At BNY Mellon, we’re committed to putting the Future First℠ by using our global reach, influence and resources not just to power success today, but to help safeguard the future. The BNY Mellon Future First℠ Award celebrates Gen-E mini-companies that are creating unique business solutions to a pressing environmental, social or governance (ESG) challenge throughout the JA Company Programme. However, the competition doesn’t end there. The winning team must demonstrate their commitment to building a sustainable company, one that delivers positive impacts for ALL their stakeholders and showcases responsible business practices.

1. ESG INNOVATION AND VALUE CREATION (30%)

To gain maximum points teams must demonstrate (but are not limited to) the following criteria:

• The team have clearly defined a real-world ESG problem and its solution.
• The problem/solution presents a compelling business opportunity.
• The business solution is original and innovative
• The business fulfils a customer need, has resonance and desirability.
• The business significantly improves on an existing business solution that is not environmentally or socially sustainable.
• The product or service addresses one or more of the UN’s sustainability goals
• The team can evidence/measure the positive impact of their business solution

2. MARKET AND COMPETITION (20%)

To gain maximum points teams must demonstrate (but are not limited to) the following criteria:

• The team clearly identify a target market and the market potential of their product/service
• The team can differentiate their product/service from competitors
• A realistic and viable business model is presented which covers financial, marketing AND communication elements
• The team can demonstrate scalability in both the geography and the scope of their solution

3. ORGANIZATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY / ENTERPRISE ESG (30%)

To gain maximum points teams must demonstrate (but are not limited to) the following criteria:

• In addition to launching a sustainable service/product, the team demonstrate they are intent on building a sustainable organization (e.g. the organization has its own ESG standards such as being carbon neutral)
• The team demonstrates their commitment to ALL stakeholders in their business: customers, as well as employees, shareholders and the communities where they live and work.
• The team has the diversity of experience and expertise necessary to be successful
• The team demonstrate resiliency, adaptability and learning
• Measurable goals are in place for reducing their own environmental footprint, regenerating natural systems and/or creating positive social impact
• Any ESG risk factors (e.g., waste, emissions, human rights, supply chain etc.) are addressed in their business plan

4. PERFORMANCE (20%)

To gain maximum points teams must demonstrate (but are not limited to) the following criteria:

• Pitch, deck and/or video is well structured and easy to understand
• Pitch, deck and/or video is commercial and appealing
• Pitch, deck and/or video effectively conveys their message
• The team are responsive to questions and/or feedback from judges in the live pitch session