Innovation & Impact
Challenge

The 7th Annual Monte Jade Southeast Innovation & Impact Challenge

(MJIC 2025)

About MJIC

Launched in 2018, the Monte Jade Innovation & Impact Challenge (MJIC) is an annual competition that empowers the next generation of tech entrepreneurs by funding and recognizing breakthrough innovations.

Organized by the Monte Jade Southeast Association and Foundation (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit) — the program is committed to nurturing:

Critical thinking
Entrepreneurial leadership
Technology with purpose and impact

Now entering its seventh year, MJIC 2025 invited bold, original ideas from young innovators developing early-stage, technology-driven solutions to real-world problems. The competition welcomes a wide range of submission, including:

Hardware devices and inventions
Software platforms and applications
Innovative process and methodologies
Emerging service or platform models that harness technologies such as artificial intelligence, fintech and biotechnology

By fostering innovation at the intersection of technology and impact, MJIC continues to serve as a launchpad for future leaders in tech.

Who Should Apply?

We invite applications from:

College & Graduate School students and recent graduates
Early-state founders and entrepreneurs
Small startups

Preference will be given to applicants or teams based in the U.S. Southeast region, particularly Atlanta, GA.

Whether you're just starting out or already developing a prototype or company, we want to see your vision.

Program Highlights

Rolling Application Review: Applications open June 1, 2025 and our review committee will contact you to provide submission materials. It will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Submissions received after winners are selected may be considered for MJIC 2026.
Finalist Showcase & Award Ceremony: Selected finalist will be required to participate the MJSTASE Annual Banquet on:

November 1, 2025

Hilton Atlanta Northeast, Peachtree Corners, GA

2025 Program Timeline

Applications Open: June 1, 2025
Registration deadline: August 04
Project submission deadline: September 6
Finalist announcement: On or before September 18, 2025
Final Presentation & Award: November 1, 2025

The Top prize and the Second place winners will be required to present in the award ceremony during the MJSTASE annual banquet, to be held on November 1 at the Hilton Atlanta Northeast.

Key Dates

Requirement

Submission Requirements

1. Project Start-up Summary Documents (maximum 3 pages)

Must include:

Problem statement and need analysis
Your proposed solution and its value
Market size and target audience

2. Video Presentation (optional)

A 3-5 minute video introducing your idea, team and the impact you're pursuing

3. Optional Enhancements

A working prototype, software demo or model
Visuals, charts or supporting data

All submissions will be reviewed by the MJIC Review Committee, composed of industry professional, academics and investors.

Evaluation Criteria

Creativity (50%)

Is the idea original, insightful, and meaningful?

Feasibility (15%)

Can it be realistically developed and implemented?

Marketability (15%)

Is there clear demand, scalability, and potential adoption?

Other (20%)

Includes team passion, presentation, potential impact, and preparation level.

Judging Criteria

Prizes

Awards & Support

Total Grant Pool: Over $6,000 in funding
Sponsors: Monte Jade Southeast, Amazon and Winmate
Award Distribution: Shared among winning teams or individuals based on impact and potential

Additional Benefits:

Mentorship from seasoned tech executives
Business development coaching
Support for multi-year development
Access to Monte Jade's innovation network

Why MJIC?

The Monte Jade Southeast Innovation & Impact Fund exists to nurture the next generation if entrepreneurs who are:

Focused and resilient
Passionate about technology
Committed to impact
Ready to engage with the broader innovation ecosystem

We believe great ideas can come from anywhere — your classroom, garage, lab or laptop

Ready to Apply?

If your idea stands out, click "Apply Now" and begin your journey with MJIC. Don't wait — spots are limited, and rolling reviews mean the earlier you apply, the better your chances.

APPLY NOW

Legal Disclaimer

MJSTASE shall not be held responsible for keeping the ideas disclosed in the Monte Jade Innovation Competition confidential. Applicants shall hold MJSTASE free from any damage and liability arising from any material disclosure by the applicants.