Students from across the MetroLab member universities submitted written applications describing civic research projects they completed in collaboration with partners in their communities. Projects focused on providing new analysis, policy, or technical insights to difficult civic priorities and challenges.

Twelve finalists participated in live pitch competitions, judged by civic research experts and professionals. The finalists were grouped into 4 categories:

COVID-19

Health & Resilience

Mobility

Environment

The winners from each live pitch competition presented in a final round to determine the grand prize winner. 4 teams received $1,000 prizes, and the grand prize winner won $1,500 and was also featured as the MetroLab Innovation of the Month.