Host a Local Competition

The Local Competition is your primary goal and the most significant initiative you prepare. This competition is the core focus of your Campus Program, where teams from your university compete for a spot in the next phase of the Hult Prize Competition.

The Requirements to Host a Local Competition

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS4nCZj23t0&list=PLLLYn-6M_P400QxA9kyf19pefp2CZ_CS0&index=7&ab_channel=hp-embed

Remember the Rules

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1. Have at least 5 Teams competing comprised of between 2 to 4 Students who meet the eligibility criteria. Ensure they are registered by February 15th through our Competitor Registration Form.

2. Have at least 3 Judges using the official scorecard*.

3. 4 Min Pitch in English & 1 Pitch Deck per Team and 4Min Q&A from the Judging Panel.

4. Host the Local Competition by February 28th, 2026.

5. Report the Local Competition on your Community Portal within 72 hours after the event takes place and ensure that your Winner submits their required submissions within 72 hours.

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Scorecard: The tool that helps judges evaluate teams at the Local Competition, assessing the quality, feasibility, and impact of their business ideas. Startups should review it in advance to understand the evaluation criteria.

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Eligibility to Compete

[Terms & Conditions here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MSvMaGPuZU&list=PLLLYn-6M_P400QxA9kyf19pefp2CZ_CS0&index=10&ab_channel=hp-embed)

Terms & Conditions here.

Register Startups

[Competitor Registration Form here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rg9-wUo1EXc&list=PLLLYn-6M_P400QxA9kyf19pefp2CZ_CS0&index=8&ab_channel=hp-embed)

Competitor Registration Form here.

The Challenge

The Hult Prize challenges students to launch for-profit startups that support at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).

Selection Criteria

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All startups worldwide are evaluated using the same criteria, ensuring fairness and consistency throughout the selection process.

Judges use the Scorecard to assess the quality, feasibility, and impact of each business idea.

Startups are encouraged to review it in advance to understand how they will be evaluated.

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Report your Local Competition

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1y4UBcfBYBM&list=PLLLYn-6M_P400QxA9kyf19pefp2CZ_CS0&index=13&ab_channel=hp-embed

Tips to Host your Local Competition

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCkc_IpinRs&list=PLLLYn-6M_P400QxA9kyf19pefp2CZ_CS0&index=9&ab_channel=hp-embed

Review the Process

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Campus Directors register their Local Competition details in the Community Portal as soon as the event date is confirmed.
All startups must register via the Competitor Registration Form by February 15th. Once registered, startups will receive a confirmation email.
Campus Directors can view and verify startup registrations from their university in the Community Portal and then invite the registered startups to their Local Competition, sharing event details as early as possible. Note: Campus Directors should check the portal regularly and set a clear registration deadline to ensure smooth planning.
After hosting the Local Competition, Campus Directors must submit the Local Competition Report within 72 hours via the Community Portal, including the winner, 1st Runner-Up, 2nd Runner-Up and event details.
Once the report is submitted, the Winner, 1st Runner-Up, and 2nd Runner-Up will receive an email from Hult Prize with instructions to submit their submissions within 72 hours.
The Winner must submit their submissions within 72 hours to advance to the next phase of the competition. For the 1st and 2nd Runner-Ups, as well as non-winners, submission is optional, however, if they choose to participate, they must also submit within the same 72-hour window for a chance to be selected. </aside>

Remember

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Team Composition: Teams must consist of 2-4 students, all aged 18+. Members can come from different universities but must represent one, with at least one member enrolled there. Participants can only join one team.
Competition Rules: Teams with a Local Competition at their university can only participate in that competition. They cannot apply through the Open Application.
Eligibility: Competitors must be enrolled in a degree program or have graduated during the registration period. Students from any academic background or level, from freshmen to PhD, are welcome.
Organizers: Campus Directors and organizing committee members cannot compete in their OnCampus Program but can apply via the Open Application. </aside>

Advancing to Nationals

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After submitting their submissions, Winners will be invited to participate in the National Competition via email (if available in their country or territory), held between March and May. There, they will compete with other Campus Winners and top Open Application startups.
In countries/territories without a National Competition, top-performing teams from both Campus Programs and Open Applications will go through an Online Selection Process (equivalent to the National Competition).
1st and 2nd Runner-Ups will also be reviewed and may be invited to Nationals or the Online Selection Process, based on their performance.
The Winners of each National Competition and the Online Selection Process, will earn a place in the Digital Incubator.

Note: The list of National Competition hosts will be announced between January and February. Stay tuned to our socials and inbox for updates!

Learn more here about the journey and timeline to win the $1M USD prize.

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Learn More

Here you’ll learn how to recruit, engage, and train your key stakeholders to successfully host your Local Competition:

Competitors

Judges & Experts