How do I know if there is a local competition at my university?
Your university organizer will reach out to you if there is a local competition/qualifier at your university after you have registered your startup on our EF Hult Prize website. If you need more information about this topic specifically, please email globalcommunity@hultprize.org.
Can I still apply if there is no EF Hult Prize competition in my country or near me?
Yes! Even if there’s no local EF Hult Prize competition near you, you may submit your startup idea through our open application online.
Our group has more than one ideas? Can we submit more than one application to compete?
No, we only allow one submission from each team.
Our startup is actively fundraising, can I still apply?
Yes! You can apply to the EF Hult Prize even if you’re actively fundraising, as long as your idea aligns with at least one UN SDG and goals.
I've graduated but my team members are still studying, can we still apply?
No, all members of the team must currently be a student enrolled in a degree seeking program at any university or college.
I am expecting to graduate before the competition cycle ends; am I still eligible to compete?
As long as you are registered in your university degree program at the moment of the application (or before the application closes), you can participate in the EF Hult Prize even if it means graduating in the middle of the competition.
Another similar business already won/shortlisted as a EF Hult Prize finalist in the past, would that affect our chances of being accepted?
No. EF Hult Prize evaluates each team and idea on its own merits, so similar past winners or finalists do not automatically affect your chances.
Can we submit an application if we participated in another accelerator program?
Yes! Participation in another accelerator program does not prevent you from applying to the EF Hult Prize.
My co-founder and I don't live or study at the same place, are we eligible to submit an application
Yes! EF Hult Prize teams can include members who live or study in different locations, as long as they can collaborate effectively on their idea.
How do I prove my student status?
You must submit one of the following documents via the submissions link to prove your student status: university enrollment letter, university ID card, transcripts, and official letter from the university.
What happens after we've submitted our application?
After your team’s submission is completed, your application will go through two key steps:
1. Compliance review: We will verify that your team meets the eligibility criteria and ensure that your submission is complete and adheres to the required standards before moving to the next step.
2. Evaluation: Expert judges will review and score your competition submissions, providing recommendations to the EF Hult Prize Foundation.
If selected, you will either be invited to compete in a National event hosted in-person in your country/territory or move to the next stage of online evaluation which involves multiple startup interviews and a thorough due diligence process, where you may be shortlisted for the Incubator Stage.
Is diversity a factor in the decision-making process?
It certainly is! Especially at the Open Application option which is a special route for those who aren't able to participate in a local in-person competition. We implement special rounds within the competition to ensure that diversity is well represented and prioritized.
In the Open Application round, we evaluate teams not only on their overall merit using the standard scorecard but also on their contributions to diversity. While all standard criteria are considered, there is a deliberate emphasis on selecting top teams that excel in diversity aspects. This approach allows us to maintain high standards of excellence while actively promoting diversity among our pool of startups.