Automated Competition Management
From launch to winner announcement, every aspect of your program runs smoothly.
Timeline automation
Set your schedule once – submissions open and close automatically, judging phases begin on time, results publish when ready. No manual intervention required.
Automated communications
Professional emails for confirmations, reminders, updates, and results sent automatically with your branding. Never chase judges or update applicants manually again.
Real-time progress tracking
Live dashboards show submission numbers, judge completion rates, and program performance as it happens. Spot issues early and celebrate success in real-time.
Smart deadline management
Extend deadlines instantly when opportunities arise. All participants get notified automatically and pages update seamlessly across the platform.
Using the Zealous system took away 80% of my workload.
– Sue Ecclestone, Founder of the Holly Bush Award
Professional Setup in Hours
Launch sophisticated competitions without technical complexity
Draft mode perfection
Build and test your competition privately with unlimited changes. Preview exactly what applicants will see before publishing anything publicly.
Professional templates
Choose from proven competition formats or customize completely. Every template reflects thousands of successful programs run on the platform.
No technical skills required
If you can use email and browse websites, you can create professional competitions. Point-and-click simplicity with enterprise-level results.
Zealous is very easy to use. We were able to set up our competition in no time at all
– Alisa Sacofsky, COBIS
World-Class Judging Experience
Attract and retain top judges with effortless evaluation tools
Streamlined scoring interface
Judges score entries directly in browser on any device. Beautiful media presentation, automatic navigation, and intuitive workflows keep focus on content quality.
Transparent evaluation process
Clear scoring criteria, anonymous judging options, and detailed score breakdowns ensure fair, defensible results that build program credibility.
Multiple round management
Handle complex workflows from screening to finals with different judges, criteria, and evaluation approaches for each stage.
Real-time coordination
Track judge progress, automate reminders, and coordinate evaluation decisions without constant manual follow-up.
I found your judging process a pleasure, it was very easy to follow and didn’t take a lot of my time.
– Vanessa Brady OBE, Founder & CEO, The Society of British & International Interior Design
Complete Submission Handling
Accept any media, any size, from any device professionally
Universal media support
Images, videos, 3D models, audio files, documents… Embedded content from Vimeo, YouTube, SoundCloud, and more display beautifully.
Unlimited file capacity
No restrictions on storage or file quantities. Handle everything from photography portfolios to feature-length documentaries with files up to 4GB each.
Flexible form design
Unlimited custom fields, multi-category submissions, and dynamic question addition. Capture exactly the information needed for informed decisions.
Seamless applicant experience
Auto-save functionality, multi-device compatibility, and professional presentation ensure smooth submission processes that encourage completion.
Instant scalability
Handle 50 or 5,000 submissions with the same platform. Upgrade plans immediately when success exceeds expectations, downgrade when appropriate.
Direct payment processing
Stripe integration means entry fees go straight to your account. We never hold your money or take commission on payments.
The process of submitting was really contemporary. It was easy to make an account and view my work even after I submitted it.
– Zoe Wenban, Artist
Transparent Payments & Flexible Monthly Pricing
Pay only when running competitions, upgrade instantly as you grow
No annual commitments
Monthly billing adapts to your needs. Run competitions when you want, pause between programs, change plans based on actual usage.
Transparent pricing
Public pricing with no hidden fees, setup costs, or “fair usage” penalties. What you see is what you pay, with all features included.
Excellent and, crucially, affordable
– Tom Goode, Marketing & Events Coordinator, Social Value Portal
See it in action
Experience a brief overview of the complete platform.
FAQs
Is Zealous only for creative industries like arts and design?
Not at all. While Zealous has strong roots in the creative community, the platform serves competitions across all sectors – from corporate awards and academic grants to innovation challenges and community recognition programs. The core features work universally, with additional creative network benefits for arts programs.
Is Zealous suitable for first-time competition organizers?
Absolutely. The platform is designed for users without technical expertise, with step-by-step setup guidance, intelligent defaults, and comprehensive support. However, if it is your first, we advise on a Pro or Enterprise plan to give you more onboarding time with our team.
Can Zealous handle large-scale competitions with thousands of submissions?
Yes – the platform automatically scales from small programs to major competitions. We’ve successfully handled everything from local contests to international awards with thousands of participants.
What types of competitions work best on Zealous?
Any competition requiring submissions – awards, grants, residencies, scholarships, contests, and creative programs across all industries. The platform adapts to your specific requirements rather than forcing you into rigid templates.
How much technical support is included?
Unlimited support is included at no extra cost. Live chat during UK business hours, comprehensive help documentation, setup assistance, and free pre-launch reviews ensure your success.
What happens to my data if I stop using Zealous?
You retain complete ownership of all data, and candidates retain theirs. Export everything in standard formats before canceling, and your information remains accessible during any transition period.
