How we score it.
Two rounds. Round 1 is async on Tuesday May 12 — every submission scored against six criteria below. Round 2 is live at MLT20 on Thursday May 14 — three finalists, four scoring weights, judges deliberate on stage.
One async, one live.
Judges score every submission
Judges score all submissions against the rubric. Two finalists selected.
Community vote for the 3rd slot
Open vote of MLT20 attendees in Gather; promoted via email and on stage. One finalist earns the 3rd pitch slot.
Finalists pitch live at MLT20
Three finalists pitch during the MLT20 lunch block on the Startup Track (NYC Hilton Midtown). Judges deliberate. Overall winner announced Thursday evening.
Six criteria.
Every submission is scored on these six. Total possible: 100 points (plus the "did it ship" gate). Two finalists from this round, plus one Viewers’ Choice from participant voting.
- 01
Problem & Audience Fit
Is the problem clear, real, and tied to one of the three prompts? Is there a specific target user who would use this on Monday morning?
Weight30% - 02
Total Potential Impact (People & Value)
What is the potential for monetization, social impact, or human impact — based on the number of users reached and value gained per person?
Weight25% - 03
Demo & Storytelling
Compelling video walkthrough and clear written narrative. Does the demo respect the viewer's time? Does the writeup make the case in one read?
Weight25% - 04
Prototype Quality
Functional, accessible app that delivers on the pitch. Can a judge use it on their own laptop without hand-holding?
Weight10% - 05
Sustainability
Ability to support the app and operations through the business model — funding path, paying users, or measurable impact. Credibility over ambition.
Weight10%
Four weights, on stage.
Three finalists. Five-minute live pitch each. Judges score on these four weights, deliberate, and announce the winner Thursday evening.
Pitch clarity
5-minute live pitch. Did the room get it?
Live demo
Working product on stage, not slides about it.
Path to scale
Believable next 90 days.
Q&A
Answer judges’ pushback honestly and quickly.
Build for the rubric. Ship for the user.
The rubric rewards working products that solve real problems for real people. Sign up to get the prompt deep-dives and tool quickstarts before kickoff.