Hidden Champion: The CEO Challenge
Competition Overview, Protocols, and Evaluation Criteria
1. Prize Money, Deadline and Winner Announcement
Teams will be assessed based on the criteria outlined below. The top 3 winners of the competition will receive the following sums at the end of the competition.
1st Prize: USD 2,000
2nd Prize: USD 1,000
3rd Prize: USD 500
The winner announcement will be beginning of February 2026. All solutions egilible for evaluation and prize money must be submitted by end of January 2026:
Prize money: You'll be paid in USD, which will be converted to your local currency based on the exchange rate at the time of transfer via Wise.com. BeeUp will cover all transfer fees. For European or Swiss participants, payments can also be arranged in EUR or CHF upon request.
2. Coaches who support you
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Former CEO and board member of various startup companies in medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health. |
A trusted business expert and entrepreneur in business development and market innovation, with a focus on analyzing competitive landscape and new market needs. |
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Visionary data-driven analyst revolutionizing decision-making by fusing business acumen with cutting-edge analytics to uncover insights and develop innovative strategies across diverse industries. |
A dynamic Mechanical Engineer with a passion for business, known for his knack for problem-solving and ability to bridge the gap between technical expertise and business insights. |
3. Comnunication Protocol and WhatsApp Policy
Communication with the coaches will take place through the coach-team channel. In the first coaching session, the coach may share their WhatsApp number with you; however, for data privacy reasons, all task-related submissions must be shared exclusively in the coach-team channel. You can organize your coachings by WhatsApp, if you want, like "I want to meet you next Tuesday", or "I'll deliver only tomorrow.".
4. Evaluation Criteria
| Scale | Description |
|---|---|
| A (Excellent) | Outstanding performance; exceeds expectations in insight, creativity, and execution. |
| B (Strong) | High-quality work with clear logic, creativity, and completeness. |
| C (Satisfactory) | Meets requirements with some gaps or limited depth. |
| D (Weak) | Below expected quality; superficial or inconsistent understanding. |
| E (Poor) | Major weaknesses; incomplete, unclear, or poorly reasoned work. |
| F (Fail) | Work missing or does not meet basic criteria. |
1) Explore the Core
Evaluation Criterion: Demonstrates a clear and evidence-based understanding of SPG’s core strengths, technologies, and markets, supported by own research.Explanation: Shows deep analysis of SPG’s competencies and markets; independent research is visible.
2) Envision the Future
Evaluation Criterion: Presents a creative, forward-looking idea that builds on SPG’s strengths, technologies, and markets.Explanation: The idea balances creativity with feasibility and strategic fit.
3) Analyze the White Space
Method: Alternative MapEvaluation Criterion: Applies the Alternative Map method to identify opportunity gaps and define a unique USP.
Explanation: Reveals unmet needs or overlooked opportunities; clearly articulates a defensible value proposition
4) Build Your Engine
Method: Business Model CanvasEvaluation Criterion: Develops a coherent Business Model Canvas linking value creation, delivery, and capture.
Explanation: The canvas should show consistency and logic between all elements of the business model
5) Validate & Plan
Method: Business Plan ToolEvaluation Criterion: Creates a credible financial roadmap using the Business Plan Tool, showing a realistic path to revenue targets.
Explanation: Assumptions must align with the business model and show sound financial reasoning
6) Secure Early Interest
Evidence: Letter of Intent (LOI)Evaluation Criterion: Delivers a realistic and persuasive Letter of Intent (LOI) showing genuine early market interest.
Explanation: Demonstrates that potential adopters are willing to engage, with tangible evidence of validation
7) Pitch for Launch
Final PresentationEvaluation Criterion: Delivers a professional, evidence-based, and persuasive final pitch that integrates all validated insights.
Explanation: The presentation should demonstrate confidence, teamwork, and a credible roadmap toward launch.