I am wondering what does "Close Team" mean? Does it mean that I have completed my team formation and wish to make it restricted OR that I will delete my team account if I press the Close Team button?

“Close team” means you don't accept any new members ANYMORE into the team and that you are ready to compete (it's like you said: restricted); it DOES NOT mean that you delete the team. So, don't worry. You can decide to have in your team from 1-3 members. For example, if you think 2 members in your team is enough you can close the team and work alone with the person who accepted your invitation. If you want to delete your team select DROP team button.

Now I have another member in my team, is it considered I have finished forming my team and just wait until the submission day?

You still have to click "Close Team" before release day - we will also remind you again to do that.

What if I will compete in the team where one member will not be eligible student?

All team members that are not eligible will be disqualified in the Finals when the proof of enrolment and identification will be required. Each team must have at least one student, currently enrolled at a higher education institution (will graduate not earlier than February 23, 2011 from any accredited university, college or other educational institution).

How can I create a team for the main competition?

Go to the competition page and click the Compete Now button, following the instructions. Fill in all the necessary information on your profile and click "Save changes" then complete the short Survey and "Submit". After this step, click on "Create a New Team" button in the right column. You can only create one team for the main competition.

How can I join an existing team?

After registering for the competition by clicking on Compete Now button on the competition page and following all instrctions and filling in necessary information, you will see a list of participating teams. You can apply for membership in any open team.

How many members can a team have?

Teams may consist of 1 to 3 members.

Can I participate in the main competition without a team?

Yes, you can participate as a one-person team if you are a student, currently enrolled at a higher education institution (will graduate not earlier than February 23, 2011 from any accredited university, college or other educational institution). If you’re having problems finding the right team, just mark yourself as interested in the challenge, and you’ll be assigned to an open team after team formation is completed.

What are my responsibilities as a team creator?

As a team creator, you will be responsible for managing your team’s profile, managing team membership, choosing the team’s mentor and posting your team’s submission. Make sure you only approve membership requests from trusted people, as your team might be disqualified if anyone in the team doesn’t meet the eligibility requirements. Also, for any other awards or benefits, the team creator will be the first one to be invited.

How can I manage my team’s profile and membership?

Only team creators are able to edit the team’s profile and approve or reject members. If you’re the creator of a team, you will see membership requests and the Manage our profile button on your team’s profile. Make sure you approve membership requests only from trusted people, as your team might be disqualified if anyone in the team doesn’t meet the eligibility requirements.

What happens if I complete my team?

All pending membership requests will be rejected and participants will not be able to apply for membership in your team anymore. All teams will be automatically completed when the challenges begin.

Does my team need a mentor?

No, although a mentor can help your team develop a better solution and get extra bonus points to the school the mentor represents.

How can my team choose a mentor?

If you’re the creator of a team, you will see a Choose mentor button on your team’s profile. After you choose a mentor from the list, you will have to wait for approval. If you change your mind before the mentor accepts your request, you can cancel the request from the team’s profile and choose another mentor. Once a mentor confirms your request, you can no longer change her/him. If you would like to invite a mentor who is not listed, please advise him/her them to contact us to complete mentor registration.