In general, in one aspect, a method for developing an asset by competition includes specifying standards for an asset, receiving from potential contestants indicia of interest in participating in an asset development competition in which the contestants compete to develop an asset, and determining an estimated likelihood that the asset development competition will result in an asset that meets the minimum standards based on historical information about the performance of the contestants from whom the indicia of interest were received. Steps may be taken to increase the estimated likelihood of success, upon a determination that the likelihood is less than desired. Steps may be taken to prevent registration by additional participants, upon a determination that the estimated likelihood is at or above a predetermined threshold.