All teams are expected to abide by the specific rules enumerated below. The competition organizers reserve the right to disqualify any team that violates the rules, regulations or the spirit of the competition. Eligibility is subject to individual review for special circumstances.

To qualify for the Dell Social Innovation Competition, contestants and the proposed venture must meet the following criteria:

Team Eligibility

• Undergraduate and graduate level students from any university or college in the world are eligible to enter. Proof of enrollment will be requested of all semifinalist and finalist contestants.
• The individual or team must be comprised of students currently attending a university. Students who graduated in December 2009 are eligible to enter.
• Contestants must be actively involved in the venture.
• Team size is not restricted. Teams can seek advice from mentors or outside experts, but the venture must be entirely student-led.
• All team members listed on the final venture plan will be considered full team members with equal share of the venture, unless otherwise stipulated in the venture plan.
• Teams that have previously reached the final presentation round of the Dell Social Innovation Competition may not re-enter this year's competition with the same venture.
• Team members competing must be principle owners of the venture.
• Competition entry void where prohibited by law.

• The venture should exist primarily to address a significant social problem.
• The mission and practices of the venture must incorporate a quantifiable social return.
• Whether it is a for-profit business or a nonprofit organization, the venture must be financially viable.
• The venture must be scalable and take into account the potential for growth of the endeavor.
• If the venture is already in existence, it must not have been in operation for more than three years. The start of the venture is marked by first income received. Student projects entered on behalf of a business or nonprofit are not eligible.
• The proposed venture may not be a wholly owned subsidiary of an existing for-profit or nonprofit entity.
• A venture plan cannot be re-entered in the competition beyond two consecutive years.
• All plans must be written in English.