Judge Grading Rubric

Each project will be evaluated across 5 key dimensions, with scores from 1 (low) to 20 (exceptional) in each:

Problem-Solution Fit (25%)
- Does the solution effectively enhance a feature of a target social media, browser, or study tool?
- Is the user pain point within the target application well-defined, and does the solution directly and effectively solve it?
Technical Execution & Integration (20%)
- Was the problem clearly explained, and the solution compellingly pitched?
- Did the team effectively communicate the value proposition, user journey, and business model in a concise presentation?
Impact & Market Potential (20%)
- How much does your solution measurably improve the user experience, save time, or add value within the target application?
- What is the unique value proposition that makes your project stand out from existing solutions and offer a competitive advantage?
Business Model & Sustainability (15%)
- Does the project present a clear and viable plan for how it will generate revenue as a standalone product?
- Is the proposed business model resilient to potential changes in the target platform’s ecosystem and policies?
User Experience & Simplicity (10%)
- Does the solution feel like a natural and intuitive part of the target application, rather than a separate, clunky tool?
- Can a new user quickly grasp how to use your enhancement without extensive guidance?
Presentation & Storytelling (10%)
- Was the problem clearly explained, and the solution compellingly pitched?
- Did the team effectively communicate the value proposition, user journey, and business model in a concise presentation?

Scoring Guidelines

1. Problem-Solution Fit (25%)

This criterion assesses how well the team identified a specific, addressable user pain point and whether their Micro-SaaS solution is the right tool to solve it.

Score	Description
0–4	The problem is generic or doesn't exist. The solution doesn't effectively address any clear need.
5–8	The problem is vague, or the solution offers only a partial fix. The niche is not well-defined.
9–12	A meaningful problem is identified, but the solution could be more targeted. The niche is somewhat clear.
13–16	A specific and relevant problem is identified within the target app's ecosystem. The solution offers a compelling fix that has a visible connection to a sponsor's strategic objective.
17–20	The team has identified a sharp, underserved niche with a high-impact problem. The solution is a perfect fit, offering a unique and powerful enhancement.

2. Technical Execution & Integration (20%)

Score	Description
0–4	The prototype is non-functional or severely unstable. It fails to demonstrate the core concept.
5–8	The prototype is functional but lacks key features or has significant bugs. The integration with the target app is basic or unreliable.
9–12	A functional prototype with a clear architecture is presented. The core features work, and the integration is mostly stable.
13–16	A robust and reliable prototype that seamlessly integrates with the target app's ecosystem.
17–20	The prototype is technically sound, fully working, and feels native to the target application.

3. Impact & Market Potential (15%)

Score	Description
0–4	The solution offers no measurable improvement or unique value. It is easily replicable.
5–8	The solution provides some value, but the impact is minimal. It has many competitors without a clear advantage.
9–12	The solution offers a clear improvement over existing methods. The value proposition is somewhat compelling.
13–16	The project has a strong, measurable impact (e.g., significant time savings, cost reduction). The unique value proposition is well-articulated and compelling.
17–20	The project presents a game-changing solution with a deep, scalable impact on its target niche. It has a powerful and defensible competitive advantage.

Scoring Guidelines

1. Problem-Solution Fit (25%)

2. Technical Execution & Integration (20%)

3. Impact & Market Potential (15%)

4. Business Model & Sustainability (15%)