Application Video Dos and Don'ts

2026 APPLICATION PERIOD WILL OPEN APRIL 8

Content

1. the not-for-profit organization
2. the industry partner(s)
3. the fit between the organizations (why are you working together?)
4. the technology/product being developed, its current stage, and how this grant will advance it
5. the societal impact of the product/technology

Audio & Video

Speak clearly and check audio quality and volume before submitting
Keep the video under 10 minutes – anything longer will not be scored
Watch the video after uploading to confirm it plays correctly (no blackouts, no audio issues)
Edit as desired – single takes are equally acceptable
We recommend the use of closed captions (review them for accuracy)

Visuals

Show your workspace, lab, or the product/technology in action whenever possible
Use visual aids to support clarity. Slides, animation, and background music are all acceptable (but not required)
If using background music, ensure it doesn’t overpower or distract from the narration

Do not include any proprietary information
Do not submit an investor pitch
Do not over-produce it. A low-budget video is perfectly acceptable; professional production does not improve your chances of receiving an award

Below is a video sample we created for guidance.
Please note that the video was created in 2024, and so it refers to some guidelines that have since changed. For example, for 2026:
- Applicants must choose a sub-track based on the development stage of the industry partner (established companies or startups – for details, refer to the guidelines).
- Applicants choosing the startup company sub-track should not discuss economic impacts.
- We added societal impacts and commercial feasibility as scoring criteria. They should be discussed in the video.
- There are now 6 scoring criteria, not 5.

Posted/Modified
April 3, 2026. Please check back to this site for any updates.