diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index 7e53f83..5f9ee0d 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -58,3 +58,6 @@ build-output.txt
 # Misc
 *.log
 .vercel
+
+# Private keys and secrets
+private/
diff --git a/docker/docker-compose.dev.yml b/docker/docker-compose.dev.yml
index 2a6e213..83d9c95 100644
--- a/docker/docker-compose.dev.yml
+++ b/docker/docker-compose.dev.yml
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ services:
     image: postgres:16-alpine
     container_name: mopc-postgres-dev
     ports:
-      - "5432:5432"
+      - "5433:5432"
     environment:
       - POSTGRES_USER=${POSTGRES_USER:-mopc}
       - POSTGRES_PASSWORD=${POSTGRES_PASSWORD:-devpassword}
diff --git a/docker/docker-entrypoint.sh b/docker/docker-entrypoint.sh
index a7f2a0e..f01577b 100644
--- a/docker/docker-entrypoint.sh
+++ b/docker/docker-entrypoint.sh
@@ -37,5 +37,26 @@ fi
 echo "==> Syncing notification email settings..."
 npx tsx prisma/seed-notification-settings.ts || echo "WARNING: Notification settings sync failed."
 
+# Sync team lead links only if there are unlinked submitters
+UNLINKED_COUNT=$(node -e "
+  const { PrismaClient } = require('@prisma/client');
+  const p = new PrismaClient();
+  p.\$queryRaw\`
+    SELECT COUNT(*)::int AS c FROM \"Project\" p
+    WHERE p.\"submittedByUserId\" IS NOT NULL
+    AND NOT EXISTS (
+      SELECT 1 FROM \"TeamMember\" tm
+      WHERE tm.\"projectId\" = p.id AND tm.\"userId\" = p.\"submittedByUserId\"
+    )
+  \`.then(r => { console.log(r[0].c); p.\$disconnect(); }).catch(() => { console.log('0'); p.\$disconnect(); });
+" 2>/dev/null || echo "0")
+
+if [ "$UNLINKED_COUNT" != "0" ]; then
+  echo "==> Syncing ${UNLINKED_COUNT} unlinked team lead links..."
+  npx tsx prisma/seed-team-leads.ts || echo "WARNING: Team lead sync failed."
+else
+  echo "==> Team lead links already synced, skipping."
+fi
+
 echo "==> Starting application..."
 exec node server.js
diff --git a/prisma/schema.prisma b/prisma/schema.prisma
index c4f4791..1feea7b 100644
--- a/prisma/schema.prisma
+++ b/prisma/schema.prisma
@@ -2193,6 +2193,11 @@ model Round {
   submissionWindowId String?
   specialAwardId     String?
 
+  // Finalization
+  gracePeriodEndsAt DateTime?
+  finalizedAt       DateTime?
+  finalizedBy       String?
+
   createdAt DateTime @default(now())
   updatedAt DateTime @updatedAt
 
@@ -2237,13 +2242,14 @@ model Round {
 }
 
 model ProjectRoundState {
-  id           String                 @id @default(cuid())
-  projectId    String
-  roundId      String
-  state        ProjectRoundStateValue @default(PENDING)
-  enteredAt    DateTime               @default(now())
-  exitedAt     DateTime?
-  metadataJson Json?                  @db.JsonB
+  id              String                  @id @default(cuid())
+  projectId       String
+  roundId         String
+  state           ProjectRoundStateValue  @default(PENDING)
+  proposedOutcome ProjectRoundStateValue?
+  enteredAt       DateTime                @default(now())
+  exitedAt        DateTime?
+  metadataJson    Json?                   @db.JsonB
 
   createdAt DateTime @default(now())
   updatedAt DateTime @updatedAt
diff --git a/prisma/seed.ts b/prisma/seed.ts
index ff47da9..e3c06ff 100644
--- a/prisma/seed.ts
+++ b/prisma/seed.ts
@@ -559,7 +559,7 @@ async function main() {
       })
 
       // Create project
-      await prisma.project.create({
+      const createdProject = await prisma.project.create({
         data: {
           programId: program.id,
           title: projectName || `Project by ${name}`,
@@ -584,13 +584,24 @@ async function main() {
         },
       })
 
+      // Link submitter as team lead
+      await prisma.teamMember.upsert({
+        where: { projectId_userId: { projectId: createdProject.id, userId: user.id } },
+        update: {},
+        create: {
+          projectId: createdProject.id,
+          userId: user.id,
+          role: 'LEAD',
+        },
+      })
+
       projectCount++
       if (projectCount % 50 === 0) {
         console.log(`   ... ${projectCount} projects created`)
       }
     }
 
-    console.log(`   ✓ Created ${projectCount} projects`)
+    console.log(`   ✓ Created ${projectCount} projects (with team lead links)`)
     if (skippedNoEmail > 0) {
       console.log(`   ⚠ Skipped ${skippedNoEmail} rows with no valid email`)
     }
@@ -864,6 +875,24 @@ async function main() {
   }
   console.log(`   ✓ ${rounds.length - 1} advancement rules created`)
 
+  // --- Assign all projects to intake round (COMPLETED, since intake is closed) ---
+  const intakeRound = rounds[0]
+  const allProjects = await prisma.project.findMany({
+    where: { programId: program.id },
+    select: { id: true },
+  })
+  if (allProjects.length > 0) {
+    await prisma.projectRoundState.createMany({
+      data: allProjects.map((p) => ({
+        projectId: p.id,
+        roundId: intakeRound.id,
+        state: 'COMPLETED' as const,
+      })),
+      skipDuplicates: true,
+    })
+    console.log(`   ✓ ${allProjects.length} projects assigned to intake round (COMPLETED)`)
+  }
+
   // --- Round-Submission Visibility (which rounds can see which submission windows) ---
   // R2 and R3 can see R1 docs, R5 can see R4 docs
   const visibilityLinks = [
diff --git a/src/app/(admin)/admin/awards/[id]/page.tsx b/src/app/(admin)/admin/awards/[id]/page.tsx
index 0310e0e..27eb32f 100644
--- a/src/app/(admin)/admin/awards/[id]/page.tsx
+++ b/src/app/(admin)/admin/awards/[id]/page.tsx
@@ -53,6 +53,7 @@ import {
 } from '@/components/ui/dialog'
 import { Tabs, TabsContent, TabsList, TabsTrigger } from '@/components/ui/tabs'
 import { Input } from '@/components/ui/input'
+import { Textarea } from '@/components/ui/textarea'
 import { Progress } from '@/components/ui/progress'
 import { UserAvatar } from '@/components/shared/user-avatar'
 import { AnimatedCard } from '@/components/shared/animated-container'
@@ -91,6 +92,7 @@ import {
   AlertCircle,
   Layers,
   Info,
+  Mail,
 } from 'lucide-react'
 
 const STATUS_COLORS: Record<string, 'default' | 'secondary' | 'destructive' | 'outline'> = {
@@ -155,6 +157,8 @@ export default function AwardDetailPage({
   const [activeTab, setActiveTab] = useState('eligibility')
   const [addRoundOpen, setAddRoundOpen] = useState(false)
   const [roundForm, setRoundForm] = useState({ name: '', roundType: 'EVALUATION' as string })
+  const [notifyDialogOpen, setNotifyDialogOpen] = useState(false)
+  const [notifyCustomMessage, setNotifyCustomMessage] = useState('')
 
   // Pagination for eligibility list
   const [eligibilityPage, setEligibilityPage] = useState(1)
@@ -283,6 +287,19 @@ export default function AwardDetailPage({
     onError: (err) => toast.error(err.message),
   })
 
