The Cade Prize rewards inventors and entrepreneurs who demonstrate a creative approach to addressing problems in their field of expertise resulting in an innovative, not iterative, invention.
The Cade Prize is one of the largest cash prize competitions for innovation in the state of Florida. It is open only to Florida residents and Florida based companies. Since its launch in 2010, it has drawn hundreds of creative thinkers from Pensacola to Miami. Every year the applications are drawn from diverse sectors. Previous entries have included biomedical, healthcare, IT, tech, environmental, and agricultural ideas. The Cade Prize attracts cutting edge inventions that have a real possibility of making it to market.
The Cade Prize is in search of entrepreneurs, inventors, researchers, and early-stage companies planning to take their idea to market. $50,000 in cash prizes (provided by the Community Foundation of North Central Florida) along with in-kind incentives are awarded to the final top four finishers of the competition each year. The goals of the $50,000 prize are to provide seed capital and publicity for great ideas with market potential. For the first time, awards will be given to the top four entries. The award for first place is $25,000, $15,000 for second place, $7,500 for third place, and $2,500 for 4th place. Individuals and companies with inventions that will remain in Florida for at least one year after the Prize is awarded, are eligible to enter.
The Cade Prize is in search of entrepreneurs, inventors, researchers, and early-stage companies planning to take their idea to market. $50,000 in cash prizes (provided by the Community Foundation of North Central Florida) along with in-kind incentives are awarded to the final top four finishers of the competition each year. The goals of the $50,000 prize are to provide seed capital and publicity for great ideas with market potential. For the first time, awards will be given to the top four entries. The award for first place is $25,000, $15,000 for second place, $7,500 for third place, and $2,500 for 4th place. Individuals and companies with inventions that will remain in Florida for at least one year after the Prize is awarded, are eligible to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the eligibility requirements? |
The Cade Museum Prize is open to Florida residents and Florida-based companies, in any sector. We are looking for innovative and creative ideas that have great potential impact and market credibility.
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When can I enter? |
The 2019 Cade Prize will be accepting applications February 10th - March 10th.
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Is there an application fee? |
Yes—there is a $55 dollar, non-refundable application fee that is required to submit your application.
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What criteria will judges use to score my application? |
Judges will look over and score each application based on the following criteria:
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How many rounds of judging are there? |
There are two rounds of judging. Once you submit your application no further materials are required from you, unless otherwise requested. The first round of judging narrows the applications to the “Sweet 16” teams. The second round of judging takes the Sweet 16 to the Final Four.
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When will I be notified if my idea has made it to the next round? |
The first notification to applicants will come after the first round of judging when the Sweet 16 are announced. Sweet 16 finalists will be contacted and given further information about next steps in the process. Those applicants not selected will be notified via email.
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Does the Cade Prize take equity in my idea if I win? |
No.
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Who do I contact for more information? |
You can contact cadeprize@cademuseum.org with questions or comments.
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