Judging Criteria

The 2023 application window is now closed. Once identified as a 2023 finalist, the participating startup companies will prepare to develop and present their ideas to the 2023 GS1: Connect Startup Lab judges. Prior to the competition, all finalists will gain access to pitch coaching, where they can enhance their creativity, develop their ideas, and perfect their pitch.

• Application Criteria

  Weight (Points)

  Notes

• Innovation

  40% (0-40 pts)

  Invention vs. Innovation – Does this product/solution exist in the marketplace? Is this a brand-new product/solution?

• Depth of Product Description

  20% (0-20 pts)

  Did the company provide clear articulation of what their product/solution does, how it works, and their solution’s process?

• Product/Solution Performance

  20% (0-20 pts)

  Did the company provide quantitative metrics for the solution they provide (e.g. improved efficiency, reduced inaccuracy, etc.)?

• Market, Consumer, and/or Societal Impact

  10% (0-10 pts)

  What is the product/solution potential or proposed industry impact?

• GS1® Alignment

  10% (0-10 pts)

  Are there industry applicability/indirect or direct ties to current/future standards-based use cases?

• Judging Criteria: Pitch Content (60%)

  Weight (Points)

  Notes

• Customer and Problem

  20% (0-20 pts)

  Is it clear from the pitch who the product/solution is targeted to? Is there a specific pain point the founders are addressing for that customer? Is the total addressable market size significant? Is the need for this solution real?

• Solution and Benefits

  20% (0-20 pts)

  Does the product successfully address the stated problem? Did the founders explain and/or demonstrate, in simple language, how the solution works and what the key features are? Are there meaningful or measurable benefits to the customers that use this solution? (faster, cheaper, easier, etc.)

• Innovation

  15% (0-15 pts)

  Is it clear what makes their solution unique, better, or different? Is there a "secret sauce" in their approach, design, usability, etc? How strongly do you believe in its potential to win the market?

• GS1® Alignment

  5% (0-5 pts)

  Is there industry applicability/indirect or direct ties to current/future standards-based use cases?

• Judging Criteria: Pitch Delivery (40%)

  Weight (Points)

  Notes

• Crowd Engagement

  15% (0-15 pts)

  Was the presenter relatable to the audience? Was the presenter enthusiastic and passionate about the innovation?

• Effective Presentation

  10% (0-10 pts)

  Did the presenter convey their solution effectively?

• Pitch Closing

  15% (0-15 pts)

  Was there a call to action? Was the call to action compelling for implementation of the product/solution?