Do you want to make an impact in the algae sector? 

Then, step into the spotlight with your scientific or business idea at the YAS Innovation Competition. We encourage you to participate, regardless of the stage or scale of your idea and present it to other Young Algaeneers at YAS24!

What to Expect

• Pitch your unique business or scientific idea in microalgae and/or seaweed.
• Engage with peers, experts, and potential collaborators in a spirited and supportive environment.
• Gain recognition within the algae community and have your work celebrated.
• Potentially win one of our prizes!

Event Highlights

Location: University Bretagné Sud, Vannes, France.

Dates: 27th - 30th May 2024.

Deadline for submissions: 10th April 2024

Prizes

Best Scientific Idea: €750

Best Business Idea: €750

Most Public-Voted Idea: Free entry to YAS25

Know more

Read our Terms, Conditions and Participation Guidelines

1. Do I have to register for YAS and the Innovation Competition at the same time?

No, there is no problem in registering the Innovation Competition before or after YAS registration. Just don’t forget that the maximum deadline for submitting your idea for the innovation competition is 10.04.2024.

2. I have a research or business idea but don't have a team. Is it ok?

Yes. Teams for the innovation competition can include 1 to 5 members.

3. I’m not a young algaeneer but I have a research or business idea.

Team up with young algaeneers and work together on your project to come and pitch at YAS24! Just be aware that your team should always be composed of more young algaeneers than seniors.

4. Who is going to pitch the idea?

The presenters pitching the idea should be young algaeneers. We recommend one presenter per team, but a maximum of two presenters per team is acceptable.

5. I have a startup company already being incubated. Can I apply?

You can only apply if your company/startup doesn’t have any product or service already on the market.

6. Can the content of my poster be the same as in the Innovation Competition?

No. The concept of your idea for the innovation competition cannot be the same as the poster you submit.

7. I have concerns that others could copy my business idea, what measures will be taken to prevent this?

We do not guarantee the confidentiality of your idea. Instead, we encourage you to carefully consider the details you include in your submission or in your pitch presentation. 

8. Can I also participate with a purely scientific topic without a direct application connected to it?

Yes. We accept all kinds of scientific ideas related to the algae field.

9. What happens if I expect my team to become larger than 5 people by the time of the competition?

It is ok but, we will only consider the 5 members that you provided in the subscription form, both for communicating and for pitching.

10. Can I advertise my brand during the Innovation competition?

You should only advertise your idea related to the topic and focus of your scientific or business proposal. If your submission comes from an early startup it will be ok to advertise only during the pitch. We will not accept communication or advertising materials to be displayed or given to participants at any other moment of the conference.

11. Will I only be evaluated by experts relating to my field?

No, your work will be evaluated by experts from different research and industry backgrounds. 

12. For a scientific project: a peer-reviewed paper published on the topic would it be acceptable?

Yes, all innovative ideas are valid. However, your team needs to be composed of the authors of the paper.

13. How do I need to show business viability in numbers? Do calculations need to be provided?

It is always good to have numbers supporting your business idea but the way you show them and the level of detail is up to you. 

14. Do I need to submit a business plan?

No. We encourage you to submit extra documents that support the relevance of your idea  but it is not mandatory to submit a business plan. If you still want to do it, please send it only in the canvas format.

15. Do I need to report  on how the cash prize is used?

No, the way you use the cash prize is up to you.

16. What other benefits may I have from the competition even if I am not the winner?

Taking part in the YAS Innovation Competition gives you a fantastic opportunity to connect with other young professionals, leading figures in the industry, and experts, which can open up new paths for collaboration and help your career take off. Plus, by showcasing your idea, you’ll get some great exposure, possibly catching the attention of sponsors or investors, and you might find other participants who are excited to team up with you on your concept.

17. If I already have a prototype of my product/idea, can I bring it to the event and demonstrate it during my presentation?

Yes. You can use as many resources as you think are relevant to demonstrate or defend your idea.

18. Can I submit multiple ideas? Or can I submit one business and other scientific idea?

No, each person is limited to participating in only one team, which can be either scientific or business-focused.