Q: If there are fewer than three participating teams from our country, will all teams, including our team, automatically proceed to the final round?
A: No. If fewer than three teams from your country participate, your team will not be officially ranked; however, you are still required to participate in the preliminary round and submit all required materials by the deadline.
Please note that teams may still be disqualified and prevented from proceeding to the final round if there are serious rule violations, such as copyright infringement, or if the submitted work does not meet the required standard.


Q: If two or more teams from the same high school rank higher than teams from other schools, can they both advance to the final round as national representatives?
A: No. Only one team per high school can advance to the final round, regardless of their ranking.


Q: If we are not chosen as national representatives in the preliminary round, will we still be able to receive a certificate of participation?
A: Yes. A certificate of participation will be issued to teams that submit all required materials, including the post-competition questionnaire, by their respective deadlines.

Q: Does a supervisor need to be a school teacher?
A: No. Since participants are high school students, we ask that one adult participate in a supporting role — from the time of registration through to the end of the competition — to serve as a point of contact with the organizing committee if any issues arise that the student leader is unable to handle independently. The supervisor may be a school teacher, a professional from a company, or a guardian of one of the participants, as long as they are responsible and capable of fulfilling this role.

Q: Does the supervisor need to stay with us throughout the competition?
A: No. The supervisor is not required to remain with the team throughout the entire 12-hour competition. After assisting with the team photo and ensuring the safety of all students, the supervisor may leave the room. Additionally, if your team is collaborating online, the supervisor is not required to join your group discussion.

Q: What is the expected role of a supervisor?
A: Supervisors are expected to ensure that students participate safely and in accordance with the competition regulations, and to serve as a point of contact with the organizing committee if any issues arise that the student leader is unable to handle independently.
Please note that supervisors are not permitted to suggest ideas for problem-solving, provide technical support, assist with the creation of submission materials or video editing, or proofread and correct the team's written work.
Supervisors are welcome to observe the competition and offer words of encouragement to the team.

Q: Are we allowed to use generative AI?
A: Yes and no. The use of AI-generated content in your business plan or presentation video is not permitted. This competition is designed to evaluate your own thinking and creativity within a limited time. However, you may use generative AI as a thinking aid — for example, to organize your thoughts or explore different perspectives — as long as the final content is entirely your own work.
Please also be aware that AI-generated information may not always be accurate and could involve copyrighted material. Use any tools responsibly and with integrity.

Q: Are there any rules for citation methods?
A: Not specifically. We do not require a specific citation format, as long as the source and the cited portion are clearly identified. Proper citation is essential for establishing credibility and for tracking how you arrived at your conclusions and figures.
When referencing someone else's ideas or work, clearly indicate which part is quoted and where it came from — either within the text, at the end of the quote, or in a footnotes/bibliography section of your business plan.
Please note that infringement of intellectual property rights is strictly prohibited.

Q: Can we use software tools to edit our videos or create 3D models for the presentation?
A: Yes, you may use software tools for video editing or 3D modelling. However, please ensure that the final content — including visuals and narration — is created by your team and not generated by AI. Please be aware that many modern software tools have AI features built in by default. Before using any software, we encourage you to check its settings and features carefully to ensure that no AI-assisted functions are being used — even unintentionally. If you are unsure whether a feature is AI-powered, we strongly recommend that you avoid using it.

Q: Is the use of external clips or media prohibited in our presentation video? Past winners seem to have used stock footage instead of actual recorded footage.
A: Yes, that's correct. Previously, we permitted the use of copyright-free or royalty-free materials such as stock footage; however, this is no longer allowed.
All materials in your presentation must be created or owned by your team. This includes digital images, illustrations, audio clips, photos, and designs. You are not permitted to use external materials, even if they are copyright-free or royalty-free. Please note that any infringement of intellectual property rights, including copyright, will result in disqualification. The only exception is simple icons provided by presentation applications such as PowerPoint, though we recommend avoiding any materials that judges might mistake for someone else's work.
We also encourage you to focus on clearly communicating your business ideas rather than on visual production. Showing your face and speaking directly in the video is strongly recommended, rather than relying solely on computer graphics.

Q: Do you accept late submissions even if we miss the deadline?
A: Yes, if the submission is made within one hour of the deadline. However, please note that a penalty will be applied to your score.

Q: Do we need to create a new Google account?
A: No. If the team leader already has a Google account, there is no need to create a new one. However, please ensure your name is registered in English, as we may not be able to identify you as the sender otherwise.

Q: Can we receive any awards or certificates?
A: Yes. Winners will be awarded a trophy and a certificate of achievement. All participating teams will receive a certificate of participation and a feedback sheet after the winners are announced.

Q: When can we receive a trophy if we win?
A: Delivery time varies depending on your country. We will ship the trophy by air, so it should arrive within approximately 2 to 3 weeks of the announcement.