FAQ

• Q:When does submission commence and deadline?
  A:Submissions are accepted from the launch date, 13 September 2021 10:00AM (GMT +8) and the submission deadline is 31 December 2021 12:00PM (GMT +8).
• Q:Who is eligible to participate in the challenge?
  A:The challenge is open to all local and international start-ups and SMEs, including, research institutes and Institute of Higher Learning (IHLs).
• Q:Will there be an extension of timeline?
  A:No there will not be an extension of timeline. We regret that only proposals submitted before the abovementioned deadline will be accepted.
• Q:Is there a format for the proposals submitted? What else would I need to submit alongside the proposals?
  A:While there is no fixed format for the proposals, the corporate (Challenge Statement Owner) would like to see the following or its equivalent (if relevant to the Statement's ask):
  
  a. Response to Brief (3–5-page response outlining your specific point of view):
  - Background & executive summary
  - Approach / Process
  - Key innovations
  - Potential Challenges and how you intend to address them
  - Implementation / estimated timeline
  - Estimated price schedule
  
  b. Corporate Profile - In-house capabilities, networks or external partnership(s) you can leverage on
  
  c. Team Profile - Profile, background and key skills of the principal design lead and members of the design team for this project
  
• Q:Can I submit more than 1 proposal for each challenge statement?
  A:Yes, you can but the proposal has to be of different proposed solution from the earlier submission.
• Q:Can I submit proposals as a consortium?
  A:Yes, you can submit proposals as a consortium, but you are required to work out the partnership model amongst yourselves.
• Q:How are the proposals be evaluated and shortlisted?
  A:Proposals will be evaluated based on the following broad criteria:
  - Novelty/ Originality
  - Commercial Adoption/ Value
  - Implementation
• Q:Will my company be able to meet with the corporates issuing the challenge statement?
  A:Depending on the quality of your proposals, it is up to the discretion of the corporates to decide on whom they would eventually plan to interview or meet with.
• Q:How do I know if my application is shortlisted?
  A:We aim to inform shortlisted participants via email after 15 Feb 2022 with instruction on next steps. However, the timeline may be subject to changes depending on prevailing circumstances.
• Q:What are your policies on intellectual property ("IP") protection and confidentiality obligations?
  A:The participant is solely responsible for the protection of IP rights in his/her/its submission. Once an application is submitted and selected for trial with the corporate (challenge statement owner), the protection of IP rights in the submission shall be privately agreed between the corporate (challenge statement owner) and the participant. If you would like to share IP rights which may contribute to the value proposition of the developed solution, you are advised to obtain appropriate legal advice prior to making any disclosures to the corporate.
• Q:I am currently filing a patent for this submitted solution; can I check if my submitted proposal is treated confidential?
  A:IPI acknowledges that the information provided by companies in the proposals could be sensitive and will ensure that such information is handled with care. However, we do not advise companies to submit information deemed confidential.
  
  The companies should not disclose any information relating to the provisional patent until after it has been filed. Despite that, it is advisable that the participant exercises caution in disclosing only necessary information for the purpose of submitting his/her/its proposal. This is because there is no assurance that the participant’s concept, after converting to a patent application, would be granted eventually to offer him/her/it the needed protection, especially if what was filed was just an idea/concept. Therefore, IPI advises the participant to either approach IPOS or engage a patent attorney for professional advice.