THE DEADLINE HAS PASSED FOR THE 2009 COMPETITION.  THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED!
Do you think you have the next great "green" product idea?  Then you need to enter the 2009 Greenovation Competition of Central PA!
 

 

 

What's the goal of this competition?
  • To encourage our region's entrepreneurs and companies to pursue green product concepts.
  • To provide an opportunity to make a difference for our environment and pursue a "green" idea.
  • To provide all contestants with awareness of and access to service providers to help launch that business and idea, regardless of the competition outcome.
What are the criteria to consider my product idea "green"?

Inventors must submit an original product idea that reflects green initiatives.  The concept should:

  • Address both immediate and future environmental impacts
  • Have positive environmental objectives
  • Minimize waste
  • Work toward sustainability of items/resources
The winning invention will have the lowest possible environmental impact with the highest possible benefits.

Looking for Inspiration?
The Williamsport/Lycoming KIZ has been "tweeting" greenovations and green topics on twitter to help people get in the "green innovation" mindset.  Check it out!

Who can enter the competition?
Any entrepreneur or company in the Central Pennsylvania region who wants to pursue a green product idea or green product line.  Also faculty and students enrolled at institutions of higher education in the region are eligible to apply.
If I am under the age of 18 can I enter?  
Yes you can, however you are required to have a Parental Consent Form signed by a parent or legal guardian.  Form must accompany the completed application.  For a copy of the Form please contact the KIZ at 570-329-3200 x8083 or info@wlkiz.com. 
 
Can I enter more than one idea?
Yes, individuals can submit more than one idea.  Completed applications must be submitted for each idea.


What's in it for the winner?
The contest will have a grand prize and second place winner. 

The grand prize contest winner will receive a complete prize package (currently valued at $14,550!!) including the following cash and services.  This list will be continually updated as prizes are added. Some restrictions apply to certain prizes; please visit our SPONSOR PAGE to learn the details of each prize.
  • 1 MERWYN BUSINESS SIMULATION REPORT to evaluate your idea and its business opportunity, and POSTING OF YOUR IDEA ON THE NATIONAL INNOVATION MARKETPLACE to increase your connections to accelerate your idea to market, donated by Merwyn, Inc. and NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership. Winner will receive free attendance at the October 6 Business Translation Workshop which will assist with the submission.  Value: $2,050.  (ABOUT THIS SPONSOR AND PRIZE)
  • FREE PROVISIONAL PATENT FILING from RIDDLE Patent Law (www.charleslriddle.com) in Scranton to help you protect your idea. Value: $4,000. (ABOUT THIS SPONSOR AND PRIZE)
  • FOUR MONTHS OF FURNISHED OFFICE SPACE from Lycoming Launchpad to help you "launch" your idea. Value $1,600. (ABOUT THIS SPONSOR AND PRIZE)
  • BUSINESS SERVICES:
    • UP TO 4 HOURS OF BUSINESS CONSULTING from IMC, Inc. to help you strategize your approach.  Value: $600 (ABOUT THIS SPONSOR AND PRIZE)
    • BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES FROM THE SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (SBDC) NETWORK:
      • 6 MONTHS OF FREE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM ATTENDANCE through Lock Haven University SBDC.  Value: $500. (ABOUT THIS SPONSOR AND PRIZE)
      • 3 FREE EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS + BUSINESS CONSULTING SERVICES + SPECIAL RESEARCH, DESIGN & ANALYSIS SESSION  with Bucknell SBDC's "Engineering Development Services" group. Value: $500.  (ABOUT THIS SPONSOR AND PRIZE)
    • TWO CONSULTATIONS WITH DON BROWN - inventor of the Ab Roller ® and author of Invent Yourself Rich.  Value:  $2,000.  (ABOUT THIS SPONSOR AND PRIZE)
  • PRODUCT DESIGN AND PROTOTYPING
    • FREE DESIGN CONSULTATION AND 8 HOURS OF PRODUCT DESIGN/CAD DESIGN ASSISTANCE from the Keystone Innovation Grant program at Pennsylvania College of Technology to help you design your idea. Value:  $600.  (ABOUT THIS SPONSOR AND PRIZE)
    • ONE RAPID PROTOTYPE IN ABS PLASTIC OF YOUR PART OR PRODUCT IDEA from Bassler/Williamsport Pattern Works to help you prototype and "feel" your idea.  Value:  $1,000 (ABOUT THIS SPONSOR AND PRIZE)
  • IDENTITY CREATION - LOGO AND BUSINESS CARD DESIGN by Form + Function Design. Value: $1,200.  (ABOUT THIS SPONSOR AND PRIZE)
  • $500 CASH from Williamsport/Lycoming KIZ to help you with additional expenses for commercializing your idea. (ABOUT THIS SPONSOR AND PRIZE)
The details of the second place prize will be determined at a later date.

How do I enter?
Contestants must:
  • Agree to the rules and regulations of the contest.
  • Complete a written application (available for download below) and return to the Williamsport/Lycoming KIZ by 12 noon on Friday,  September 4 at the mailing or physical address below.  *** UPDATE:  Email submission of your application is acceptable to info@wlkiz.com as long as a scanned copy of the signature page is also attached, or is faxed to us at 570-329-1440 by noon on Friday, September 4.   No exceptions.
  • If selected as a finalist, contestant must be available and willing to present their idea to an expert panel of judges on Friday, September 18. 
  • Winner announcement on Friday, September 18.  The winnner will also be presented on the Ken Sawyer Radio Show on WRAK.   ** Please note that the Green Expo has been cancelled, where the winner announcement was going to take place.
Finalists and judging times to be determined.  Final presentations will be 15 minutes: 10 minute presentations with 5 minutes for judge questions and answers.
Click here to download the Application, Rules and Regulations in PDF format.

Click here to download the Application, Rules and Regulations in WORD format.

When is the deadline to enter?
  • Completed and signed applications must be received in person or by mail by 12 noon on Friday, September 4 at the Williamsport/Lycoming KIZ's offices at the IMC, Inc. No exceptions.
  • Physical Address:  IMC, Inc.  Center for Business and Workforce Development at Pennsylvania College of Technology, 1127 West Fourth St., Williamsport, PA  17701. 
  • Mailing Address:  Williamsport/Lycoming KIZ, c/o IMC, Inc., One College Ave. DIF 32, Williamsport, PA 17701.
  • Finalists will be selected and contacted by Wednesday, September 9.   A presentation judging time will be scheduled with the finalists for Friday, September 18.
  • Winner will be announced during a Greenovation Awards Presentation on Friday, September 18.  The grand prize winner will also be interviewed on the Ken Sawyer Radio Show.
What if I have more questions?

Please call the Williamsport/Lycoming KIZ at 570.329.3200 x8083; or email info@wlkiz.com.