2025
PROMPTS & RUBRIC
THE PROMPTS
PROMPT #01
Encouraging First-Time Home Buyers
Propose an innovative financing solution to make homeownership more attainable for first-time buyers earning 80–100% of the Area Median Income (AMI) across the U.S.
PROMPT #02
Reducing the Cost of a Home
Propose an innovative construction and design solution to reduce a home's cost and demonstrate how your solution can be applied to a small home (accessory dwelling unit or "ADU," starter home, micro unit).
PROMPT #03
Expanding Housing Supply
Propose an innovative local, state, or federal policy change that can effectively expand housing supply in high-cost neighborhoods across the nation.
JUDGING CRITERIA
Innovation & Uniqueness
Is the proposal different from what exists in the industry today? The difference can be small or subtle, but it should be significant to your solution's impact.
Scalability
Is there a clearly articulated path to replication or expansion? If there are obvious barriers to scalability, does the submission directly address how those barriers would be overcome?
Feasibility
Is the proposal realistic? Consider starting costs, policy barriers, and technological constraints. If you propose something pioneering, articulate your path to implementation.
Adherence to Prompt
Does the proposal effectively address the specific challenge outlined in your chosen prompt? Stay focused on the problem you've selected.
HOW TO SUBMIT
STEP 01
Prompts released
12:00 PM MT — Friday, Sept 26
STEP 02
Submit your slides
8:45 AM MT — Saturday, Sept 27
STEP 03
Live pitch presentations
9:30 AM MT — Saturday, Sept 27
STEP 04
Winners announced
1:30 PM MT — Saturday, Sept 27