METU students from all departments registered in preparatory, graduate or postgraduate programs can apply for the competition. However, we recommend that you participate as a group if possible – using the Entrepreneur Interface if necessary. Transforming a good idea into a practicable business plan is a process that requires too much effort and time.

2. What is the maximum number of members for teams? Can teams have members from outside METU?

There is no limitation in terms of the numbers of members to be included in teams. Participants from other universities may be allowed in teams, provided that their number does not exceed 50% of the total number of members in the team (at least 1 person in a group having 2 members, 2 persons in a group with 3 members, 2 persons in a group consisting of 4 members, etc, should be METU students) and they are undergraduate or graduate students.This situation is not deemed as a violation of the rule regarding participants. Mixed teams are encouraged in terms of strengthening cooperation among universities.

3. How can a member leave a Project Team? How can a group withdraw from the competition?

If a member from the Project Team leaves the Project by his/her will, this will not prevent the Project team from continuing with the competition. However, such request to leave the project should be notified to the Executive Board until one week before the end of the project proposal submission period with the signatures of the Project leader, all other members, and the member who wishes to withdraw.

Project Teams are required to notify the Executive Board of their desire to withdraw from the project in writing with the signatures of all the members. The Project Leader is not entitled to withdraw the Project Team from the competition. However, in case the Project Leader wishes to leave the Team, the method to follow will be determined by the Executive Board.
 
4. Can I participate in the competition with more than one project?

Being involved in more than one project – as an individual or a team member – is possible in terms of the competition rules. However, we recommend that you limit your energy and time within a single project. In addition, confidentiality of team works is another element that should be taken in consideration. Your involvement in more than one project should be approved by your team mates. Within this context, it is of great importance that all team members sign a “Confidentiality Agreement".

5. Can Research Assistants participate in the competition?

Research assistants, who continue their graduate education, may participate in the competition.

6. What does technology-based mean?

Your idea should introduce a technological innovation or create a technological difference. Projects on such subjects as increasing the sales of an existing product through new marketing techniques or managing an existing enterprise better are considered out of scope. Issues concerning product design, on the other hand, are considered as sub activities towards a technological product. Use of an existing product for innovative products and services, however, will be evaluated as an appropriate business idea. Even if your project idea is being used by another country in the world, if it will be a gain for Turkey and if you have innovative approaches towards the existing product, the jury may decide that your project deserves to win. However, you will be expected to indicate the similar products existing in the market in your business plan. You have to define the innovation you will introduce compared to the existing product and your differences in terms of the market, design, technology, or requirements.

7. What kind of support may we get from outside during the course of the competition?

It is possible for Project Teams to receive advisory services from primarily the universities during the course of the competition. However, if you win, the advisor who
will be entitled to the award will be your academic advisor.

8. I do not know how to write a Business Plan. What can I do?

Business Plans will only be prepared for the projects qualifying for the second stage. During this process, the first thing you have to do is to learn the information provided to you on the web page. In addition, it is also possible to find numerous sources in this subject, especially in libraries. Furthermore, if you qualify as one of the first 10 projects, participating in the training program, which will be provided free of charge, will be beneficial both in terms of the competition and in general.

9. How will the award be paid?

The amount constituting the award will be paid to the legal entity to be established in
accordance with the financing plan projected in the winning business plan.

10. Who will be entitled to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)?

Project teams are the owners of the intellectual property rights concerning their projects.

11. How will IPR be protected?

A confidentiality agreement will be signed with the evaluation board members and trainers.

12. What do you mean by saying ‘to be used as a capital for establishment'?

This means that you may only use the award for operation activities. The part of the
Project expenditures including the wages of employees that correspond to the amount of the award will be met.

13. Do we have to establish a company?

No, if the winning project team does not wish to establish a company, a maximum 20% of the award may be distributed equally among the Project Team members in cash, provided that it is approved by the Executive Board.
 
14. Is there a limitation in terms of departments for the students constituting the project team that participate in the competition?

No, students from all departments may participate in the competition. As a matter of fact, you should not observe differences in terms of departments in the projects you will prepare on an inter-disciplinary environment, either.

15. Is it possible for those who participated in the YFYI Competition and presented their ideas last year, to participate with the same idea this year as well?

Yes, it is possible. However, since the reasons for these participants for not winning last year might be valid for this year as well, it will be beneficial if they act carefully.
 
16. Can new members participate in the group after the award is granted?

You may take in new partners in your company after you win the project. This decision
belongs to you. However, the award will be granted by the Executive Board to official group members. Official members will be responsible before the competition and the system.
 
17. Does working in the public sector, even if we are students, constitute an obstacle for participating in the competition?

No it does not constitute an obstacle for participation.

18. What is requested, an idea or a business?

We want a technology based and successful company to be established...
 
19. Can I change my field of business after I win and still get the 65.000$ ?

No, the award is given to the subject and the product you write in your business plan.

20. What is the Jury Special Award? Is it given every year?

This award in fact is not included within the competition rules. It is an absolutely
spontaneous decision coming out of the jury room based on initiative on the day of the Final4. This award is a gesture that belongs to the evaluation board only.
 

21. If I apply with a project in the thematic fields of "Games" or "Aviation" and win the thematic field award, will it prevent me from winning the highest prize?

No, it will not. A team may receive both the first prize and the thematic award as long as it is deemed worthy of these awards.