https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XVE0JAm4ouq4HFRUNSmrf7JOHZKpV3H_/view

Judging Rubric

Criteria Weight What judges look for
Challenge-Solution Fit 20% Does it meaningfully solve the challenge? Is the target user well-defined? Does it address the core bottleneck?
AI Leverage & Technical Execution 25% Does it work in the demo? Are APIs integrated with real value? Is there custom logic or system design beyond a basic LLM wrapper?
Product Thinking & UI/UX 20% Is the user flow clear and intuitive? Does it reduce friction vs alternatives? Does it feel like a complete experience?
Originality & Insight 20% Is the approach differentiated? Does it reframe the problem interestingly? Could it evolve into a strong product?
Evidence of Real Demand 15% Did the team speak to users? Do they show evidence of pain points, user behaviour, or validated assumptions?

Pitch Format (selected teams only)

Selection Process

  1. Wavesparks removes incomplete or ineligible submissions
  2. Submissions assigned to two reviewers each
  3. Each judge shortlists top 20 by score + 5 alternates
  4. Top 10 selected for main-stage pitches