​Got an idea for a product, service, or social venture? Not quite sure what to do with it? Then join the IDEA Accelerator. This fast paced program is for Worcester State students who want to validate their idea and figure out if it is worth pursuing. The action-based format uses a series of entrepreneurial “sprints” to get the idea out of your head, tested, and refined. At the end of each sprint, we share our work and celebrate our accomplishments.
Sprint #1 Explore Your IDEA: Develop your customer value proposition (weeks 1 to 2)
  • Ideation, initial core customer(s), focus on “desirability” 
  • Deliverable is a brief, fun video and showcase page 
  • Sprint #1 ends with feedback and fan favorites
Sprint #2 Pursue Your IDEA: Find your viable business model (weeks 3 to 6) 
  • Deliverable is a business model canvas with assumptions for at least two of the components tested; startup costs, and a breakeven analysis
  • Initial Business Brief
    • Description of the business idea
    • Value proposition that highlights the problem being solved or need being met 
    • Initial customer profile and market size 
    • Actions taken to date, and future actions planned 
    • Startup costs and breakeven analysis
Sprint #3 Communicate Your IDEA: Tell the story of your idea (weeks 7 - 10) 
  • Pitch deck
  • Complete Business brief:
    • Description of the business idea 
    • Value proposition that highlights the problem being solved or need being met 
    • Initial customer profile and market size 
    • Proof of market demand and future growth 
    • Description of the entrepreneur(s)/team 
    • Actions taken to date, and future actions planned 
    • Startup costs and breakeven analysis 
    • Income statements​
Robert K. O’Brien ‘58 Next Big Idea Competition 
The finale to the IDEA Accelerator is the Robert K. O'Brien '58 Next Big Idea Competition, where the five finalists compete for cash awards and venture seed money. 

Prizes
  • 1st  - $2,500 
  • 2nd - $1,000 
  • 3rd - $500 
  • 4th and 5th - $250 each
Program Calendar
Downloads for Contest!
Eligibility, Rules, and Guidelines
The competition is open to all current Worcester State University students who have a student driven, student created, or student managed venture idea. 

The guidelines and rules:
  1. There is no entry fee.

  2. Submissions may be entered by individuals or teams.

  3. Each team may enter one idea. It may be a social venture, a business venture, or a concept to solve a problem experienced by an organization or community.

  4. The competition is for students from any major currently enrolled at Worcester State University, including all full-time and part-time undergraduate and graduate students. Students who have completed their graduation requirements within six months of the final round of competition are eligible. A team may include an individual who is not currently enrolled at Worcester State, provided that at least 50% of the team membership is composed of individuals currently enrolled at Worcester State.

  5. All content for submission must represent the original work of the entrants.

  6. Ventures that have generated more than $25,000 in revenue and/or have raised equity capital from sources other than the members of the student team before the current academic year are not eligible to complete.

  7. Ventures that are actively seeking outside capital in the form of grants, loans, or equity financing are eligible to compete.

  8. The disbursement of the cash awards for the top finalists is issued by check through Worcester State University, following their policies and procedures. The percentage issued to each member of a team is based on the amounts stated in the student team’s registration for the competition.

  9. Updates to these rules and guidelines may occur, and will be communicated in writing to registered teams.

  10. Judges reserve the right to disqualify any entry that in its judgement violates the letter or spirit of the competition.


Intellectual Property Considerations
  • The competition, its mentors, and its judges will not sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and teams requiring NDAs should not participate. 

  • The semi final round and final round are open to the public and may be broadcast to interested persons through media which may include television, print, and the Internet. 

  • Any data or information discussed or divulged throughout the competition should be considered information that will enter the public domain. 
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  • All mentors, judges, and organizers of the competition may make photocopies, photographs, video and/or audio recordings of submissions and presentations. These items may be used in the judging of the competition as well as in promotional activities associated with future competitions, including the recruitment of sponsors and participants.