A lot of entrepreneurship cells and incubation centers are being setup in academic institutions, including the one where I work at Anna University. 

We have to engage the amazing academic talent in these institutions and I see a big challenge. Especially in startup evaluations. 

The primary role of most of the teaching staff in India is to teach and evaluate students. For the research staff, it is about topic in question being cited with certain hypothesis in some research paper.

When an academician sits as a Jury to evaluate, they come with these prejudices and end up asking too many questions, findings faults or mistakes, and at times arguing, which breaks the budding innovators’ heart instead of encouraging them. 

But, my experience as a panel member with some of the best in the world is totally different.  

The wise ones had a mindset that Innovation is all about making impossible happen and they were looking  for one reason why something might work. 

Here is the secret if you want be a great jury in a startup forum. 

A. Remove all that you know
B. Don’t ever reveal you are an expert
C. Put on your curiosity hat. 
D. Be childlike and have fun asking questions 
E. Frame all your questions by following the template below. 

1. How does this work...
2. What is so different in this... than... that...
3. What makes you think this will work...
4. How will this be repeatable...
5. How will it be efficient than existing ones...
6. Who will use this...
7. Why should your user will use this instead of
8. Why do you think you can solve this...
9. How would you achieve the results...
10. What are your detailed plans...
 
When you use this template, I can assure you won’t break the heart of young innovators, rather, make them think. 

You won’t be dreaded and cursed. Instead you will be the most loved jury. 

Please try it and send me a message how you felt.