+  const { data: notifyStats } = trpc.specialAward.getNotificationStats.useQuery(
+    { awardId },
+    { enabled: notifyDialogOpen }
+  )
+  const notifyEligible = trpc.specialAward.notifyEligibleProjects.useMutation({
+    onSuccess: (result) => {
+      toast.success(`Notified ${result.notified} projects (${result.emailsSent} emails sent${result.emailsFailed ? `, ${result.emailsFailed} failed` : ''})`)
+      setNotifyDialogOpen(false)
+      setNotifyCustomMessage('')
+    },
+    onError: (err) => toast.error(err.message),
+  })
+
   const handleStatusChange = async (
     status: 'DRAFT' | 'NOMINATIONS_OPEN' | 'VOTING_OPEN' | 'CLOSED' | 'ARCHIVED'
   ) => {
@@ -468,13 +485,72 @@ export default function AwardDetailPage({
             </Button>
           )}
           {award.status === 'NOMINATIONS_OPEN' && (
-            <Button
-              onClick={() => handleStatusChange('VOTING_OPEN')}
-              disabled={updateStatus.isPending}
-            >
-              <Play className="mr-2 h-4 w-4" />
-              Open Voting
-            </Button>
+            <>
+              <Dialog open={notifyDialogOpen} onOpenChange={setNotifyDialogOpen}>
+                <DialogTrigger asChild>
+                  <Button variant="outline" disabled={award.eligibleCount === 0}>
+                    <Mail className="mr-2 h-4 w-4" />
+                    Notify Pool
+                  </Button>
+                </DialogTrigger>
+                <DialogContent>
+                  <DialogHeader>
+                    <DialogTitle>Notify Eligible Projects</DialogTitle>
+                    <DialogDescription>
+                      Send &quot;Selected for {award.name}&quot; emails to all {award.eligibleCount} eligible projects.
+                    </DialogDescription>
+                  </DialogHeader>
+                  <div className="space-y-4 py-2">
+                    {notifyStats && (
+                      <div className="flex flex-wrap gap-2">
+                        {notifyStats.needsInvite > 0 && (
+                          <Badge variant="outline" className="border-amber-300 bg-amber-50 text-amber-700">
+                            {notifyStats.needsInvite} will receive Create Account link
+                          </Badge>
+                        )}
+                        {notifyStats.hasAccount > 0 && (
+                          <Badge variant="outline" className="border-emerald-300 bg-emerald-50 text-emerald-700">
+                            {notifyStats.hasAccount} will receive Dashboard link
+                          </Badge>
+                        )}
+                      </div>
+                    )}
+                    <div className="space-y-2">
+                      <Label>Custom message (optional)</Label>
+                      <Textarea
+                        placeholder="Add a personal message to include in the email..."
+                        value={notifyCustomMessage}
+                        onChange={(e) => setNotifyCustomMessage(e.target.value)}
+                        rows={4}
+                      />
+                    </div>
+                  </div>
+                  <DialogFooter>
+                    <Button variant="outline" onClick={() => setNotifyDialogOpen(false)}>Cancel</Button>
+                    <Button
+                      onClick={() => notifyEligible.mutate({
+                        awardId,
+                        customMessage: notifyCustomMessage.trim() || undefined,
+                      })}
+                      disabled={notifyEligible.isPending}
+                    >
+                      {notifyEligible.isPending ? (
+                        <><Loader2 className="mr-2 h-4 w-4 animate-spin" />Sending...</>
+                      ) : (
+                        <><Mail className="mr-2 h-4 w-4" />Send {award.eligibleCount} Emails</>
+                      )}
+                    </Button>
+                  </DialogFooter>
+                </DialogContent>
+              </Dialog>
+              <Button
+                onClick={() => handleStatusChange('VOTING_OPEN')}
+                disabled={updateStatus.isPending}
+              >
+                <Play className="mr-2 h-4 w-4" />
+                Open Voting
+              </Button>
+            </>
           )}
           {award.status === 'VOTING_OPEN' && (
             <Button
diff --git a/src/app/(admin)/admin/messages/page.tsx b/src/app/(admin)/admin/messages/page.tsx
index aa8bf7e..50b6733 100644
--- a/src/app/(admin)/admin/messages/page.tsx
+++ b/src/app/(admin)/admin/messages/page.tsx
@@ -64,12 +64,13 @@ import {
 import { toast } from 'sonner'
 import { formatDate } from '@/lib/utils'
 
-type RecipientType = 'ALL' | 'ROLE' | 'ROUND_JURY' | 'PROGRAM_TEAM' | 'USER'
+type RecipientType = 'ALL' | 'ROLE' | 'ROUND_JURY' | 'ROUND_APPLICANTS' | 'PROGRAM_TEAM' | 'USER'
 
 const RECIPIENT_TYPE_OPTIONS: { value: RecipientType; label: string }[] = [
   { value: 'ALL', label: 'All Users' },
   { value: 'ROLE', label: 'By Role' },
   { value: 'ROUND_JURY', label: 'Round Jury' },
+  { value: 'ROUND_APPLICANTS', label: 'Round Applicants' },
   { value: 'PROGRAM_TEAM', label: 'Program Team' },
   { value: 'USER', label: 'Specific User' },
 ]
@@ -110,6 +111,16 @@ export default function MessagesPage() {
     { refetchInterval: 30_000 }
   )
 
+  const emailPreview = trpc.message.previewEmail.useQuery(
+    { subject, body },
+    { enabled: showPreview && subject.length > 0 && body.length > 0 }
+  )
+
+  const sendTestMutation = trpc.message.sendTest.useMutation({
+    onSuccess: (data) => toast.success(`Test email sent to ${data.to}`),
+    onError: (e) => toast.error(e.message),
+  })
+
   const sendMutation = trpc.message.send.useMutation({
     onSuccess: (data) => {
       const count = (data as Record<string, unknown>)?.recipientCount || ''
@@ -183,6 +194,13 @@ export default function MessagesPage() {
           ? `Jury of ${stage.program ? `${stage.program.name} - ` : ''}${stage.name}`
           : 'Stage Jury'
       }
+      case 'ROUND_APPLICANTS': {
+        if (!roundId) return 'Round Applicants (none selected)'
+        const appRound = rounds?.find((r) => r.id === roundId)
+        return appRound
+          ? `Applicants in ${appRound.program ? `${appRound.program.name} - ` : ''}${appRound.name}`
+          : 'Round Applicants'
+      }
       case 'PROGRAM_TEAM': {
         if (!selectedProgramId) return 'Program Team (none selected)'
         const program = (programs as Array<{ id: string; name: string }> | undefined)?.find(
@@ -218,7 +236,7 @@ export default function MessagesPage() {
       toast.error('Please select a role')
       return
     }
-    if (recipientType === 'ROUND_JURY' && !roundId) {
+    if ((recipientType === 'ROUND_JURY' || recipientType === 'ROUND_APPLICANTS') && !roundId) {
       toast.error('Please select a round')
       return
     }
@@ -333,7 +351,7 @@ export default function MessagesPage() {
                 </div>
               )}
 
-              {recipientType === 'ROUND_JURY' && (
+              {(recipientType === 'ROUND_JURY' || recipientType === 'ROUND_APPLICANTS') && (
                 <div className="space-y-2">
                   <Label>Select Round</Label>
                   <Select value={roundId} onValueChange={setRoundId}>
@@ -670,9 +688,20 @@ export default function MessagesPage() {
               <p className="text-sm font-medium mt-1">{subject}</p>
             </div>
             <div>
-              <p className="text-xs font-medium text-muted-foreground uppercase tracking-wider">Message</p>
-              <div className="mt-1 rounded-lg border bg-muted/30 p-4">
-                <p className="text-sm whitespace-pre-wrap">{body}</p>
+              <p className="text-xs font-medium text-muted-foreground uppercase tracking-wider">Email Preview</p>
+              <div className="mt-1 rounded-lg border overflow-hidden bg-gray-50">
+                {emailPreview.data?.html ? (
+                  <iframe
+                    srcDoc={emailPreview.data.html}
+                    sandbox="allow-same-origin"
+                    className="w-full h-[500px] border-0"
+                    title="Email Preview"
+                  />
+                ) : (
+                  <div className="p-4">
+                    <p className="text-sm whitespace-pre-wrap">{body}</p>
+                  </div>
+                )}
               </div>
             </div>
             <div>
@@ -699,7 +728,21 @@ export default function MessagesPage() {
               </div>
             )}
           </div>
-          <DialogFooter>
+          <DialogFooter className="flex-col sm:flex-row gap-2">
+            <Button
+              variant="ghost"
+              size="sm"
+              onClick={() => sendTestMutation.mutate({ subject, body })}
+              disabled={sendTestMutation.isPending}
+              className="sm:mr-auto"
+            >
+              {sendTestMutation.isPending ? (
+                <Loader2 className="mr-2 h-4 w-4 animate-spin" />
+              ) : (
+                <Mail className="mr-2 h-4 w-4" />
+              )}
+              Send Test to Me
+            </Button>
             <Button variant="outline" onClick={() => setShowPreview(false)}>
               Edit
             </Button>
diff --git a/src/app/(admin)/admin/projects/[id]/edit/page.tsx b/src/app/(admin)/admin/projects/[id]/edit/page.tsx
index eea6b8b..f64eabc 100644
--- a/src/app/(admin)/admin/projects/[id]/edit/page.tsx
+++ b/src/app/(admin)/admin/projects/[id]/edit/page.tsx
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ const updateProjectSchema = z.object({
     'SEMIFINALIST',
     'FINALIST',
     'REJECTED',
-  ]),
+  ]).optional(),
   tags: z.array(z.string()),
   competitionCategory: z.string().optional(),
   oceanIssue: z.string().optional(),
@@ -186,7 +186,7 @@ function EditProjectContent({ projectId }: { projectId: string }) {
       title: '',
       teamName: '',
       description: '',
-      status: 'SUBMITTED',
+      status: undefined,
       tags: [],
       competitionCategory: '',
       oceanIssue: '',
@@ -221,7 +221,7 @@ function EditProjectContent({ projectId }: { projectId: string }) {
   const tags = form.watch('tags')
   const selectedStatus = form.watch('status')
   const previousStatus = (project?.status ?? 'SUBMITTED') as UpdateProjectForm['status']
-  const statusTriggersNotifications = ['SEMIFINALIST', 'FINALIST', 'REJECTED'].includes(selectedStatus)
+  const statusTriggersNotifications = !!selectedStatus && ['SEMIFINALIST', 'FINALIST', 'REJECTED'].includes(selectedStatus)
   const requiresStatusNotificationConfirmation = Boolean(
     project && selectedStatus !== previousStatus && statusTriggersNotifications
   )
@@ -439,7 +439,7 @@ function EditProjectContent({ projectId }: { projectId: string }) {
                     >
                       <FormControl>
                         <SelectTrigger>
-                          <SelectValue />
+                          <SelectValue placeholder="Select status..." />
                         </SelectTrigger>
                       </FormControl>
                       <SelectContent>
diff --git a/src/app/(admin)/admin/projects/page.tsx b/src/app/(admin)/admin/projects/page.tsx
index 3739c61..142ae34 100644
--- a/src/app/(admin)/admin/projects/page.tsx
+++ b/src/app/(admin)/admin/projects/page.tsx
@@ -296,8 +296,8 @@ export default function ProjectsPage() {
   const [selectedProgramForTagging, setSelectedProgramForTagging] = useState<string>('')
   const [activeTaggingJobId, setActiveTaggingJobId] = useState<string | null>(null)
 
