Invent The Future Contest
FAQs
I am interested in learning more about the Early Bird prize.
Our partners at GIFTS have announced an exciting “Early Entry Prize” worth $200 cash. All video and essay entries submitted before October 26th will be entered into a draw to win $200 cash.
Requirements: Entrants must select “GIFTS” when asked “How did you first become aware of the “Invent The Future” contest?
Draw will take place on October 26th.
What is the Invent the Future contest?
Invent the Future is an idea contest open to people between the ages of 13 and 24. You can submit an essay or a video that describes in detail, your idea about energy conservation, or sustainable energy creation, a sustainable product, or even a sustainable lifestyle choice. Our crew of judges vote for the best ideas and four people roll-out with $2,500 each. Sweet and simple.
Want to know more? See our Rules and Regulations.
What are the goals of this contest?
The goal of the contest is to give youth a venue to share there ideas about sustainability and raise awareness about this important issue.
Who is eligible to enter this contest?
The contest is divided into two age groups: 13 - 17 years old and 18 – 24 years old. Any BC resident who is at least 13 years of age and no older than 24, is eligible to enter. All ideas must be submitted by November 8, 2009, 12 noon, to be eligible to win.
Submissions will be accepted from:
- individuals
- teams of up to 2 persons maximum
How can I create an account to enter the contest?
It is easy. On inventthefuture.ca, you can create an account (“Account”) by completing the online registration form in full. Contestants will then receive an email from BC Hydro with a confirmation link that needs to be clicked in order for the account to be activated and confirmed.
How do I submit a video?
You need to set up an account on YouTube and load your video there first. Then cut the embed code (on the right hand side of the screen in YouTube) and paste it into your account profile under the “Enter Now” page on this website. Rember to include “#ITF” in the tags field when uploading the video to YouTube. To complete the process simply click the submit button.
What steps must I follow to enter an essay?
If submitting an essay, simply copy and paste it into the text field in the Entry form. Attachments and appendices must be in JPG, GIF, PNG or PDF formats before uploading. Click the submit button to complete the submission process.
How many times can I enter the contest? Can I enter once as part of a team and then again with my own entry?
You are allowed to enter one essay and one video if you choose to. If you enter a video (or essay) as part of a team your next entry must be in the other format and can be submitted individually or as a team.
How many words should my essay be and in what format?
Your essay should be 350 - 500 words. Simply cut and paste your essay into the text field on the “submit an essay” entry page. Please note then when your submission is uploaded, only bold, underline, italics and lists will be accepted for formatting. Once your entry appears in the preview window, you can still make final changes so be sure to proofread it one more time. If you include an attachment, it must be submitted in one of the the following formats: JPG, GIF, PNG or PDF.
How long should my video entry be?
Your video entry should be between 30 and 60 seconds long.
Can I talk about anything to do with sustainability or does my idea have to be around electricity conservation?
Invent the Future is an ideas contest. We are looking for big ideas about sustainability – any aspect of sustainability – ideally with a connection to energy conservation. For instance, you might have an idea for new product packaging that reduces waste and the need to recycle, thereby saving energy through the elimination of the recycling process. Bingo – a great idea and a tie to energy conservation.
I’m worried about my privacy? Can I submit an entry using a screen name?
The aim of the contest is to highlight the thoughts and ideas of BC’s youth around sustainability. If you are concerned about your privacy, perhaps try submitting your intials? (E.g. John Mathew Doe can enter as JM Doe). We do need a valid email address and phone to contact you in you are selected as a winner. Plus, if we cannot verify your identity then we will not be able to award you the $2500 prize if are selected as the winner.
Can I vote for myself?
Definitely, but only once a day.
My entry is not appearing on-line right away… why?
BC Hydro reserves the right to review and approve all submission before they appear on the Invent the Future websites. This process can take up to 24 hours.
Can people vote more than once or for more than one entry?
You can vote for as many entries as you like. However, you can only vote for the same entry once a day.
How will I know if I've won or not?
If you win we’ll contact you by telephone or email following the draw. If you’re not home don’t worry, we’ll try to contact you at least five times over five business days.
When will the winners be announced?
Winners will be announced on or before February 28, 2010.
What is the judging based on?
The grand prize winners are selected by our panel of celebrity judges. Each judge has complete discretion over who they select. However, each judge has been provided with guidelines and recommendation for the judging process. They are as follows:
| Concept Plan | 20% |
| Feasibility | 30% |
| Cost effectiveness | 20% |
| Originality | 20% |
| Quality (writing style, video production) | 10% |
Where can I view videos from previous years?
www.inventthefuture.ca/2008
Can I submit a video from last year?
No.
Is there anyway to monitor how many votes my entry has gotten during the contest?
You bet. Simple search for your entry on the Invent the Future website and when you find it, you’ll see how many people have voted for your entry.
Is there an entry fee for the contest?
No, the contest is free to enter.
How long has the contest been running?
This is BC Hydro’s third year hosting a online sustainability contest for youth. Invent the Future contest is an evolution of the “Off the Grid” contest which was first held in 2007. 2009 marks the second year for Invent The Future.
Can I send my entry by mail?
Nope. Entering the contest is easy. Simply follow the instructions on the Invent the Future website.
Can I enter the competition if I live outside of British Columbia, Canada?
You must be a BC resident between the ages of 13 to 24 to enter.
Can I vote for myself using separate email accounts?
No. All entries found to be using multiple names and email address will be automatically disqualified. We encourage you to promote your submission to your friends and family and get them to vote for you. The ITF contest website has lots of tips and tools you can use to promote your entry on social media sites like Facebook.
Can I use music without written permission?
No. You must use original music or provide proof that you have permission to use the any music that appears in your submission.
Can I use branded products on screen?
No.
What happens if I have a question that is not answered here?
Send an email to youthandeducation@bchydro.com.
