FINALIST PRESENTATION GUIDELINES

ATTENDEE GROUND RULES

Our team is excited to observe your interactions with the finalists to inform the Cohort 2023 fellowship decisions.

Please keep these ground rules in mind during the finalist presentations.

 

Guidelines for Participation

  • Presence: please keep video on and mic muted when not speaking, stay engaged, don’t multitask 

  • Trust: please don’t publicize or attribute opinions expressed here

  • Inclusion: please allow the discussion to be moderated and “raise your hand” to add a thought

  • Respect: No audience interruptions during presentations, avoid asking questions on potentially sensitive topics (intellectual property or corporate matters)

  • Fairness: If you have personal concerns about the character of the candidate, please do not bring it into the public discussion. Share in the feedback form or reach out to the Activate team.

During the Presentation

  • Don't expect an investment pitch—these are not (yet) startups. They are scientists on a mission, and you are here to engage and help. 

  • Finalists have been informed of most registered attendees and understand there is no expectation of confidentiality.

During the Q&A with the finalist(s)

  • Identify yourself when you ask a question. 

  • Beyond simple clarifications, avoid questions about intellectual property or corporate matters (e.g. cap table, board seats, etc.). Reference and follow conflict of interest requirements (see below).

CONFLICT OF INTEREST REQUIREMENTS

Applied to any participant providing feedback

I certify that I am not aware of any matter which might reduce my ability to participate in the application evaluation in an objective and unbiased manner, or which might place me in a position of conflict, real or apparent, between my responsibilities as an evaluator and other interests.

In making this certification I have considered all my financial interests and employment arrangements (past, present, or under consideration, including those of my spouse or domestic partner, my children, and other members of my immediate household). I will notify Activate immediately as soon as I become aware of any circumstance that may result in me no longer being able to make this certification or this certification no longer remaining true, and thereafter until advised to the contrary by Activate, I will not participate further in any way in the evaluation process.  

I will not attribute or disclose any information from the discussions with or about the candidates.

I will not use any finalist presentation information except for the sole purpose of evaluating the candidates on behalf of Activate as instructed by Activate.

Neither I, my spouse or domestic partner, my children, nor members of my immediate household will accept anything of monetary value from any person, firm, or organization affiliated with an application, even seemingly trivial courtesies, which can present the appearance of impropriety or create a subtle sense of obligation and must be avoided.

FELLOWSHIP CRITERIA

We are ultimately seeking the best people for the fellowships, while evaluating each proposed project’s feasibility and potential for impact.


Highest and Best Use of Fellowship

Will the fellowship and access to proposed qualified host laboratories meaningfully alter the trajectory of the project? Will participation improve the timeline or probability of success?

Technical Excellence

Does the applicant have comprehensive knowledge in the field of the proposed project and the ability to independently and safely lead the technical work involved in the proposed project?

Feasibility

Is the proposed project rooted in sound scientific principles and feasible within the confines of the two-year fellowship? Does it have a clear and organized plan with well-reasoned technical milestones and a risk mitigation plan?

Impact Potential and Sponsor Alignment

Is the proposed project reasonably differentiated from existing solutions and commercial efforts? Does it present a credible path to scale, including viable entry markets or the potential to pivot? 

Entrepreneurial Potential

Does the applicant have the ability to mobilize the physical, financial, and intellectual resources needed to advance the proposed project; and the ability to operate in situations with a high degree of ambiguity and incomplete information?

Leadership

Does the applicant have the ability to productively respond to constructive criticism, manage conflict, and act with integrity? How well does the applicant engage with diverse technical and non-technical stakeholders? Can the applicant persuade and inspire others through written and spoken communication?

CODE OF CONDUCT

View the Activate Code of Conduct here.