-  // Fetch programs and rounds for the AI tagging dialog
-  const { data: programs } = trpc.program.list.useQuery()
+  // Fetch programs and rounds for the AI tagging dialog + assign-to-round
+  const { data: programs } = trpc.program.list.useQuery({ includeStages: true })
 
   // Start tagging job mutation
   const startTaggingJob = trpc.tag.startTaggingJob.useMutation({
diff --git a/src/app/(admin)/admin/rounds/[roundId]/page.tsx b/src/app/(admin)/admin/rounds/[roundId]/page.tsx
index c6968f7..2ade8ef 100644
--- a/src/app/(admin)/admin/rounds/[roundId]/page.tsx
+++ b/src/app/(admin)/admin/rounds/[roundId]/page.tsx
@@ -13,7 +13,6 @@ import { Tabs, TabsContent, TabsList, TabsTrigger } from '@/components/ui/tabs'
 import { Skeleton } from '@/components/ui/skeleton'
 import { Badge } from '@/components/ui/badge'
 import { Input } from '@/components/ui/input'
-import { Switch } from '@/components/ui/switch'
 import { Label } from '@/components/ui/label'
 import {
   DropdownMenu,
@@ -77,6 +76,7 @@ import {
   Trash2,
   ArrowRight,
   RotateCcw,
+  ListChecks,
 } from 'lucide-react'
 import {
   Tooltip,
@@ -116,7 +116,11 @@ import { AIRecommendationsDisplay } from '@/components/admin/round/ai-recommenda
 import { EvaluationCriteriaEditor } from '@/components/admin/round/evaluation-criteria-editor'
 import { COIReviewSection } from '@/components/admin/assignment/coi-review-section'
 import { ConfigSectionHeader } from '@/components/admin/rounds/config/config-section-header'
+import { NotifyAdvancedButton } from '@/components/admin/round/notify-advanced-button'
+import { NotifyRejectedButton } from '@/components/admin/round/notify-rejected-button'
+import { BulkInviteButton } from '@/components/admin/round/bulk-invite-button'
 import { AdvancementSummaryCard } from '@/components/admin/round/advancement-summary-card'
+import { FinalizationTab } from '@/components/admin/round/finalization-tab'
 
 // ── Helpers ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
@@ -265,6 +269,20 @@ export default function RoundDetailPage() {
     }
   }, [juryWorkload])
 
+  // Auto-select finalization tab when round is closed and not yet finalized
+  const finalizationAutoSelected = useRef(false)
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (
+      round &&
+      !finalizationAutoSelected.current &&
+      round.status === 'ROUND_CLOSED' &&
+      !round.finalizedAt
+    ) {
+      finalizationAutoSelected.current = true
+      setActiveTab('finalization')
+    }
+  }, [round])
+
   // ── Mutations ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
   const updateMutation = trpc.round.update.useMutation({
     onSuccess: () => {
@@ -291,12 +309,12 @@ export default function RoundDetailPage() {
   const closeMutation = trpc.roundEngine.close.useMutation({
     onSuccess: () => {
       utils.round.getById.invalidate({ id: roundId })
-      toast.success('Round closed')
-      if (closeAndAdvance) {
-        setCloseAndAdvance(false)
-        // Small delay to let cache invalidation complete before opening dialog
-        setTimeout(() => setAdvanceDialogOpen(true), 300)
-      }
+      utils.roundEngine.getProjectStates.invalidate({ roundId })
+      utils.roundEngine.getFinalizationSummary.invalidate({ roundId })
+      toast.success('Round closed — use the Finalization tab to review and advance projects')
+      setCloseAndAdvance(false)
+      // Auto-switch to finalization tab
+      setActiveTab('finalization')
     },
     onError: (err) => {
       setCloseAndAdvance(false)
@@ -308,6 +326,7 @@ export default function RoundDetailPage() {
     onSuccess: (data) => {
       utils.round.getById.invalidate({ id: roundId })
       utils.roundEngine.getProjectStates.invalidate({ roundId })
+      utils.roundEngine.getFinalizationSummary.invalidate({ roundId })
       const msg = data.pausedRounds?.length
         ? `Round reopened. Paused: ${data.pausedRounds.join(', ')}`
         : 'Round reopened'
@@ -319,6 +338,8 @@ export default function RoundDetailPage() {
   const archiveMutation = trpc.roundEngine.archive.useMutation({
     onSuccess: () => {
       utils.round.getById.invalidate({ id: roundId })
+      utils.roundEngine.getProjectStates.invalidate({ roundId })
+      utils.roundEngine.getFinalizationSummary.invalidate({ roundId })
       toast.success('Round archived')
     },
     onError: (err) => toast.error(err.message),
@@ -495,6 +516,7 @@ export default function RoundDetailPage() {
   const hasJury = ['EVALUATION', 'LIVE_FINAL', 'DELIBERATION'].includes(round?.roundType ?? '')
   const hasAwards = roundAwards.length > 0
   const isSimpleAdvance = ['INTAKE', 'SUBMISSION', 'MENTORING'].includes(round?.roundType ?? '')
+  const showFinalization = ['ROUND_CLOSED', 'ROUND_ARCHIVED'].includes(round?.status ?? '')
 
   const poolLink = `/admin/projects?hasAssign=false&round=${roundId}` as Route
 
@@ -846,6 +868,7 @@ export default function RoundDetailPage() {
               ...(isEvaluation ? [{ value: 'assignments', label: 'Assignments & Jury', icon: ClipboardList }] : []),
               ...(isEvaluation ? [{ value: 'ranking', label: 'Ranking', icon: BarChart3 }] : []),
               ...(hasJury && !isEvaluation ? [{ value: 'jury', label: 'Jury', icon: Users }] : []),
+              ...(showFinalization ? [{ value: 'finalization', label: 'Finalization', icon: ListChecks }] : []),
               { value: 'config', label: 'Config', icon: Settings },
               ...(hasAwards ? [{ value: 'awards', label: 'Awards', icon: Trophy }] : []),
             ].map((tab) => (
@@ -1166,49 +1189,54 @@ export default function RoundDetailPage() {
                       </div>
                     </button>
 
-                    {/* Advance projects (always visible when projects exist) */}
+                    {/* Advance projects — closed rounds go to Finalization tab, active rounds use old dialog */}
                     {projectCount > 0 && (
                       <button
-                        onClick={() => (isSimpleAdvance || passedCount > 0)
-                          ? setAdvanceDialogOpen(true)
-                          : toast.info('Mark projects as "Passed" first in the Projects tab')}
+                        onClick={() => {
+                          if (showFinalization) {
+                            setActiveTab('finalization')
+                          } else if (isSimpleAdvance || passedCount > 0) {
+                            setAdvanceDialogOpen(true)
+                          } else {
+                            toast.info('Mark projects as "Passed" first in the Projects tab')
+                          }
+                        }}
                         className={cn(
                           'flex items-start gap-3 p-4 rounded-lg border hover:-translate-y-0.5 hover:shadow-md transition-all text-left',
-                          (isSimpleAdvance || passedCount > 0)
+                          (showFinalization || isSimpleAdvance || passedCount > 0)
                             ? 'border-l-4 border-l-emerald-500 bg-emerald-50/30'
                             : 'border-dashed opacity-60',
                         )}
                       >
-                        <ArrowRight className={cn('h-5 w-5 mt-0.5 shrink-0', (isSimpleAdvance || passedCount > 0) ? 'text-emerald-600' : 'text-muted-foreground')} />
+                        <ArrowRight className={cn('h-5 w-5 mt-0.5 shrink-0', (showFinalization || isSimpleAdvance || passedCount > 0) ? 'text-emerald-600' : 'text-muted-foreground')} />
                         <div>
                           <p className="text-sm font-medium">Advance Projects</p>
                           <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground mt-0.5">
-                            {isSimpleAdvance
-                              ? `Advance all ${projectCount} project(s) to the next round`
-                              : passedCount > 0
-                                ? `Move ${passedCount} passed project(s) to the next round`
-                                : 'Mark projects as "Passed" first, then advance'}
+                            {showFinalization
+                              ? 'Review and confirm advancement in the Finalization tab'
+                              : isSimpleAdvance
+                                ? `Advance all ${projectCount} project(s) to the next round`
+                                : passedCount > 0
+                                  ? `Move ${passedCount} passed project(s) to the next round`
+                                  : 'Mark projects as "Passed" first, then advance'}
                           </p>
                         </div>
                         <Badge className="ml-auto shrink-0 bg-emerald-100 text-emerald-700 text-[10px]">{isSimpleAdvance ? projectCount : passedCount}</Badge>
                       </button>
                     )}
 
-                    {/* Close & Advance (active rounds with passed projects) */}
-                    {status === 'ROUND_ACTIVE' && passedCount > 0 && (
+                    {/* Close & Finalize (active rounds — closes round and opens finalization tab) */}
+                    {status === 'ROUND_ACTIVE' && projectCount > 0 && (
                       <button
-                        onClick={() => {
-                          setCloseAndAdvance(true)
-                          closeMutation.mutate({ roundId })
-                        }}
+                        onClick={() => closeMutation.mutate({ roundId })}
                         disabled={isTransitioning}
                         className="flex items-start gap-3 p-4 rounded-lg border border-l-4 border-l-purple-500 bg-purple-50/30 hover:-translate-y-0.5 hover:shadow-md transition-all text-left"
                       >
                         <Square className="h-5 w-5 text-purple-600 mt-0.5 shrink-0" />
                         <div>
-                          <p className="text-sm font-medium">Close & Advance</p>
+                          <p className="text-sm font-medium">Close & Finalize</p>
                           <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground mt-0.5">
-                            Close this round and advance {passedCount} passed project(s) to the next round
+                            Close this round and review outcomes in the Finalization tab
                           </p>
                         </div>
                       </button>
@@ -1289,12 +1317,24 @@ export default function RoundDetailPage() {
                     </div>
                   </div>
                 )}
+
+                {/* Notifications Group */}
+                {projectCount > 0 && (
+                  <div>
+                    <p className="text-[11px] font-semibold uppercase tracking-wider text-muted-foreground mb-2">Notifications</p>
+                    <div className="grid gap-3 sm:grid-cols-2 lg:grid-cols-3">
+                      <NotifyAdvancedButton roundId={roundId} />
+                      <NotifyRejectedButton roundId={roundId} />
+                      <BulkInviteButton roundId={roundId} />
+                    </div>
+                  </div>
+                )}
               </CardContent>
             </Card>
           </AnimatedCard>
 
