Chancellor’s Innovation Prize

A whitepaper (up to three pages) describing the problem, solution and feasibility.

• Problem Definition
  • Identify the operational challenge at TCU.
• Significance & Impact
  • Explain why this challenge matters and how it affects the university’s operation or student success.
• Proposed AI-Enabled Solution
  • Explain the solution and how it improves the current state.
• Role of AI
  • Explain how AI enables the solution.
• Innovation & Purpose Alignment
  • Explain how this solution is distinct and how it aligns with the purpose of the challenge and TCU’s mission and values.
• Feasibility & Implementation
  • Outline a realistic pilot approach, timeline, budget and key stakeholders.
• Expected Outcomes
  • Identify 3-5 measurable outcomes.

A five-slide deck that includes:

• Project title
• Problem being addressed
• The proposed AI-enabled solution
• Feasibility & implementation
• Expected outcomes and alignment with the challenge and TCU’s mission and values

Individuals and teams who advance to the finalist stage will be invited to participate in pitch presentations.

Pitch Presentation

• Ten-minute presentation
  • Required: Handouts that include the slide deck.
• Five-minute Q&A session to follow the presentation
  • Additional information will be shared after the finalists are announced.

Presentations will be evaluated by a panel that includes representatives from Academic Affairs, Information Technology, Student Affairs, the Office of the Chancellor and University Strategy & Innovation.

This area focuses on the significance of the challenge, clarity of the solution and impact on TCU operations and student success. The committee will consider whether the proposal:

• Addresses a meaningful well defined operational need at TCU;
• Demonstrates clear benefits for university operations, student success or institutional effectiveness;
• Articulates how the proposed solution improves upon current practices or processes; and
• Identifies outcomes that can be reasonably measured and evaluated.

This area focuses on the originality of the approach and alignment with the goals of the Chancellor’s Innovation Prize. The committee will consider whether the proposal:

• Demonstrates originality in approach while remaining grounded in practical application;
• Uses technology purposefully to address an identified operational challenge;
• Aligns with the goals of improving university operations and advancing student success; and
• Shows potential to move from concept to pilot and broader institutional adoption.

This area focuses on the realism of implementation, timeline and financial considerations. The committee will consider whether the proposal:

• Presents a realistic and achievable pilot plan;
• Includes a clear timeline and identifies key stakeholders or partners;
• Demonstrates awareness of resource needs and potential constraints; and
• Shows that the solution can be implemented within a reasonable scope and budget.