How do teams register for the local competition

Written by Aliya Zarei

Last published at: June 3rd, 2026
  • All startups must register through our competitor registration form
  • Startups will receive an email with instructions on how to do so after completing their registration form.
  • Once there are startups registered, campus directors will have access to the registrations of the startups from their own universities on their community portal and will be able to verify those registered under their respective universities.
  • After hosting their local competition, campus directors will report the local competition on their community portal within 72 hours after the event takes place. On this report, campus directors will identify the startups who competed, as well as the winner and the 1st and 2nd runners-up.
  • All campus program winners are required to submit their submissions within 72 hours of the local competition in order to be invited to the next phase of the competition. 1st and 2nd runners-up, as well as non-winners who wish to be considered, should also apply. While non-winners are encouraged to do so, it is not mandatory for them.

 

Note

Once your local competition report is submitted, your winner, 1st runner-up, and 2nd runner-up will receive an email from us with essential details on the next steps and required submissions. From this point forward, all communication regarding their progression through the next stages will be handled directly by our team with the startups.

 

Registering startups for your local competition

Whether you’re organizing your first local event or refining your approach, ensuring that startups are properly registered is the foundation of a smooth and credible competition.

Step 1: Direct startups to the EF Hult Prize competitor registration form

All participating teams must begin by registering through the competitor registration form available on the EF Hult Prize website. This step is mandatory, as it formally enrolls them into the system.

Once a team completes the form, they will receive a confirmation email containing additional instructions. This ensures that every startup is properly documented and aligned with competition requirements.

 
 

Step 2: Track registrations via the community portal

As a campus director, you will have access to your community portal where you can view all startups registered from your university. This tool allows you to:

  • Verify which teams are officially registered
  • Keep track of participation levels
  • Ensure no team is missed in your outreach

Regularly checking this portal helps you stay organized and proactive.

 
 

Step 3: Engage and invite registered teams

Registration alone is not enough. After identifying the registered startups, reach out to them directly and invite them to participate in your qualifier.

This step is crucial for building momentum and ensuring strong turnout. A simple, personal invitation can significantly increase participation and engagement.

 
 

Step 4: Host your local competition

Host your campus event and ensure that all registered teams have the opportunity to present their ideas. Keep track of participants and results carefully, as this information will be required in the next step.

 
 

Step 5: Report your results

After the competition, you must submit an official report outlining:

  • All participating startups
  • Winning team
  • First runner-up
  • Second runner-up

Accurate reporting ensures transparency and allows the competition to progress smoothly to the next stage.

 
 

Step 6: Prepare your winning team for the next stage

Once your report is submitted, the winning team will be contacted with next steps and submission instructions. At this stage, your role shifts to supporting and guiding them as they move forward to the next stage (Nationals) in the competition journey.

 
 

Step 7: Stay updated on deadlines and requirements

Be sure to regularly check EF Hult Prize knowledgebase and the community portal for important deadlines, and additional guidelines. Staying informed will help you avoid last-minute issues and keep your program running efficiently.