-          {/* Advance Projects Dialog */}
-          <AdvanceProjectsDialog
+          {/* Advance Projects Dialog — only for active rounds; closed rounds use Finalization tab */}
+          {!showFinalization && <AdvanceProjectsDialog
             open={advanceDialogOpen}
             onOpenChange={setAdvanceDialogOpen}
             roundId={roundId}
@@ -1309,7 +1349,7 @@ export default function RoundDetailPage() {
               roundType: r.roundType,
             }))}
             currentSortOrder={round?.sortOrder}
-          />
+          />}
 
           {/* AI Shortlist Confirmation Dialog */}
           <AlertDialog open={shortlistDialogOpen} onOpenChange={setShortlistDialogOpen}>
@@ -1435,10 +1475,17 @@ export default function RoundDetailPage() {
 
         {/* ═══════════ PROJECTS TAB ═══════════ */}
         <TabsContent value="projects" className="space-y-4">
-          <ProjectStatesTable competitionId={competitionId} roundId={roundId} onAssignProjects={() => {
-            setActiveTab('assignments')
-            setTimeout(() => setPreviewSheetOpen(true), 100)
-          }} />
+          <ProjectStatesTable
+            competitionId={competitionId}
+            roundId={roundId}
+            roundStatus={round?.status}
+            competitionRounds={competition?.rounds}
+            currentSortOrder={round?.sortOrder}
+            onAssignProjects={() => {
+              setActiveTab('assignments')
+              setTimeout(() => setPreviewSheetOpen(true), 100)
+            }}
+          />
         </TabsContent>
 
         {/* ═══════════ FILTERING TAB ═══════════ */}
@@ -2059,6 +2106,13 @@ export default function RoundDetailPage() {
           </TabsContent>
         )}
 
+        {/* ═══════════ FINALIZATION TAB ═══════════ */}
+        {showFinalization && (
+          <TabsContent value="finalization" className="space-y-4">
+            <FinalizationTab roundId={roundId} roundStatus={round.status} />
+          </TabsContent>
+        )}
+
         {/* ═══════════ CONFIG TAB ═══════════ */}
         <TabsContent value="config" className="space-y-6">
           {/* Round Dates */}
@@ -2123,42 +2177,6 @@ export default function RoundDetailPage() {
               />
             </CardHeader>
             <CardContent className="space-y-0 pt-0">
-              <div className="flex items-center justify-between p-4 rounded-md">
-                <div className="space-y-0.5">
-                  <Label htmlFor="notify-on-entry" className="text-sm font-medium">
-                    Notify on round entry
-                  </Label>
-                  <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground">
-                    Send an automated email to project applicants when their project enters this round
-                  </p>
-                </div>
-                <Switch
-                  id="notify-on-entry"
-                  checked={!!config.notifyOnEntry}
-                  onCheckedChange={(checked) => {
-                    handleConfigChange({ ...config, notifyOnEntry: checked })
-                  }}
-                />
-              </div>
-
-              <div className="flex items-center justify-between p-4 rounded-md bg-muted/30">
-                <div className="space-y-0.5">
-                  <Label htmlFor="notify-on-advance" className="text-sm font-medium">
-                    Notify on advance
-                  </Label>
-                  <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground">
-                    Send an email to project applicants when their project advances from this round to the next
-                  </p>
-                </div>
-                <Switch
-                  id="notify-on-advance"
-                  checked={!!config.notifyOnAdvance}
-                  onCheckedChange={(checked) => {
-                    handleConfigChange({ ...config, notifyOnAdvance: checked })
-                  }}
-                />
-              </div>
-
               {(isEvaluation || isFiltering) && (
               <div className="border-t mt-2 pt-4 px-4 pb-2 bg-[#053d57]/[0.03] rounded-b-lg -mx-6 -mb-6 p-6">
                 <Label className="text-sm font-medium">Advancement Targets</Label>
diff --git a/src/app/(applicant)/applicant/page.tsx b/src/app/(applicant)/applicant/page.tsx
index 0da9ea6..b6b0509 100644
--- a/src/app/(applicant)/applicant/page.tsx
+++ b/src/app/(applicant)/applicant/page.tsx
@@ -13,14 +13,14 @@ import {
   CardTitle,
 } from '@/components/ui/card'
 import { Skeleton } from '@/components/ui/skeleton'
-import { Alert, AlertDescription, AlertTitle } from '@/components/ui/alert'
 import { StatusTracker } from '@/components/shared/status-tracker'
 import { CompetitionTimelineSidebar } from '@/components/applicant/competition-timeline'
+import { WithdrawButton } from '@/components/applicant/withdraw-button'
+import { MentoringRequestCard } from '@/components/applicant/mentoring-request-card'
 import { AnimatedCard } from '@/components/shared/animated-container'
 import {
   FileText,
   Calendar,
-  Clock,
   CheckCircle,
   Users,
   Crown,
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ const statusColors: Record<string, 'default' | 'success' | 'secondary' | 'destru
 }
 
 export default function ApplicantDashboardPage() {
-  const { status: sessionStatus } = useSession()
+  const { data: session, status: sessionStatus } = useSession()
   const isAuthenticated = sessionStatus === 'authenticated'
 
   const { data, isLoading } = trpc.applicant.getMyDashboard.useQuery(undefined, {
@@ -112,7 +112,6 @@ export default function ApplicantDashboardPage() {
   }
 
   const { project, timeline, currentStatus, openRounds, hasPassedIntake } = data
-  const isDraft = !project.submittedAt
   const programYear = project.program?.year
   const programName = project.program?.name
   const totalEvaluations = evaluations?.reduce((sum, r) => sum + r.evaluationCount, 0) ?? 0
@@ -121,32 +120,34 @@ export default function ApplicantDashboardPage() {
     <div className="space-y-6">
       {/* Header */}
       <div className="flex items-start justify-between flex-wrap gap-4">
-        <div>
-          <div className="flex items-center gap-3">
-            <h1 className="text-2xl font-semibold tracking-tight">{project.title}</h1>
-            {currentStatus && (
-              <Badge variant={statusColors[currentStatus] || 'secondary'}>
-                {currentStatus.replace('_', ' ')}
-              </Badge>
+        <div className="flex items-center gap-4">
+          {/* Project logo */}
+          <div className="shrink-0 h-14 w-14 rounded-xl border bg-muted/50 flex items-center justify-center overflow-hidden">
+            {data.logoUrl ? (
+              <img src={data.logoUrl} alt={project.title} className="h-full w-full object-cover" />
+            ) : (
+              <FileText className="h-7 w-7 text-muted-foreground/60" />
             )}
           </div>
-          <p className="text-muted-foreground">
-            {programYear ? `${programYear} Edition` : ''}{programName ? ` - ${programName}` : ''}
-          </p>
+          <div>
+            <div className="flex items-center gap-3">
+              <h1 className="text-2xl font-semibold tracking-tight">{project.title}</h1>
+              {currentStatus && (
+                <Badge variant={statusColors[currentStatus] || 'secondary'}>
+                  {currentStatus.replace('_', ' ')}
+                </Badge>
+              )}
+            </div>
+            <p className="text-muted-foreground">
+              {programYear ? `${programYear} Edition` : ''}{programName ? ` - ${programName}` : ''}
+            </p>
+          </div>
         </div>
+        {project.isTeamLead && currentStatus !== 'REJECTED' && (currentStatus as string) !== 'WINNER' && (
+          <WithdrawButton projectId={project.id} />
+        )}
       </div>
 
-      {/* Draft warning */}
-      {isDraft && (
-        <Alert>
-          <Clock className="h-4 w-4" />
-          <AlertTitle>Draft Submission</AlertTitle>
-          <AlertDescription>
-            This submission has not been submitted yet. You can continue editing and submit when ready.
-          </AlertDescription>
-        </Alert>
-      )}
-
       <div className="grid gap-6 lg:grid-cols-3">
         {/* Main content */}
         <div className="lg:col-span-2 space-y-6">
@@ -205,16 +206,11 @@ export default function ApplicantDashboardPage() {
                   <Calendar className="h-4 w-4" />
                   Created {new Date(project.createdAt).toLocaleDateString()}
                 </div>
-                {project.submittedAt ? (
+                {project.submittedAt && (
                   <div className="flex items-center gap-1">
                     <CheckCircle className="h-4 w-4 text-green-500" />
                     Submitted {new Date(project.submittedAt).toLocaleDateString()}
                   </div>
-                ) : (
-                  <div className="flex items-center gap-1">
-                    <Clock className="h-4 w-4 text-orange-500" />
-                    Draft
-                  </div>
                 )}
                 <div className="flex items-center gap-1">
                   <FileText className="h-4 w-4" />
@@ -310,23 +306,25 @@ export default function ApplicantDashboardPage() {
           <AnimatedCard index={3}>
           <Card>
             <CardHeader>
-              <CardTitle>
-                {hasPassedIntake ? 'Competition Progress' : 'Status Timeline'}
-              </CardTitle>
+              <CardTitle>Status Timeline</CardTitle>
             </CardHeader>
             <CardContent>
-              {hasPassedIntake ? (
-                <CompetitionTimelineSidebar />
-              ) : (
-                <StatusTracker
-                  timeline={timeline}
-                  currentStatus={currentStatus || 'SUBMITTED'}
-                />
-              )}
+              <CompetitionTimelineSidebar />
             </CardContent>
           </Card>
           </AnimatedCard>
 
