Do I have to be an SJSU student to join?

No, SVIC now welcomes students from SJSU, West Valley College, Mission College and international students.  The SVIC also welcomes SJSU alumni and staff to enter the challenge!

How do I register?

Registration takes place at SVIC.ideascale.com.   The user will create a free account and profile.  It takes less than two minutes to do this.

Registration tips can be located on the left side of SVIC.ideascale.com

Do I need to have a business plan?

No! Entering the SVIC does not mean you need to have a business plan prepared.  Participants only need to have an innovative idea.

Do I have to be a business major to join the SVIC?

Absolutely not!  The SVIC urges all majors to join!!

Can I keep my idea confidential?

Yes.  Upon submitting your idea, you will be asked if you would like to keep your idea “confidential”.  If you answer “Yes” to this question, your idea will not be shown to the posted on the community forum.

Should I keep my idea confidential?

The option of confidentiality is entirely subjective.  It is the users decision whether or not to post the idea publicly.  However, everyone should take note that allowing the public to view your idea will generate feedback on your idea, which will help with further configurations of your project.

Can I edit my idea after I have already submitted it?

Yes, once an idea is submitted you can always edit every part of the idea.  A user can make changes to the detail description, add links or videos to the idea, update the project phase or update group members.  There is an “edit” link in the right corner below the idea title. Once the link is clicked Ideascale will allow you to make changes and update you idea.

Remember that you can only edit your idea until November 16!

Will I receive E-mail notifications about activity involving my idea?

Yes, unless you have requested that your idea remain confidential you will receive an email update if someone makes a comment on your idea. 

*In addition Ideascale users have the option to “follow” ideas, which will allow the user to receive E-mail updates on any idea he or she “follows.”  The “follow” link can be located on the right beneath the idea name.

Can I comment back to activity on my ideas?

Yes, the comment feature of Ideascale is made for conversation!  Feel free to comment on other ideas and respond to comments on your ideas.  Use this feature as a tool to your advantage!

What does “agree” or “disagree” mean?

This functionality within Ideascale allows users to state their opinions about the ideas.  If someone reviews an idea and agrees that the idea is logical and profitable he of she can click “agree” located on the left side of the idea.  [This feature will help identify the People’s Choice Award.]

I accidentally clicked on “agree” on an idea I don’t agree with.  Can I still change my vote?

Yes.  You can “retract” your vote and change it.

Can a user submit more than one idea using one account?

Yes! There is no limit on idea entries. Users are welcome to submit multiple ideas; innovation knows no constraints!

When is my LAST chance to enter the challenge?

Registration closes November 16. 

What is the criteria for judging?

Please visit our resources page to view the judging criteria. 

When will I know if I am one of the finalists?

All finalists will be notified by email on November 27.

How do I prepare for the finalists challenge?

Please visit our resources page to view details on how to prepare.

Where is the challenge located?

The SVIC has added a virtual portion to the event.  All ideas will be submitted online at SVIC.ideascale.com.  The top 25 ideas from Ideascale will be chosen by a panel of judges to participate in a final physical showcase on December 6.  The final showcase will take place at SJSU’s Barrett Ballroom in the Student Union.

Do I have to complete my profile in order to submit an idea?

You can post your idea without completing your profile info, but every time you log in, the system will prompt you to complete your profile.  You also need to have a complete your profile to vote on ideas.

How can I comment on the ideas?

You can comment upon an idea by clicking the comment hyperlink at the bottom of each idea. But it is recommended to complete your profile before commenting.

Can I edit my profile info?

You can login and update your profile whenever you want.