IV · Impact & International Projection
Criterion 16 / 20
30%
Level of Innovation
Nivel de Innovación
We evaluate how novel and differentiated the solution is — whether it offers a genuinely new approach, combination, or application compared to existing solutions.
Scoring Breakdown
5
Excellent
- Clearly differentiates from existing solutions
- Offers a novel approach, material, process, or combination
- Demonstrates awareness of the competitive landscape
- Shows evidence of research into prior art or existing solutions
- Innovation is defensible and measurable
4
Good
- Clear differentiation from common solutions
- Novel application or combination
- Some competitive awareness
- Innovation partially documented
3
Acceptable
- Some innovative elements
- Mostly incremental improvements
- Limited competitive analysis
- Innovation claimed but not well-documented
2
Insufficient
- Very similar to existing solutions
- Minimal differentiation
- No competitive research conducted
- Innovation vaguely claimed
1
Poor
- Direct copy or replication of known solution
- No innovation at all
- No awareness of existing approaches
- Project adds no new value
Common Mistakes
- ✘"This app has never been made before" — without research
- ✘Comparing to nothing ("There is no competition")
- ✘Innovation limited to aesthetics
- ✘Confusing features with innovation
Evaluator Focus
- Measurable differentiation
- Competitive awareness
- Defensibility of claim
- Research backing
How to Get 5 Points
- ✔Can you name 3 existing solutions and explain what yours does differently?
- ✔Is your difference measurable (faster, cheaper, more accessible)?
- ✔Did you research patents, papers, or existing products?
- ✔Is your innovation in the approach, not just the presentation?
Universal Scoring Scale
1
Poor
2
Insufficient
3
Acceptable
4
Good
5
Excellent
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Criterion 16 of 20