+          {/* Mentoring Request Card — show when there's an active MENTORING round */}
+          {project.isTeamLead && openRounds.filter((r) => r.roundType === 'MENTORING').map((mentoringRound) => (
+            <AnimatedCard key={mentoringRound.id} index={4}>
+              <MentoringRequestCard
+                projectId={project.id}
+                roundId={mentoringRound.id}
+                roundName={mentoringRound.name}
+              />
+            </AnimatedCard>
+          ))}
+
           {/* Jury Feedback Card */}
           {totalEvaluations > 0 && (
             <AnimatedCard index={4}>
diff --git a/src/app/(applicant)/applicant/team/page.tsx b/src/app/(applicant)/applicant/team/page.tsx
index d07cd0b..953e163 100644
--- a/src/app/(applicant)/applicant/team/page.tsx
+++ b/src/app/(applicant)/applicant/team/page.tsx
@@ -48,7 +48,10 @@ import {
 } from '@/components/ui/alert-dialog'
 import { CountrySelect } from '@/components/ui/country-select'
 import { Checkbox as CheckboxPrimitive } from '@/components/ui/checkbox'
+import { ProjectLogoUpload } from '@/components/shared/project-logo-upload'
+import { UserAvatar } from '@/components/shared/user-avatar'
 import {
+  FolderOpen,
   Users,
   UserPlus,
   Crown,
@@ -59,7 +62,14 @@ import {
   CheckCircle,
   Clock,
   FileText,
+  ImageIcon,
+  MapPin,
+  Waves,
+  GraduationCap,
+  Heart,
+  Calendar,
 } from 'lucide-react'
+import { formatDateOnly } from '@/lib/utils'
 
 const inviteSchema = z.object({
   name: z.string().min(1, 'Name is required'),
@@ -86,7 +96,21 @@ const statusLabels: Record<string, { label: string; icon: React.ComponentType<{
   SUSPENDED: { label: 'Suspended', icon: AlertCircle },
 }
 
-export default function ApplicantTeamPage() {
+const OCEAN_ISSUE_LABELS: Record<string, string> = {
+  POLLUTION_REDUCTION: 'Pollution Reduction',
+  CLIMATE_MITIGATION: 'Climate Mitigation',
+  TECHNOLOGY_INNOVATION: 'Technology Innovation',
+  SUSTAINABLE_SHIPPING: 'Sustainable Shipping',
+  BLUE_CARBON: 'Blue Carbon',
+  HABITAT_RESTORATION: 'Habitat Restoration',
+  COMMUNITY_CAPACITY: 'Community Capacity',
+  SUSTAINABLE_FISHING: 'Sustainable Fishing',
+  CONSUMER_AWARENESS: 'Consumer Awareness',
+  OCEAN_ACIDIFICATION: 'Ocean Acidification',
+  OTHER: 'Other',
+}
+
+export default function ApplicantProjectPage() {
   const { data: session, status: sessionStatus } = useSession()
   const isAuthenticated = sessionStatus === 'authenticated'
   const [isInviteOpen, setIsInviteOpen] = useState(false)
@@ -96,13 +120,20 @@ export default function ApplicantTeamPage() {
     { enabled: isAuthenticated }
   )
 
-  const projectId = dashboardData?.project?.id
+  const project = dashboardData?.project
+  const projectId = project?.id
+  const isIntakeOpen = dashboardData?.isIntakeOpen ?? false
 
   const { data: teamData, isLoading: teamLoading, refetch } = trpc.applicant.getTeamMembers.useQuery(
     { projectId: projectId! },
     { enabled: !!projectId }
   )
 
+  const { data: logoUrl, refetch: refetchLogo } = trpc.applicant.getProjectLogoUrl.useQuery(
+    { projectId: projectId! },
+    { enabled: !!projectId }
+  )
+
   const inviteMutation = trpc.applicant.inviteTeamMember.useMutation({
     onSuccess: (result) => {
       if (result.requiresAccountSetup) {
@@ -180,18 +211,18 @@ export default function ApplicantTeamPage() {
     )
   }
 
-  if (!projectId) {
+  if (!projectId || !project) {
     return (
       <div className="space-y-6">
         <div>
-          <h1 className="text-2xl font-semibold tracking-tight">Team</h1>
+          <h1 className="text-2xl font-semibold tracking-tight">Project</h1>
         </div>
         <Card>
           <CardContent className="flex flex-col items-center justify-center py-12">
             <FileText className="h-12 w-12 text-muted-foreground/50 mb-4" />
             <h2 className="text-xl font-semibold mb-2">No Project</h2>
             <p className="text-muted-foreground text-center">
-              Submit a project first to manage your team.
+              Submit a project first to view details.
             </p>
           </CardContent>
         </Card>
@@ -210,159 +241,297 @@ export default function ApplicantTeamPage() {
   return (
     <div className="space-y-6">
       {/* Header */}
-      <div className="flex items-center justify-between">
+      <div className="flex items-center gap-4">
+        {/* Project logo */}
+        <div className="shrink-0 h-14 w-14 rounded-xl border bg-muted/50 flex items-center justify-center overflow-hidden">
+          {logoUrl ? (
+            <img src={logoUrl} alt={project.title} className="h-full w-full object-cover" />
+          ) : (
+            <FolderOpen className="h-7 w-7 text-muted-foreground/60" />
+          )}
+        </div>
         <div>
-          <h1 className="text-2xl font-semibold tracking-tight flex items-center gap-2">
-            <Users className="h-6 w-6" />
-            Team Members
+          <h1 className="text-2xl font-semibold tracking-tight">
+            {project.title}
           </h1>
           <p className="text-muted-foreground">
-            Manage your project team
+            {project.teamName ? `Team: ${project.teamName}` : 'Project details and team management'}
           </p>
         </div>
-
-        {isTeamLead && (
-          <Dialog open={isInviteOpen} onOpenChange={setIsInviteOpen}>
-            <DialogTrigger asChild>
-              <Button>
-                <UserPlus className="mr-2 h-4 w-4" />
-                Invite Member
-              </Button>
-            </DialogTrigger>
-            <DialogContent>
-              <DialogHeader>
-                <DialogTitle>Invite Team Member</DialogTitle>
-                <DialogDescription>
-                  Send an invitation to join your project team. They will receive an email
-                  with instructions to create their account.
-                </DialogDescription>
-              </DialogHeader>
-              <form onSubmit={form.handleSubmit(onInvite)} className="space-y-4">
-                <div className="space-y-2">
-                  <Label htmlFor="name">Full Name</Label>
-                  <Input
-                    id="name"
-                    placeholder="Jane Doe"
-                    {...form.register('name')}
-                  />
-                  {form.formState.errors.name && (
-                    <p className="text-sm text-destructive">
-                      {form.formState.errors.name.message}
-                    </p>
-                  )}
-                </div>
-                <div className="space-y-2">
-                  <Label htmlFor="email">Email Address</Label>
-                  <Input
-                    id="email"
-                    type="email"
-                    placeholder="jane@example.com"
-                    {...form.register('email')}
-                  />
-                  {form.formState.errors.email && (
-                    <p className="text-sm text-destructive">
-                      {form.formState.errors.email.message}
-                    </p>
-                  )}
-                </div>
-                <div className="grid grid-cols-2 gap-4">
-                  <div className="space-y-2">
-                    <Label htmlFor="role">Role</Label>
-                    <Select
-                      value={form.watch('role')}
-                      onValueChange={(value) => form.setValue('role', value as 'MEMBER' | 'ADVISOR')}
-                    >
-                      <SelectTrigger>
-                        <SelectValue placeholder="Select role" />
-                      </SelectTrigger>
-                      <SelectContent>
-                        <SelectItem value="MEMBER">Team Member</SelectItem>
-                        <SelectItem value="ADVISOR">Advisor</SelectItem>
-                      </SelectContent>
-                    </Select>
-                  </div>
-                  <div className="space-y-2">
-                    <Label htmlFor="title">Title (optional)</Label>
-                    <Input
-                      id="title"
-                      placeholder="CTO, Designer..."
-                      {...form.register('title')}
-                    />
-                  </div>
-                </div>
-                <div className="grid grid-cols-2 gap-4">
-                  <div className="space-y-2">
-                    <Label>Nationality</Label>
-                    <CountrySelect
-                      value={form.watch('nationality') || ''}
-                      onChange={(v) => form.setValue('nationality', v)}
-                      placeholder="Select nationality"
-                    />
-                  </div>
-                  <div className="space-y-2">
-                    <Label>Country of Residence</Label>
-                    <CountrySelect
-                      value={form.watch('country') || ''}
-                      onChange={(v) => form.setValue('country', v)}
-                      placeholder="Select country"
-                    />
-                  </div>
-                </div>
-                <div className="space-y-2">
-                  <Label htmlFor="institution">Institution (optional)</Label>
-                  <Input
-                    id="institution"
-                    placeholder="e.g., Ocean Research Institute"
-                    {...form.register('institution')}
-                  />
-                </div>
-                <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
-                  <CheckboxPrimitive
-                    id="sendInvite"
-                    checked={form.watch('sendInvite')}
-                    onCheckedChange={(checked) => form.setValue('sendInvite', !!checked)}
-                  />
-                  <Label htmlFor="sendInvite" className="text-sm font-normal cursor-pointer">
-                    Send platform invite email
-                  </Label>
-                </div>
-                <div className="rounded-lg bg-muted/50 border p-3 text-sm">
-                  <p className="font-medium mb-1">What invited members can do:</p>
-                  <ul className="list-disc list-inside space-y-1 text-muted-foreground">
-                    <li>Upload documents for submission rounds</li>
-                    <li>View project status and competition progress</li>
-                    <li>Receive email notifications about round updates</li>
-                  </ul>
-                  <p className="mt-2 text-muted-foreground">Only the Team Lead can invite or remove members.</p>
-                </div>
-                <DialogFooter>
-                  <Button
-                    type="button"
-                    variant="outline"
-                    onClick={() => setIsInviteOpen(false)}
-                  >
-                    Cancel
-                  </Button>
-                  <Button type="submit" disabled={inviteMutation.isPending}>
-                    {inviteMutation.isPending && (
-                      <Loader2 className="mr-2 h-4 w-4 animate-spin" />
-                    )}
-                    Send Invitation
-                  </Button>
-                </DialogFooter>
-              </form>
-            </DialogContent>
-          </Dialog>
-        )}
       </div>
 
