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APPLICATION CRITERIA

AGE

You must be 18 years old or older

LOCATION

Be based in one of the following Pennsylvania counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, or Westmoreland

FORMATION

For-profit and non-profit models are eligible

IMPACT

Demonstrate that the startup’s impact will be primarily within one or more of these counties

PREVIOUS WINNINGS

Have not previously received $50,000 or more in UpPrize funding

OBLIGATIONS

Ensure that participation does not conflict with employer policies, third-party agreements, or other obligations

AFFILIATIONS

Company leaders, individual applicants, and their immediate family members must not be employed by or affiliated with BNY, Innovation Works, or any of their parent or affiliate companies

Two-Track Structure and Eligibility

The BNY UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge for 2025 features two tracks, each tailored to support social enterprises at different stages of development. Applicants must apply to only one track, selecting the one that best aligns with their current progress.

EARLY-STAGE TRACK ELIGIBILITY

Pre-incorporated or incorporated companies are eligible

Early-stage development—can be at MVP stage or earlier

Been in business for less than 1 year (or launching a new concept within an existing business, particularly for nonprofits).

Raised less than $500,000 in total funding to date (includes grants, equity, and debt)

A developing social impact story, even if the full impact model is still evolving

ADVANCED-STAGE TRACK ELIGIBILITY

Must be incorporated (for-profit or non-profit)

Post-launch, with a product in the market (MVP or working prototype)

Been in business for 1+ years

Raised more than $500,000 in total funding to date (includes grants, equity, and debt)

Demonstrated social impact, with measurable outcomes or a clear pathway to scaling impact

AWARD STRUCTURE

01
early-stage track
award amounts

Grand Prize: $60,000

Second Place: $40,000

02
advanced-stage track
award amounts

Grand Prize: $125,000

Second Place: $75,000

JUDGING RUBRIC

SOCIAL IMPACT POTENTIAL

How effectively does the venture address social needs in Southwestern Pennsylvania?

REGIONAL IMPACT AND ALIGNMENT

How well does the venture align with Southwestern Pennsylvania's economic development goals and address local needs?

SUSTAINABILITY MODEL

How will the venture sustain itself financially over time?

FOUNDER STRENGTH

team strength

market size

competition

technology maturity

product differentation

traction and customer validation

go-to-market strategy and scalability

2025 JUDGES

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OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN UPDATED

Applications are NOW OPEN for UpPrize 2024!