Application Guidelines

First, candidates must register. Those who have previously applied must register again to create a new application. Second, after completing the candidate contact information, please upload each of the application sections, carefully adhering to the following instructions:

• Each uploaded file must be in .pdf, .doc, or .ppt format, with .pdf formatting being strongly preferred. Judges are unable to see PowerPoint slide animations or transitions, view video and movie files, or listen to audio files.
• Each uploaded file must be under 5mb in size.
• The entire application must be under 25mb in size, excluding the video component.

As a courtesy to the many distinguished individuals who volunteer their time to help make the prize possible, we ask that you strictly observe all of the guidelines for submission. Please note that applications that do not follow the above instructions will be disqualified from consideration. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

The video below is of a session held as a resource to help explain the various parts and approaches to the application process that is seen below the video.

Application Sections

1. Cover Letter
   Please write a one-page "Executive Summary," comprised of three paragraphs, giving the reader a brief snapshot of:
   
   
   • You
   • Your main focus as an inventor
   • Leadership and Youth mentoring experience


2. Description of Inventiveness
   Describe your portfolio of inventiveness while at MIT in 1000 words or less. Address the following:
   
   
   • Define the problems/needs and how your invention(s) offers solutions.
   • What makes your invention(s) novel?
   • How does your invention(s) improve upon prior technology or processes?
   • What are the potential economic, environmental and societal benefits of your invention(s)?
   • If you have worked in team environments, what was your role in developing key inventions?
   • How do you envision your invention(s) being commercialized, or possessing the potential for adoption?
   
   
   
3. Video
   Produce a short, two-minute video pitch that addresses the impact that one of your inventions will have on the world. Video Guidelines:
   
   
   • Tailor the video to a youth audience
   • Videos need not be professional; use of a camera phone, webcam, etc is permitted
   • Videotaping the “environment” of your invention is ideal
   • Creativity is encouraged!
   • Compressed Quicktime (.MOV), Windows Media (.WMV), MPEG4 (.MP4) using H.264 codec recommended. Most other standard video formats accepted.
   • Size is limited to 1 GB. Videos that exceed this size cannot be uploaded/accepted.
   • DO NOT USE ANY COPYRIGHTED MATERIALS (music, images, video, etc.) wihout the explicit written permission for use from the copyright holder. For resources on where to get "free" music, check out MIT TechTV's blog entry on this subject here.
   
   To submit your video, please go to MIT TechTV (http://techtv.mit.edu) and Create an Account (using your MIT Kerberos or Certificates - if you use another account, you won't be able to upload by default) if you don't already have one. Upload your video to your new account and select the checkbox for upload options to Make Your Video Private. On your Collection page, click on Admin Access List and add Shannon O'Brien (shannon1) so that she can move your video to the Lemelson collection for the official submission. When you have completed these steps, please email Shannon O'Brien (at Lemelson_Awards@mit.edu) to confirm that your video has been uploaded. Initially, videos will be housed on MIT TechTV for viewing by Student Prize Judges and Lemelson-MIT Program staff only. By submitting your video, you agree to have it shared through Lemelson-MIT marketing channels for the purpose of inspiring others. For more tips and resources on how to make a video, take a look at MIT TechTV's blog entry here as well as other resources out there.
   
   
4. Letters of Recommendation
   Two letters of recommendation from MIT faculty or research-scientist staff are required. Each letter should be addressed to Lemelson-MIT Student Prize Committee, limited to two pages, and address the following:
   
   • Describe the significance of the applicant's invention(s)/innovation(s) to the field
   • State the student's role in developing the invention(s)
   • Define the state-of-the-art status in the area of the invention(s)
   • Describe potential implications of the student's work
   
   
   
5. Resume
   
   
6. Supplementary Materials
   Other pertinent supporting materials may be provided, such as professional articles, photos, diagrams, and press clippings. The combined length of all supplementary materials may not exceed 10 pages.

Information about candidates presented in the applications may be used to prepare public educational materials, if the candidate is selected as the prize recipient. If you have questions after carefully reviewing all of the instructions, please contact Shannon O’Brien, Awards Program Associate at Lemelson_Awards@mit.edu.

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