+      {/* Project Details Card */}
+      <Card>
+        <CardHeader>
+          <div className="flex items-center justify-between">
+            <CardTitle className="flex items-center gap-2">
+              <FileText className="h-5 w-5" />
+              Project Information
+            </CardTitle>
+            {isIntakeOpen && (
+              <Badge variant="outline" className="text-amber-600 border-amber-200 bg-amber-50">
+                Editable during intake
+              </Badge>
+            )}
+          </div>
+        </CardHeader>
+        <CardContent className="space-y-4">
+          {/* Category & Ocean Issue badges */}
+          <div className="flex flex-wrap gap-2">
+            {project.competitionCategory && (
+              <Badge variant="outline" className="gap-1">
+                <GraduationCap className="h-3 w-3" />
+                {project.competitionCategory === 'STARTUP' ? 'Start-up' : 'Business Concept'}
+              </Badge>
+            )}
+            {project.oceanIssue && (
+              <Badge variant="outline" className="gap-1">
+                <Waves className="h-3 w-3" />
+                {OCEAN_ISSUE_LABELS[project.oceanIssue] || project.oceanIssue.replace(/_/g, ' ')}
+              </Badge>
+            )}
+            {project.wantsMentorship && (
+              <Badge variant="outline" className="gap-1 text-pink-600 border-pink-200 bg-pink-50">
+                <Heart className="h-3 w-3" />
+                Wants Mentorship
+              </Badge>
+            )}
+          </div>
+
+          {/* Description */}
+          {project.description && (
+            <div>
+              <p className="text-sm font-medium text-muted-foreground mb-1">Description</p>
+              <p className="text-sm whitespace-pre-wrap">{project.description}</p>
+            </div>
+          )}
+
+          {/* Location, Institution, Founded */}
+          <div className="grid gap-4 sm:grid-cols-2">
+            {(project.country || project.geographicZone) && (
+              <div className="flex items-start gap-2">
+                <MapPin className="h-4 w-4 text-muted-foreground mt-0.5" />
+                <div>
+                  <p className="text-sm font-medium text-muted-foreground">Location</p>
+                  <p className="text-sm">{project.geographicZone || project.country}</p>
+                </div>
+              </div>
+            )}
+            {project.institution && (
+              <div className="flex items-start gap-2">
+                <GraduationCap className="h-4 w-4 text-muted-foreground mt-0.5" />
+                <div>
+                  <p className="text-sm font-medium text-muted-foreground">Institution</p>
+                  <p className="text-sm">{project.institution}</p>
+                </div>
+              </div>
+            )}
+            {project.foundedAt && (
+              <div className="flex items-start gap-2">
+                <Calendar className="h-4 w-4 text-muted-foreground mt-0.5" />
+                <div>
+                  <p className="text-sm font-medium text-muted-foreground">Founded</p>
+                  <p className="text-sm">{formatDateOnly(project.foundedAt)}</p>
+                </div>
+              </div>
+            )}
+          </div>
+
+          {/* Mentor info */}
+          {project.mentorAssignment?.mentor && (
+            <div className="rounded-lg border p-3 bg-muted/50">
+              <p className="text-sm font-medium mb-1">Assigned Mentor</p>
+              <p className="text-sm text-muted-foreground">
+                {project.mentorAssignment.mentor.name} ({project.mentorAssignment.mentor.email})
+              </p>
+            </div>
+          )}
+
+          {/* Tags */}
+          {project.tags && project.tags.length > 0 && (
+            <div>
+              <p className="text-sm font-medium text-muted-foreground mb-1">Tags</p>
+              <div className="flex flex-wrap gap-1">
+                {project.tags.map((tag: string) => (
+                  <Badge key={tag} variant="secondary" className="text-xs">
+                    {tag}
+                  </Badge>
+                ))}
+              </div>
+            </div>
+          )}
+        </CardContent>
+      </Card>
+
+      {/* Project Logo */}
+      {isTeamLead && projectId && (
+        <Card>
+          <CardHeader>
+            <CardTitle className="flex items-center gap-2">
+              <ImageIcon className="h-5 w-5" />
+              Project Logo
+            </CardTitle>
+            <CardDescription>
+              Click the image to upload or change your project logo.
+            </CardDescription>
+          </CardHeader>
+          <CardContent className="flex justify-center">
+            <ProjectLogoUpload
+              projectId={projectId}
+              currentLogoUrl={logoUrl}
+              onUploadComplete={() => refetchLogo()}
+            />
+          </CardContent>
+        </Card>
+      )}
+
       {/* Team Members List */}
       <Card>
         <CardHeader>
-          <CardTitle>Team ({teamData?.teamMembers.length || 0} members)</CardTitle>
-          <CardDescription>
-            Everyone on this list can view and collaborate on this project.
-          </CardDescription>
+          <div className="flex items-center justify-between">
+            <div>
+              <CardTitle className="flex items-center gap-2">
+                <Users className="h-5 w-5" />
+                Team ({teamData?.teamMembers.length || 0} members)
+              </CardTitle>
+              <CardDescription>
+                Everyone on this list can view and collaborate on this project.
+              </CardDescription>
+            </div>
+            {isTeamLead && (
+              <Dialog open={isInviteOpen} onOpenChange={setIsInviteOpen}>
+                <DialogTrigger asChild>
+                  <Button size="sm">
+                    <UserPlus className="mr-2 h-4 w-4" />
+                    Invite
+                  </Button>
+                </DialogTrigger>
+                <DialogContent>
+                  <DialogHeader>
+                    <DialogTitle>Invite Team Member</DialogTitle>
+                    <DialogDescription>
+                      Send an invitation to join your project team. They will receive an email
+                      with instructions to create their account.
+                    </DialogDescription>
+                  </DialogHeader>
+                  <form onSubmit={form.handleSubmit(onInvite)} className="space-y-4">
+                    <div className="space-y-2">
+                      <Label htmlFor="name">Full Name</Label>
+                      <Input
+                        id="name"
+                        placeholder="Jane Doe"
+                        {...form.register('name')}
+                      />
+                      {form.formState.errors.name && (
+                        <p className="text-sm text-destructive">
+                          {form.formState.errors.name.message}
+                        </p>
+                      )}
+                    </div>
+                    <div className="space-y-2">
+                      <Label htmlFor="email">Email Address</Label>
+                      <Input
+                        id="email"
+                        type="email"
+                        placeholder="jane@example.com"
+                        {...form.register('email')}
+                      />
+                      {form.formState.errors.email && (
+                        <p className="text-sm text-destructive">
+                          {form.formState.errors.email.message}
+                        </p>
+                      )}
+                    </div>
+                    <div className="grid grid-cols-2 gap-4">
+                      <div className="space-y-2">
+                        <Label htmlFor="role">Role</Label>
+                        <Select
+                          value={form.watch('role')}
+                          onValueChange={(value) => form.setValue('role', value as 'MEMBER' | 'ADVISOR')}
+                        >
+                          <SelectTrigger>
+                            <SelectValue placeholder="Select role" />
+                          </SelectTrigger>
+                          <SelectContent>
+                            <SelectItem value="MEMBER">Team Member</SelectItem>
+                            <SelectItem value="ADVISOR">Advisor</SelectItem>
+                          </SelectContent>
+                        </Select>
+                      </div>
+                      <div className="space-y-2">
+                        <Label htmlFor="title">Title (optional)</Label>
+                        <Input
+                          id="title"
+                          placeholder="CTO, Designer..."
+                          {...form.register('title')}
+                        />
+                      </div>
+                    </div>
+                    <div className="grid grid-cols-2 gap-4">
+                      <div className="space-y-2">
+                        <Label>Nationality</Label>
+                        <CountrySelect
+                          value={form.watch('nationality') || ''}
+                          onChange={(v) => form.setValue('nationality', v)}
+                          placeholder="Select nationality"
+                        />
+                      </div>
+                      <div className="space-y-2">
+                        <Label>Country of Residence</Label>
+                        <CountrySelect
+                          value={form.watch('country') || ''}
+                          onChange={(v) => form.setValue('country', v)}
+                          placeholder="Select country"
+                        />
+                      </div>
+                    </div>
+                    <div className="space-y-2">
+                      <Label htmlFor="institution">Institution (optional)</Label>
+                      <Input
+                        id="institution"
+                        placeholder="e.g., Ocean Research Institute"
+                        {...form.register('institution')}
+                      />
+                    </div>
+                    <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
+                      <CheckboxPrimitive
+                        id="sendInvite"
+                        checked={form.watch('sendInvite')}
+                        onCheckedChange={(checked) => form.setValue('sendInvite', !!checked)}
+                      />
+                      <Label htmlFor="sendInvite" className="text-sm font-normal cursor-pointer">
+                        Send platform invite email
+                      </Label>
+                    </div>
+                    <div className="rounded-lg bg-muted/50 border p-3 text-sm">
+                      <p className="font-medium mb-1">What invited members can do:</p>
+                      <ul className="list-disc list-inside space-y-1 text-muted-foreground">
+                        <li>Upload documents for submission rounds</li>
+                        <li>View project status and competition progress</li>
+                        <li>Receive email notifications about round updates</li>
+                      </ul>
+                      <p className="mt-2 text-muted-foreground">Only the Team Lead can invite or remove members.</p>
+                    </div>
+                    <DialogFooter>
+                      <Button
+                        type="button"
+                        variant="outline"
+                        onClick={() => setIsInviteOpen(false)}
+                      >
+                        Cancel
+                      </Button>
+                      <Button type="submit" disabled={inviteMutation.isPending}>
+                        {inviteMutation.isPending && (
+                          <Loader2 className="mr-2 h-4 w-4 animate-spin" />
+                        )}
+                        Send Invitation
+                      </Button>
+                    </DialogFooter>
+                  </form>
+                </DialogContent>
+              </Dialog>
+            )}
+          </div>
         </CardHeader>
         <CardContent className="space-y-4">
           {teamData?.teamMembers.map((member) => {
@@ -374,13 +543,16 @@ export default function ApplicantTeamPage() {
                 className="flex items-center justify-between rounded-lg border p-4"
               >
                 <div className="flex items-center gap-4">
-                  <div className="flex h-10 w-10 items-center justify-center rounded-full bg-muted">
-                    {member.role === 'LEAD' ? (
-                      <Crown className="h-5 w-5 text-yellow-500" />
-                    ) : (
-                      <span className="text-sm font-medium">
-                        {member.user.name?.charAt(0).toUpperCase() || '?'}
-                      </span>
+                  <div className="relative">
+                    <UserAvatar
+                      user={member.user}
+                      avatarUrl={teamData?.avatarUrls?.[member.userId] || null}
+                      size="md"
+                    />
+                    {member.role === 'LEAD' && (
+                      <div className="absolute -top-1 -right-1 flex h-4 w-4 items-center justify-center rounded-full bg-yellow-100 ring-2 ring-white">
+                        <Crown className="h-2.5 w-2.5 text-yellow-600" />
+                      </div>
                     )}
                   </div>
                   <div>
@@ -455,25 +627,6 @@ export default function ApplicantTeamPage() {
           )}
         </CardContent>
       </Card>
-
-      {/* Team Documents - visible via applicant documents page */}
-
-      {/* Info Card */}
-      <Card className="bg-muted/50">
-        <CardContent className="p-4">
-          <div className="flex items-start gap-3">
-            <AlertCircle className="h-5 w-5 text-muted-foreground mt-0.5" />
-            <div className="text-sm text-muted-foreground">
-              <p className="font-medium text-foreground">About Team Access</p>
-              <p className="mt-1">
-                All team members can view project details and status updates.
-                Only the team lead can invite or remove team members.
-                Invited members will receive an email to set up their account.
-              </p>
-            </div>
-          </div>
-        </CardContent>
-      </Card>
     </div>
   )
 }
diff --git a/src/app/(auth)/accept-invite/page.tsx b/src/app/(auth)/accept-invite/page.tsx
index 7573c90..4deb163 100644
--- a/src/app/(auth)/accept-invite/page.tsx
+++ b/src/app/(auth)/accept-invite/page.tsx
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ import {
   CardTitle,
 } from '@/components/ui/card'
 import { Loader2, CheckCircle2, AlertCircle, XCircle, Clock } from 'lucide-react'
+import Image from 'next/image'
 import { trpc } from '@/lib/trpc/client'
 import { AnimatedCard } from '@/components/shared/animated-container'
 
