ZEN eChallenge Overview: How it Works

Entry Requirements

The ZEN eChallenge is open to teams of two to six people to develop a business plan for a new, previously unfunded concept. At least one team member must be a current tertiary student. More information about entry requirements can be found in the 'Eligibility' section of the terms and conditions.

Registration

Each team member must register online individually. To register, please follow these steps:

1. Read the terms and conditions
2. Go to ZEN eChallenge Online Registration
3. Set your preferred username and password, and fill out your personal/education details
4. Team Details
   • Creating a new team? Enter your team name
   • Know the team you want to join? Enter the exact name of the existing team
   • You can change your team name later in your Profile
5. Once you have registered, an automatically generated email will be sent to the email address you provided (if you don't receive it, check your junk folder)
6. Click on the web link in the email to validate your account
7. Your account will be confirmed and you will be logged into ZEN eChallenge Online
8. From now on you will only need to enter your personal username and password to log in

For help with technical issues, please call our 24/7 helpline:

+61 08 8215 4141 International
1800 451 977 Australia (toll-free)

Late Registration

Late registration for 2012 TBA.

Concept Proposal

The team must submit a concept proposal with the view to developing a business plan for a new, previously unfunded business concept. To help with this process, the ZEN eChallenge offers competitors unprecedented access to top South Australian business acumen and expertise through its mentors and workshops. The concept proposal is assessed in the first round of judging and the semi-finalists move on to the next round.

Workshops

A series of workshops, presented by specialists in their various fields, are held throughout the ZEN eChallenge. The workshops guide teams through the process of developing a successful venture: from opportunity assessment through to marketing, finance, intellectual property, developing the business plan and pitching to potential investors.

Mentors and Venture Showcase

Each semi-final team is paired with an experienced mentor from the business community, whose knowledge is invaluable in helping to construct a model that will prove to be a sustainable, growth oriented entrepreneurial business. Semi-final teams have the opportunity to exhibit their business concept at the Venture Showcase.

Business Plan and Semi-Finals Pitch

Semi-final teams must submit a business plan and pitch their concept to judges at the semi-final judging day.

Finals Pitch

The finals judging consists of a second oral pitch. The judges are looking for the overall commercial viability of the venture based on the quality of the opportunity, the market, competitive advantage and the teams' strengths and weaknesses.

Video

Finals teams will film a 2-minute pitch that will be screened at the Awards Dinner. This gives finalists the opportunity to fine tune their message and incorporate creative audio/visual.

Awards Dinner

The Awards Dinner is the premier event of the ZEN eChallenge. During the dinner, finals teams will show their pitch video to a captive audience of business, industry and community leaders. The winners are announced and the prizes are presented.