1

The Early Childhood Innovation Prize

EvaluationCriteria

2

PrizeCategories

New InnovatorsCould receive a share of $100k in awards

In this category, we look forward to awarding early stage ideas that still

have some ground to cover from scoping to prototyping. We encourage

participants who have very early concepts to submit their ideas early in

the Prize process so that they can take advantage of peer and mentor

feedback to further develop concepts and prototypes. Up to 10 winners

will be awarded a share of $100,000.

Early InnovatorsCould receive a share of $400k in awards

In this category, we expect to see more advanced solutions, developed

by teams, organizations, companies or individuals that have been working

for 12 months or more. The ideas have likely emerged prior to the start of

the Prize, or teams/individuals are able to quickly work to reach the next

level of development during the Prize. A significant amount of prototyping

and some piloting has likely taken place before or during the Prize. Up to 5

winners will be awarded a share of $400,000.

Advanced InnovatorsCould receive a share of $500k in awards

This category focuses on experienced teams, organizations or companies

that have been working in the early childhood or related field for between

3 to 10+ years with a track record of success. Teams, organizations or

companies in this category are encouraged to propose their next big idea.

Up to 5 winners will be awarded a share of $500,000.

3

How You’ll be Evaluated, Depending on Stage

Does the idea respond to one of the Opportunity Areas? X X X

Is the idea aligned with one or more Innovation Targets? X X X

Does the idea use a new approach or an existing approach in a different way? X X X

Could the idea lead to long-lasting outcomes? X X X

Will the idea catalyze positive changes in the lives of children and families? X X X

Could the idea lead to wider or systemic positive change? X X X

Does the submission consider accessibility to those with limited resources? X X

Did the idea collect feedback from end users in order to solve a real problem for children 0-3, their parents or supportive providers and systems?

X X X

Does the idea show evidence of prototyping and testing a concept, in order to best address the needs of children 0-3 and their families? X X X

Evaluation Criteria New Early Advanced

INNOVATIVE

IMPACT

ABLE TO SERVE LOW-INCOME CHILDREN

RELEVANT TO PRIZE TOPIC

HUMAN CENTERED

4

Are there current staff or a prospective team that could advance the idea? X X X

Does the idea demonstrate how it is feasible and viable from a technical and operational perspective? X X

Beyond funding through this Prize, are there clear pathways to implementation and financial support to build on the idea? X X

Evaluation Criteria New Early Advanced

Does the proposal consider the potential market size? X X

Does the proposal present a plan for long-term financial sustainability? X X

Does the proposal consider anticipated barriers to scaling? X X

Did participant respond to clarifying questions made via comments by the OpenIDEO Community Managers?

BONUS BONUS BONUS

Did the participant provide feedback to other participants? BONUS BONUS BONUS

SCALABLE

BONUS: COLLABORATION

To really solve complex challenges, we need the best people working together. Throughout the

Prize, we encourage you to collaborate and leverage feedback – from peer participants, experts in

the early childhood field, and the OpenIDEO team – to evolve and refine your Idea. Given this is not

required, we have included it as a bonus category in our evaluation criteria.

FEASIBLE

5

Innovation Targets

The Innovation Targets represent the diverse categories of innovation that we expect to see. We’re not looking for business as usual. We think different types and combinations of innovation strategies could lead to breakthrough solutions for young children. Tell us what distinguishes your idea from all the others. All participants will be asked to select at

least one Innovation Target when submitting their idea proposals.

a. Product: A new or enhanced physical product that creates value for end beneficiaries.

b. Service: A new or enhanced service that creates value for end beneficiaries.

c. Channel: A new way to deliver existing products or services to customers or end users.

d. Platform: Creating a community or market that facilitates interaction between users and resources.

e. Network: Connecting people with each other to enhance the reach or effectiveness of new or existing resources.

f. System design: Solutions that target changing larger systems.

g. Technology-enabled: Existing approach is more effective or scalable with the addition of technology.

h. Business model: A better model with more effective structure or financing.

6

To further clarify these Innovation Targets, here are a few examples to illustrate what we mean.

New Platform

New Channel

New or Improved Product

New Business Model

Lyft or Airbnb

Libromat

Vroom App

Wildflower Schools

A community that facilitates

interaction between users

and resources.

Parent support for children’s

early literacy through using

time at the laundromat.

Every parent has what it

takes to be a brain builder.

Blurring the boundaries between

home and school, scientists

and teachers, schools and the

neighborhoods around them.

Good Luck!

Submit to the Prize