@@ -179,13 +180,14 @@ function AcceptInviteContent() {
 
   // Valid invitation - show welcome
   const user = data?.user
+  const team = data?.team
   return (
     <AnimatedCard>
     <Card className="w-full max-w-md overflow-hidden">
       <div className="h-1 w-full bg-gradient-to-r from-brand-blue via-brand-teal to-brand-blue" />
       <CardHeader className="text-center">
-        <div className="mx-auto mb-4 flex h-12 w-12 items-center justify-center rounded-2xl bg-emerald-50">
-          <CheckCircle2 className="h-6 w-6 text-green-600" />
+        <div className="mx-auto mb-4 flex h-12 w-12 items-center justify-center rounded-xl bg-white shadow-sm border">
+          <Image src="/images/MOPC-blue-small.png" alt="MOPC" width={32} height={32} className="object-contain" />
         </div>
         <CardTitle className="text-xl">
           {user?.name ? `Welcome, ${user.name}!` : 'Welcome!'}
@@ -196,6 +198,14 @@ function AcceptInviteContent() {
         </CardDescription>
       </CardHeader>
       <CardContent className="space-y-4">
+        {team?.projectTitle && (
+          <div className="rounded-md border border-blue-200 bg-blue-50 p-3 text-center">
+            <p className="text-sm text-blue-700">
+              You&apos;ve been invited to join the team for
+            </p>
+            <p className="font-semibold text-blue-900">&ldquo;{team.projectTitle}&rdquo;</p>
+          </div>
+        )}
         {user?.email && (
           <div className="rounded-md bg-muted/50 p-3 text-center">
             <p className="text-sm text-muted-foreground">Signing in as</p>
diff --git a/src/app/(auth)/onboarding/applicant-wizard.tsx b/src/app/(auth)/onboarding/applicant-wizard.tsx
index d426d22..1aa9976 100644
--- a/src/app/(auth)/onboarding/applicant-wizard.tsx
+++ b/src/app/(auth)/onboarding/applicant-wizard.tsx
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 import { useState, useMemo, useEffect } from 'react'
 import { useRouter } from 'next/navigation'
+import Image from 'next/image'
 import { trpc } from '@/lib/trpc/client'
 import { Button } from '@/components/ui/button'
 import { Input } from '@/components/ui/input'
@@ -39,8 +40,17 @@ import {
   Building2,
   Flag,
   ImageIcon,
+  Compass,
+  LayoutDashboard,
+  Upload,
+  ClipboardList,
+  Users,
+  Trophy,
+  BookOpen,
+  GraduationCap,
 } from 'lucide-react'
 import { AnimatedCard } from '@/components/shared/animated-container'
+import { UserAvatar } from '@/components/shared/user-avatar'
 
 type Step =
   | 'name'
@@ -51,6 +61,7 @@ type Step =
   | 'bio'
   | 'logo'
   | 'preferences'
+  | 'guide'
   | 'complete'
 
 type ApplicantWizardProps = {
@@ -136,7 +147,7 @@ export function ApplicantOnboardingWizard({
     if (onboardingCtx?.projectId) {
       base.push('logo')
     }
-    base.push('preferences', 'complete')
+    base.push('preferences', 'guide', 'complete')
     return base
   }, [onboardingCtx?.projectId])
 
@@ -191,6 +202,7 @@ export function ApplicantOnboardingWizard({
     bio: 'About',
     logo: 'Logo',
     preferences: 'Settings',
+    guide: 'Guide',
     complete: 'Done',
   }
 
@@ -203,11 +215,11 @@ export function ApplicantOnboardingWizard({
           {/* Progress indicator */}
           {step !== 'complete' && (
             <div className="px-6 pt-6">
-              <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
+              <div className="flex items-center gap-1">
                 {steps.slice(0, -1).map((s, i) => (
-                  <div key={s} className="flex items-center flex-1">
+                  <div key={s} className="flex-1 flex flex-col items-center gap-1">
                     <div
-                      className={`h-2 flex-1 rounded-full transition-colors ${
+                      className={`h-2 w-full rounded-full transition-colors ${
                         i < currentIndex
                           ? 'bg-primary'
                           : i === currentIndex
@@ -215,15 +227,9 @@ export function ApplicantOnboardingWizard({
                             : 'bg-muted'
                       }`}
                     />
-                  </div>
-                ))}
-              </div>
-              <div className="flex items-center gap-2 mt-1">
-                {steps.slice(0, -1).map((s, i) => (
-                  <div key={s} className="flex-1 text-center">
                     <span
                       className={cn(
-                        'text-[10px]',
+                        'text-[10px] leading-none',
                         i <= currentIndex ? 'text-primary font-medium' : 'text-muted-foreground'
                       )}
                     >
@@ -291,7 +297,16 @@ export function ApplicantOnboardingWizard({
                     }}
                     currentAvatarUrl={avatarUrl}
                     onUploadComplete={() => refetchUser()}
-                  />
+                  >
+                    <div className="cursor-pointer">
+                      <UserAvatar
+                        user={{ name: userData?.name, email: userData?.email }}
+                        avatarUrl={avatarUrl}
+                        size="2xl"
+                        showEditOverlay
+                      />
+                    </div>
+                  </AvatarUpload>
                 </div>
                 <p className="text-sm text-muted-foreground text-center">
                   Click the avatar to upload a new photo.
@@ -555,6 +570,83 @@ export function ApplicantOnboardingWizard({
                   </div>
                 </div>
 
