walmart annual green challenge

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To learn more about the Green Student Challenge and how to enter, visit , or visit Walmart's Facebook page at or follow Walmart on twitter at .

The panel of judges includes leaders of Walmart Canada, CN, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Google Canada and SC Johnson Canada, as well as Dr. Rick Smith, executive director of .

The Green Student Challenge drives students to push the boundaries of innovative thinking, and Walmart rewards them for it. The company will award a total of $100,000 to students in cash and prizes, including $25,000 to the winners and another $25,000 to the winners' school. The top 20 teams will receive an award of $500. The deadline for entry registration and uploading the team idea is 5pm ET, December 14th. Twenty teams will move forward to the semi final round, with five finalists presenting to the panel of judges in February, 2013.

“We heard from last year’s students just how important discussion and dialogue was as they were developing their idea for the Challenge,” said Shelley Broader, president and CEO of Walmart Canada. “We’re excited to give all Canadians a chance this year to have a say in who they think has developed the most powerful, game-changing green business idea.”

Social media buzz will play a crucial role in determining a team's overall score and teams that generate the most online buzz stand a better chance of progressing in the competition. In round one, the number of comments and votes each team receives on the Green Student Challenge website will help in the evaluation process, counting for 25 per cent of the judging criteria. Originality, ease of implementation, and potential business and environmental impact/feasibility will also each carry 25 per cent evaluation weight.

The campaign kicked off in September, and already more than 80 teams have signed up. The social media angle provides this year's Challenge with an exciting new twist. Students are tasked with securing as much support as possible from their social networks for a chance to share their big ideas with the country's top business leaders.

second annual invites post-secondary students across the country to create a compelling green business idea that could change Canada's business landscape.

Walmart Green Student Challenge Pushes Innovative Thinking