Forja Contest Readiness Check
See if your Home Improvement startup is ready to compete in Forja, what proof you still need, and the next move before applications open.
Forja Contest Readiness Check
Contest proof snapshot
Fit
Eligibility gate
7.0+
IQ gate
20h/wk
Stage One pressure
Design → Build → Release
Readiness Score
Check fit, proof, commitment, IQ, and the exact gap before Stage One.
How this works
The check uses Forja's actual contestant rules: sector fit, early-stage limits, customer validation, Design → Build → Release proof, 20 hours per week for Stage One, Stage Two relocation readiness, public accountability, and the five Integrity Quotient dimensions. The score is directional and self-reported. Final application decisions require review and verification.
Last updated 2026-05-04
Questions
What is the Forja Readiness Score?
The Forja Readiness Score is the result inside the Forja Contest Readiness Check. It scores eligibility fit, execution proof, Integrity Quotient readiness, commitment, and operating clarity on a 0-60 scale.
What score do I need to apply to Forja?
A score of 45 or above can put you in the application-ready range if the eligibility gates are clear and your Integrity Quotient average is at least 7.0. Lower scores can still be useful because the tool shows the proof gap to close before applying.
Is this the same as the Integrity Quotient?
No. The Integrity Quotient is one gate inside the readiness check. The full check also looks at sector fit, early-stage limits, Design → Build → Release proof, commitment, and operating clarity.
Is the score audited?
No. The score is self-reported and directional. Application review and Stage One verification can still challenge claims about customers, revenue, delivery, or IQ evidence.
Do I need a paying customer before I apply?
Not necessarily. Forja accepts early-stage startups in Design, Build, and Release stages. However, Stage One is built to push contestants toward real customer proof, and advancement requires a paying customer or validated pre-orders.