From Apr 23 to Jun 21, 2021, The 3M Inspire Challenge is on the hunt for great ideas in Innovation, Sustainability, and Technology to create a more positive world and add value to 3M’s business and customers.

The challenge welcomes entries from students from all courses of study in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

The 3M Inspire Challenge will take place across two stages. The first stage, known as the Country-Level Semi-Finals, will see students faceoff against their local peers in a live judging panel on August 24, 2021. The winners of this stage will be crowned the title of “Country Champion”, awarded a cash prize of US$1,000, and internships at local 3M offices around bringing their ideas to life.

The Country Champion will then proceed to the second stage, known as the Regional Level Finals, to compete against all the Country Champions. The winning team will be crowned “Regional Champions” and walk away with a US$2,000 cash prize.

Throughout the challenge, participants will also enjoy access to 3M mentors from diverse backgrounds who will sharpen their ideas in preparation for Country-Level Semi-Finals and Regional-Level Finals.

1. What is a case competition?

A case competition challenges participants to examine real-life business problems and present solutions and ideas. All teams will be given the same case based on their selected theme.

Participating teams’ solutions should answer the case. If selected, they will present their solutions to a live panel of judges, who will judge the solutions based on aspects such as originality, creativity, replicability, etc.

2. Who is eligible to participate in this challenge?

• The challenge is eligible to all undergraduate students from all courses of study in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam
• All teams must comprise 2 - 4 individuals and must have at least one male and one female
• All participants must agree to a list of terms and conditions and acknowledge a release form at the point of submission.

3. Why should I participate in The 3M Inspire Challenge?

Participants can gain a multitude of benefits from joining The 3M Inspire Challenge, including:

• Experience: This challenge provides a hands-on, realistic simulation of today's problems. Your team will be given opportunities to analyze and make strategic recommendations on real-life strategic issues just like a real business professional. This challenge will serve as an avenue for ambitious youths to showcase their brilliant ideas.
• Application of Skills: Get the opportunity to apply the skills you have learned in the classroom to real-world experiences.
• Networking: There are many opportunities to meet and interact with various representatives from 3M.
• Confidence and Resume Booster: Winning a case competition increases your confidence in your own skills, which can help you present yourself better in an interview. You will also be able to present the case competition as an impressive experience on your resume and as a talking point in interviews.
• Prizes: The Country Champion and Regional Champion stand to win up to US$1,000 and US$2,000 cash prizes respectively, and score internship opportunities at 3M.

4. How do I register for this challenge?

Registration has closed on 7 June 2021.

5. What is the submission requirement?

Submission has ended on 21 June 2021.

6. Are submissions in non-English allowed?

Submissions must be made in English. However, no points will be deducted for errors in English language use as long as the explanation is understandable.

7. Are presentations needed? When?

No presentation is required for the first wave of submissions. Presentations are only required for the Country-Level Semi-Finals and the Regional-Level Finals.

8. What is the timeline of the challenge?

9. Where will the challenge take place?

The challenge will take place online. Further details will be provided soon.

10. What are the prizes?

The Country Champion Team will win US$1,000 in cash prizes and score internship opportunities at 3M. The final winning team, the Regional Champion, will win US$2,000 in cash prizes. 

11. What are the judges looking for?

The judges are looking for the following criteria:

• Innovation, Creativity, and Originality
• Replicability and future-proofed
• Sustainability
• Content

During the presentation, the judging panel will also score teams based on:

• Verbal Delivery
• Visual Delivery
• Time
• Q&A

12. Is there any fee to enter the competition?

The challenge is free of charge.

13. Can I enter as an individual if I do not have a team?

Unfortunately, individuals are not allowed to participate. Participants must join as a team of 2 - 4 individuals and have at least one male and one female.

14. Do all team members have to be from the same school?

Participants can be from different schools as long as they are based in the same country.

15. Will I be required to miss class?

Most case competitions happen during the school terms. Therefore, there is a chance that you may miss class. The case competition does not provide students with a legitimate excuse to be absent from class. Students should communicate with and make arrangements with their faculties and course coordinators.

16. Can this challenge help me get an internship or job at 3M?

The Country Champion and Regional Champion stand to win up to US$1,000 and US$2,000 cash prizes respectively, and score internship opportunities at 3M.

17. Will I get paid for the internship?

Internship allowance will be provided for internship opportunities at 3M for the Country Champion and Regional Champion. 

18. What kind of the internship at 3M will I be participating in?

The Country Champion will be awarded internships at local 3M offices. The internships are currently being scoped and more details will be provided soon.

19. I have recently graduated. Can I participate?

No, this challenge is only open to students who are currently pursuing undergraduate degrees.

20. I am under 18 years old. Can I participate?

Yes, as long as you are currently pursuing an undergraduate degree, you are eligible to participate.

21. If a team member withdraws during the competition, will the team be allowed to continue with the competition?

Yes, the team will still be allowed to proceed with the competition as long as there is at least one male and one female in the team.

22. Who can I contact for further questions on the challenge?

For further questions on the challenge, please drop us an email at (insert based on below).

23. How many teams will be shortlisted for the Country-Level Semi-Finals?

Three teams from each country will be shortlisted to compete in the Country-Level Semi-Finals.

24. How many teams will be in the Regional-Level Finals?

Six teams of Country Champions (one representing each of the countries) will compete in the Regional-Level Finals.