readers, not just the judges.
Dec – Late Jan
The founders at The Table.
Four to six founders and leaders who are solving — or have already solved — real problems. One 60–90 minute conversation each. No assigned mentors, no team homework: access, not a program.
Built and scaled a climate tech company.
Solved a hard distribution problem in healthcare.
Built financial tools for people markets ignore.
Built at the edge of access and technology in schools.
Built a product used by millions, from nothing.