The R&D 100 Awards are known as the “Oscars of Invention” among modern-day inventors and scientists. To win one is to almost guarantee the success of your technology in the marketplace and among investors.

Each year, R&D 100 magazine accepts submissions for their prestigious award. Only the top 100 technologies of the year are chosen.

Although there are many pieces to the R&D 100 application, your cover is the first part the judges will see, and the first thing they will judge.

Elements of a Winning Cover
Your R&D 100 submission cover should be composed of a graphic, a title, a subtitle, and bullet points. These elements should work together to communicate to the judges what your technology is about, why it’s better than anything on the market thus far, and how it works.

Each element is extremely important and should supply vital information. You can design an effective cover on your own, or you can hire a graphic artist for a professional touch.

The Graphic
The main image on your R&D 100 cover is ideally of your technology. If you have a kit, physical product, or the like, a high-resolution photo can be used as the graphic. However, if your technology is a bit more abstract, as in the case of software, your graphic may need to be more abstract as well.

The cover is really the only place in your R&D 100 application where being unique is encouraged. Use a memorable graphic that catches the judge’s attention and remains in their mind. Get ideas from previous winning covers, but always bring originality when it comes to your own cover submission.

The Title
The title of your submission should be large and visible on your cover, and it should match the title noted in your submission application.

Your title need not be clever. Rather, focus on the description of your technology. This does not have to be the trademark name of your market product.

Consider the most descriptive words that communicate what your product does or what it is. Aim for words that are SEO friendly and positive. For example, instead of saying “disrupts the field of medicine” say “improves the field of medicine.” The goal is to show that your technology will improve humanity.

The Subtitle
You can add a bit more length in your subtitle. While your title should be concise and descriptive, your subtitle can be a bit wordier and add more depth. Again, be judicious with any words you put on your cover.

The Bullet Points
This is your key element to your cover. Think carefully about your bullet points and aim for approximately five concise statements. These should be your main points that you want to convey to the judges about your technology.

Your bullet points are essentially a summary of the main points in your application. List them as actions, making them begin with a verb, if you can. They should all explain to the judges why your technology should win this award.

These main points should be your strongest arguments. How is your technology better than competitors? How has it improved on technology in the past? How will it impact society and improve humanity?

Taken together, these cover elements should support your application. Put them together in a logical and pleasing way. Pay attention to color, spacing, and logical flow. After all, this cover will be associated with your technology for years to come.