SayPro Quarterly Science and Technology Competitions: Competition Guidelines.

Purpose:
The purpose of this document is to provide comprehensive and clear guidelines for organizing and executing the SayPro Quarterly Science and Technology Competitions. This will ensure that all participants, judges, and organizers are aligned with the competition’s goals, rules, and judging criteria.

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1. Overview of the SayPro Quarterly Science and Technology Competitions

Objective:
The SayPro Quarterly Science and Technology Competitions aim to promote creativity, innovation, and practical problem-solving in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among students and professionals. The competitions seek to identify breakthrough solutions that can address real-world problems, foster critical thinking, and encourage further development in various STEM fields.

Target Audience:

• High school and university students
• Emerging tech professionals
• Innovators in STEM fields (ages 16-30)
• Teams and individuals

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2. Competition Categories

Categories will vary each quarter based on current trends in technology and society, but typical categories include:

• Innovation in Artificial Intelligence
• Sustainable Solutions and Green Technology
• Biotechnology and HealthTech
• Robotics and Automation
• Digital Transformation in Education
• Smart Cities and Urban Development
• Internet of Things (IoT) Solutions

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3. Eligibility Criteria

Participants must meet the following criteria:

• Be within the designated age range (typically 16-30 years old).
• Submit an individual or team-based project based on one of the available competition categories.
• Ensure that projects are original and not previously submitted to other competitions.
• Provide clear documentation of the project, including a written report, presentation slides, and working prototype (if applicable).

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4. How to Enter

Entry Requirements:

• Participants must complete the registration form on the official SayPro competition platform before the submission deadline.
• Submissions must include:
  • A written proposal (no more than 1000 words) describing the project and its potential impact.
  • A working prototype, if applicable, or digital presentation (video, slides, etc.) showcasing the solution.
  • A brief CV or biography of the team members or individual participants.
  • A signed consent form acknowledging the rules and terms of participation.

Deadline:

• Submissions will be accepted from [insert date] until [insert date]. Late submissions will not be considered.

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5. Judging Criteria

The judging process will be rigorous and aim to ensure fairness and transparency. The following criteria will be considered for each entry:

**1. Innovation (25%):

• Originality and novelty of the idea.
• Uniqueness of the approach or technology used.

2. Impact (30%):

• Potential for real-world application or scalability.
• Contribution to solving current challenges in STEM fields or society.

3. Feasibility (20%):

• Viability of the solution in practical, real-world contexts.
• Assessment of the technical and operational feasibility of the proposed solution.

4. Presentation (15%):

• Quality of the presentation and clarity of communication.
• Ability to effectively convey the idea and its benefits to the audience and judges.

5. Sustainability and Ethics (10%):

• Consideration of environmental impact, sustainability, and ethical implications of the project.

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6. Judging Process

Judging Panel:

• The judging panel will consist of experts in the relevant fields, including academia, industry professionals, and other recognized innovators in STEM.
• The panel will review the submissions, evaluate the projects according to the judging criteria, and provide constructive feedback.

Evaluation Stages:

1. Initial Screening:
   A preliminary review of all entries will be conducted to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and guidelines.
2. Shortlisting:
   Projects that meet the criteria will be shortlisted for the final round, based on their originality, potential impact, and feasibility.
3. Final Evaluation:
   Shortlisted projects will be presented to the judging panel for detailed evaluation. Presentations may be live (virtual or in-person) or pre-recorded.

Announcement of Winners:

• The winners will be announced at the end of the competition via a live ceremony and through SayPro’s official channels. Prizes, including cash awards, mentorship opportunities, and internships, will be distributed accordingly.

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7. Prizes and Recognition

Grand Prize:

• A cash prize of [insert amount], a certificate of recognition, and an opportunity to collaborate with industry partners on further development of the winning solution.

Runner-Up Prizes:

• Certificates of recognition and various sponsored awards (e.g., tech gadgets, access to conferences, mentorship sessions).

Special Prizes:

• Best Use of Technology
• Most Sustainable Solution
• Best Prototype Design
• People’s Choice Award (voted by the public).

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8. Code of Conduct

Participants are expected to maintain professionalism and adhere to the following code of conduct:

• Respect the confidentiality of the ideas and solutions submitted.
• Engage in fair play and avoid plagiarism.
• Act with integrity and uphold ethical standards during all stages of the competition.
• Respect the decisions of the judges and competition organizers.

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9. Terms and Conditions

• All submissions must be original work and free from plagiarism.
• SayPro reserves the right to disqualify any entry that violates the competition rules or engages in unethical behavior.
• By entering the competition, participants grant SayPro the right to feature their project for promotional purposes, including but not limited to on social media, websites, and events.
• SayPro may adjust competition rules and guidelines if necessary and will notify participants accordingly.

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10. Contact Information

For inquiries or assistance regarding the competition, participants can contact the SayPro Development Competitions Office:

• Email: [insert email]
• Phone: [insert phone number]
• Website: [insert website]

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This document will be made available to all potential participants to ensure clarity and transparency throughout the competition.