Competition Process

Breakthru starts with a call for proposals in the form of an application and executive summary. The 2009 competition received sixty entries. Entries that meet the eligibility criteria proceed to the second round, which starts with our mandatory Breakthru Bootcamp, and ends with the submission of a business plan. Each plan is reviewed internally and six finalists are chosen. During the final round, finalists make a presentation to the Breakthru Selection Committee of entrepreneurs, Foundation representatives, and other venture capitalists. Winners of the prizes are announced at a gala event that day.

All participants are required to read and understand the Breakthru Participant Handbook before entering the competition. In it you will find the information you need about how to enter, competition rules, what you’ll need to send to us and when, and the entrance fees.