
#PIWPitch Judging
Each submission will be judged based on the elements below.
- Structure of Venture Summary: clarity and quality of writing; structure and sequence of ideas; the document reads well.
- Innovation & Value Proposition: original/innovative idea; solving a problem for customers; must-have vs. nice-to-have; feasible, marketable, profitable.
- Market Opportunity & Strategy: potentially large/fast growing market; niche identification; competitor and customer analysis; effective strategy.
- Product & Services (Platform): clear product/service/platform description; product/service is superior to competitors; addresses actual customer needs.
- Potential to invest in this idea: credibility and persuasiveness; it can work and will create value; understanding of entrepreneurship; demonstrates industry knowledge.
- Social impact: Clear outline of the social impact and how it will be achieved and sustained.
The judging is in two stages:
- Stage 1: Ranking of all applying companies by individual judges according to the judging criteria.
- Stage 2: Pitches by the 15 top-ranked companies during the Pwani Innovation Week event.
Judges




Key dates
The following process and timeline will be followed towards and after the awarding of the prize:
Milestone | By Date | Key Contact points |
Stage 1: Ranking of all applying companies by individual judges according to the judging criteria. | 29th Nov | Judges |
Consolidation of rankings by judges to select top 15. | 30th Nov | Swahilipot Hub & 1000 Alternatives |
Notification to companies to prepare for Pitch Day | 2nd Dec | Swahilipot Hub |
Stage 2: Pitches by the 15 top-ranked companies during the Pwani Innovation Week event. | 4th Dec | Swahilipot Hub & 1000 Alternatives |
First selection of top-5 from Pitch Day | 4th Dec | Swahilipot Hub & 1000 Alternatives |
Award Ceremony | 5th Dec | #PIWPitch Awards by 1000 Alternatives |
Due diligence of top 15 companies | 5th Jan | 1000 Alternatives |
Cash transfers after due diligence passed | 10th Jan | 1000 Alternatives |
Incubation programme starts for top 15 companies | 20th Jan | Swahilipot Hub & 1000 Alternatives |
End of incubation programme | 30th Apr | Swahilipot Hub & 1000 Alternatives |