BASES 150k Challenge

Product Showcase

Do you like to make things? Are you a rising entrepreneur? Do you have a demo-able product prototype that you'd like to show off? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then Product Showcase is for you. Build a product, enter the competition, and you might just make $50,000.

Why Enter?

The real tough question for you today is not "Why should I apply?", but "Why shouldn't I apply?" Your classes have taught you how to make elaborate products; most of you probably have already. This contest is an ideal opportunity for you to further develop some of your current projects, and keep in touch with your favorite or most brilliant classmates. You will be able to publicize your projects to the entire bay area, and the most powerful Silicon Valley investors. With talent and a bit of luck, this could be a life-changing breakthrough. And finally, well, $50,000 in prize money speaks for itself.

Product Showcase Overview

The Product Showcase competition is as simple as it sounds. Any Stanford-affiliated group can make a product, and apply. The top-ranked projects will then have a chance to exhibit a demo-version of their product at the BASES 150k Challenge Finale in the spring.

The BASES team is expecting a very broad range of product entries in the competition: as long as the prototype works and does something new, anything goes! iPhone apps, surgical devices, and consumer electronics gadgets are only some examples of possible submissions.

The Competition

The philosophy behind the Product Showcase event is very hands-on. While participants of the other two BASES challenges will present business plans, Product Showcase contestants will simply demonstrate their prototype, much like at a science fair. Industry experts as well as Stanford Professors will judge the entries, and the best products will receive up to $50,000 in prize money. The winners will be announced at the end of the day.

Who Can Enter the Contest?

All Stanford students, alumni, research and postdoctoral staff, and faculty are eligible to enter. Though individuals not affiliated with Stanford University are encouraged to participate, any entering team must have at least one of its members affiliated with Stanford University. The size of a team is not restricted, and neither is the number of entries submitted by each team. Team members are also allowed to change over the period of the competition provided that the team maintains the above mentioned eligibility criteria. In addition, an individual can participate in more than one team.

Who Can Come to the Product Showcase Event?

The event will be open to the public: students, members of the Stanford Community at Large, and technology aficionados are all welcome!

What Are the Additional Opportunities?

The Product Showcase event will be attended by prominent Silicon Valley Venture Capitalist and Angel investors. It will be the perfect occasion for engineers and entrepreneurs to meet and discuss with potential business partners.