What is the Philadelphia Open Innovation Tournament?
The Philadelphia Open Innovation Tournament is a competitive event that brings together diverse teams of innovators, technologists, and problem-solvers to tackle real-world challenges using cutting-edge AI tools and methodologies. Inspired by the innovation tournament framework developed by Professors Karl Ulrich and Christian Terwiesch at the University of Pennsylvania, our event creates a structured environment where creativity meets competition.
We partner with corporate sponsors to define a specific challenge or problem domain. Over an intensive weekend, participants work in teams to develop innovative solutions, leveraging AI-first approaches and modern technology stacks. Our rigorous judging process evaluates submissions based on innovation, feasibility, impact, and execution quality.
🎯 For Sponsors
Access Philadelphia's top technical talent, generate innovative solutions to your challenges, and strengthen your brand presence in the local innovation ecosystem.
💡 For Participants
Compete for prizes, showcase your skills to industry leaders, collaborate with talented peers, and build solutions that matter.
🌟 For Philadelphia
Spotlight local talent, foster innovation, strengthen community connections, and position Philadelphia as a hub for technology and entrepreneurship.
How It Works
🏆 Tournament Structure
Each Philadelphia Open Innovation Tournament follows a proven format designed to maximize creativity, collaboration, and output quality:
📋 Phase 1: Challenge Definition & Team Formation
Working with our sponsor partners, we define a specific challenge or problem domain that addresses real business needs. Participants register individually or as teams, and we facilitate team formation to ensure diverse skill sets and perspectives.
💻 Phase 2: Intensive Development Weekend
Teams gather for an intensive weekend of ideation, development, and iteration. We provide:
- Access to AI tools and development resources
- Mentorship from industry experts
- Structured checkpoints and guidance
- Collaborative workspace and networking opportunities
🏅 Phase 3: Judging & Recognition
Teams present their solutions to a panel of judges comprising sponsor representatives, industry experts, and community leaders. Evaluation criteria include:
- Innovation and creativity
- Technical execution and feasibility
- Potential impact and scalability
- Alignment with challenge objectives
Winners receive prizes, recognition, and opportunities for continued engagement with sponsor organizations.
🤖 AI-First Approach
Our tournament emphasizes AI-first methodologies, encouraging participants to leverage large language models, machine learning tools, and modern AI frameworks to accelerate development and enhance solution quality. This approach reflects the evolving landscape of technology and prepares participants for the future of work.
Past Events
Since our inaugural event, the Philadelphia Open Innovation Tournament has established itself as a premier innovation event in the region. We have successfully executed two tournaments, attracting hundreds of talented participants and generating innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
Media Coverage
Partner With Us
We are actively seeking corporate sponsors for future tournaments. Partnership with the Philadelphia Open Innovation Tournament offers unique opportunities to:
- 🎯 Access Top Talent: Connect with Philadelphia's most skilled technologists, innovators, and problem-solvers.
- 💡 Generate Innovative Solutions: Receive multiple high-quality approaches to your specific business challenges.
- 🚀 Strengthen Brand Presence: Demonstrate your commitment to innovation and community engagement.
- ⚙️ Shape the Challenge: Define the problem domain and evaluation criteria to align with your organizational priorities.
- 🤝 Recruit Talent: Identify potential hires and build relationships with emerging professionals.
Interested in sponsoring a future tournament? We work with sponsors to customize partnership packages that align with your objectives and budget. Contact our founders below →
Tournament Founders
Main Contact: Brad Flaugher - [email protected]
"Accelerate Philadelphia's growth by spotlighting and empowering the city's most promising innovators."
The Philadelphia Open Innovation Tournament is inspired by the framework developed by Professors Karl Ulrich and Christian Terwiesch at the University of Pennsylvania. We bring together diverse minds to solve real-world challenges through friendly competition, creating opportunities for talent to shine and for organizations to benefit from fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.
Join us in shaping Philadelphia's future as a hub for innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship.
The Philadelphia Open Innovation Tournament is organized by Medusa Intelligence Corporation.