“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).”
BACKGROUND
The cost to build a home has increased dramatically over the past decade, driven by labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, regulatory requirements, and the rising price of materials. Small-format homes — ADUs, starter homes, and micro units — represent one of the most promising paths to increasing affordable housing supply. But even these smaller structures can be prohibitively expensive to build. Breakthroughs in construction methods, materials, prefabrication, or design could dramatically reduce per-unit costs and unlock new housing supply.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
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A specific, well-defined construction or design innovation
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A concrete example applied to an ADU, starter home, or micro unit
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Quantitative estimates of cost savings where possible
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Consideration of permitting, zoning, and regulatory factors
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Assessment of feasibility at scale — can this work beyond a single pilot?
CREATING A COMPELLING PITCH
To create a compelling and competitive pitch, your proposal should meet the following criteria:
Innovative, Feasible, and Scalable
Your solution should push boundaries while remaining grounded in real-world feasibility. It should address housing challenges in a way that can be applied broadly—not just to one site or city. While case studies are encouraged to illustrate impact, your solution must clearly demonstrate its potential for scale.
Clearly Address the Prompt
Show that you've done your homework. A strong pitch reflects a thoughtful analysis of the housing affordability challenges facing communities today.
Financially Grounded
Solutions should not only be visionary but also economically viable. Highlight key financial drivers, cost assumptions, and potential funding sources. The more clearly your solution shows an understanding of market realities, the stronger your pitch will be.
Clear Path to Implementation
Your pitch should answer the question: How would this solution go from pitch to reality? Outline specific, actionable first steps. Examples may include early partnerships, capital sources, or community engagement approaches.
Time-Conscious Presentation Format
You will have 3 minutes to present your idea, followed by 1 minute for Q&A. Be clear, concise, and persuasive.
GETTING STARTED
Choose the Right Prompt
Review the available prompts and select the one that most excites your group and aligns well with your team's background, skills, and interests.
Understand the Landscape
Investigate how this problem has been addressed in the past. Use the examples above as a starting point and explore additional case studies, organizations, policies, or innovations that relate to your chosen prompt.
Brainstorm and Build
Think creatively. Generate new concepts or identify ways to improve on existing solutions. Focus on ideas that are both impactful and practical.
Engage with Industry Experts
Attend sessions with industry professionals to refine your thinking. Come prepared to share your idea and ask for constructive feedback.
Iterate and Strengthen
Based on research and expert input, continue to refine and develop your proposal. A great idea becomes stronger through thoughtful revision and collaboration.
Consult the Ivory Innovations Team
Reach out to the Ivory Innovations Team during the office hours (3:30pm to 8pm MT) to workshop your idea and receive early input on structure, feasibility, and presentation.
(Optional) Use the Pitch Deck Template
You can use our suggested pitch deck format to guide your final presentation.