+                <div className="flex gap-2">
+                  <Button variant="outline" onClick={goBack} className="flex-1">
+                    <ArrowLeft className="mr-2 h-4 w-4" />
+                    Back
+                  </Button>
+                  <Button onClick={goNext} className="flex-1">
+                    Continue
+                    <ArrowRight className="ml-2 h-4 w-4" />
+                  </Button>
+                </div>
+              </CardContent>
+            </>
+          )}
+
+          {/* Step: Portal Guide */}
+          {step === 'guide' && (
+            <>
+              <CardHeader>
+                <CardTitle className="flex items-center gap-2">
+                  <Compass className="h-5 w-5 text-primary" />
+                  Your Applicant Portal
+                </CardTitle>
+                <CardDescription>
+                  Here&apos;s what you can do through the MOPC Applicant Portal.
+                </CardDescription>
+              </CardHeader>
+              <CardContent className="space-y-4">
+                <div className="space-y-3">
+                  {[
+                    {
+                      icon: LayoutDashboard,
+                      title: 'Dashboard',
+                      desc: 'Overview of your project status, team, and upcoming deadlines.',
+                    },
+                    {
+                      icon: Upload,
+                      title: 'Documents',
+                      desc: 'Upload required files for each round and track submission progress.',
+                    },
+                    {
+                      icon: ClipboardList,
+                      title: 'Evaluations',
+                      desc: 'View anonymized jury feedback and scores for your project.',
+                    },
+                    {
+                      icon: Users,
+                      title: 'Team',
+                      desc: 'Manage your team members, invite collaborators, and update your project logo.',
+                    },
+                    {
+                      icon: Trophy,
+                      title: 'Competition',
+                      desc: 'Track your progress through competition rounds and milestones.',
+                    },
+                    {
+                      icon: GraduationCap,
+                      title: 'Mentorship',
+                      desc: 'Connect with your assigned mentor for guidance and support.',
+                    },
+                    {
+                      icon: BookOpen,
+                      title: 'Resources',
+                      desc: 'Access helpful materials, guides, and competition resources.',
+                    },
+                  ].map(({ icon: Icon, title, desc }) => (
+                    <div key={title} className="flex items-start gap-3 rounded-lg border p-3">
+                      <div className="rounded-md bg-primary/10 p-2 shrink-0">
+                        <Icon className="h-4 w-4 text-primary" />
+                      </div>
+                      <div>
+                        <p className="font-medium text-sm">{title}</p>
+                        <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground">{desc}</p>
+                      </div>
+                    </div>
+                  ))}
+                </div>
+
                 <div className="flex gap-2">
                   <Button variant="outline" onClick={goBack} className="flex-1">
                     <ArrowLeft className="mr-2 h-4 w-4" />
@@ -580,8 +672,8 @@ export function ApplicantOnboardingWizard({
           {/* Step: Complete */}
           {step === 'complete' && (
             <CardContent className="flex flex-col items-center justify-center py-12">
-              <div className="rounded-2xl bg-emerald-50 p-4 mb-4 animate-in zoom-in-50 duration-500">
-                <CheckCircle className="h-12 w-12 text-green-600" />
+              <div className="mb-4 animate-in zoom-in-50 duration-500">
+                <Image src="/images/MOPC-blue-small.png" alt="MOPC Logo" width={64} height={64} className="h-16 w-16" />
               </div>
               <h2 className="text-xl font-semibold mb-2 animate-in fade-in slide-in-from-bottom-2 duration-500 delay-200">
                 Welcome, {name}!
diff --git a/src/app/(auth)/set-password/page.tsx b/src/app/(auth)/set-password/page.tsx
index f04ccd1..d78463e 100644
--- a/src/app/(auth)/set-password/page.tsx
+++ b/src/app/(auth)/set-password/page.tsx
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ export default function SetPasswordPage() {
         } else if (session?.user?.role === 'SUPER_ADMIN' || session?.user?.role === 'PROGRAM_ADMIN') {
           router.push('/admin')
         } else if (session?.user?.role === 'APPLICANT') {
-          router.push('/applicant')
+          router.push('/onboarding')
         } else {
           router.push('/')
         }
@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@ export default function SetPasswordPage() {
         </CardHeader>
         <CardContent className="text-center">
           <p className="text-sm text-muted-foreground">
-            Redirecting you to the dashboard...
+            Redirecting you to onboarding...
           </p>
         </CardContent>
       </Card>
diff --git a/src/app/api/cron/process-grace-periods/route.ts b/src/app/api/cron/process-grace-periods/route.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..429baa3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/app/api/cron/process-grace-periods/route.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,47 @@
+import { NextResponse } from 'next/server'
+import type { NextRequest } from 'next/server'
+import { prisma } from '@/lib/prisma'
+import { processRoundClose } from '@/server/services/round-finalization'
+
+export async function GET(request: NextRequest): Promise<NextResponse> {
+  const cronSecret = request.headers.get('x-cron-secret')
+
+  if (!cronSecret || cronSecret !== process.env.CRON_SECRET) {
+    return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Unauthorized' }, { status: 401 })
+  }
+
+  try {
+    const now = new Date()
+
+    // Find rounds with expired grace periods that haven't been finalized
+    const expiredRounds = await prisma.round.findMany({
+      where: {
+        status: 'ROUND_CLOSED',
+        gracePeriodEndsAt: { lt: now },
+        finalizedAt: null,
+      },
+      select: { id: true, name: true },
+    })
+
+    const results: Array<{ roundId: string; roundName: string; processed: number }> = []
+
+    for (const round of expiredRounds) {
+      try {
+        const result = await processRoundClose(round.id, 'system-cron', prisma)
+        results.push({ roundId: round.id, roundName: round.name, processed: result.processed })
+      } catch (err) {
+        console.error(`[Cron] processRoundClose failed for round ${round.id}:`, err)
+      }
+    }
+
+    return NextResponse.json({
+      ok: true,
+      processedRounds: results.length,
+      results,
+      timestamp: now.toISOString(),
+    })
+  } catch (error) {
+    console.error('Cron grace period processing failed:', error)
+    return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Internal server error' }, { status: 500 })
+  }
+}
diff --git a/src/components/admin/round/bulk-invite-button.tsx b/src/components/admin/round/bulk-invite-button.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d7aaba9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/components/admin/round/bulk-invite-button.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,82 @@
+'use client'
+
+import { trpc } from '@/lib/trpc/client'
+import { toast } from 'sonner'
+import { UserPlus, Loader2 } from 'lucide-react'
+import {
+  AlertDialog,
+  AlertDialogAction,
+  AlertDialogCancel,
+  AlertDialogContent,
+  AlertDialogDescription,
+  AlertDialogFooter,
+  AlertDialogHeader,
+  AlertDialogTitle,
+  AlertDialogTrigger,
+} from '@/components/ui/alert-dialog'
+
+interface BulkInviteButtonProps {
+  roundId: string
+}
+
+export function BulkInviteButton({ roundId }: BulkInviteButtonProps) {
+  const preview = trpc.round.getBulkInvitePreview.useQuery({ roundId })
+  const inviteMutation = trpc.round.bulkInviteTeamMembers.useMutation({
+    onSuccess: (data) => {
+      toast.success(
+        `Invited ${data.invited} team member${data.invited !== 1 ? 's' : ''}${data.skipped ? ` (${data.skipped} already active/invited)` : ''}`
+      )
+      void preview.refetch()
+    },
+    onError: (err) => toast.error(err.message),
+  })
+
+  const uninvited = preview.data?.uninvitedCount ?? 0
+  if (uninvited === 0 && !preview.isLoading) return null
+
+  return (
+    <AlertDialog>
+      <AlertDialogTrigger asChild>
+        <button className="flex items-start gap-3 p-4 rounded-lg border border-l-4 border-l-blue-500 hover:-translate-y-0.5 hover:shadow-md transition-all text-left">
+          <UserPlus className="h-5 w-5 text-blue-600 mt-0.5 shrink-0" />
+          <div>
+            <p className="text-sm font-medium">Invite Team Members</p>
+            <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground mt-0.5">
+              {preview.isLoading
+                ? 'Checking...'
+                : `${uninvited} team member${uninvited !== 1 ? 's' : ''} need invitations`}
+            </p>
+          </div>
+        </button>
+      </AlertDialogTrigger>
+      <AlertDialogContent>
+        <AlertDialogHeader>
+          <AlertDialogTitle>Invite team members?</AlertDialogTitle>
+          <AlertDialogDescription>
+            This will send invitation emails to {uninvited} team member
+            {uninvited !== 1 ? 's' : ''} who haven&apos;t been invited yet.
+            {preview.data?.alreadyInvitedCount
+              ? ` (${preview.data.alreadyInvitedCount} already invited)`
+              : ''}
+          </AlertDialogDescription>
+        </AlertDialogHeader>
+        <AlertDialogFooter>
+          <AlertDialogCancel>Cancel</AlertDialogCancel>
+          <AlertDialogAction
+            onClick={() => inviteMutation.mutate({ roundId })}
+            disabled={inviteMutation.isPending}
+          >
+            {inviteMutation.isPending ? (
+              <>
+                <Loader2 className="h-4 w-4 mr-2 animate-spin" />
+                Sending...
+              </>
+            ) : (
+              `Send ${uninvited} Invitation${uninvited !== 1 ? 's' : ''}`
+            )}
+          </AlertDialogAction>
+        </AlertDialogFooter>
+      </AlertDialogContent>
+    </AlertDialog>
+  )
+}
diff --git a/src/components/admin/round/email-preview-dialog.tsx b/src/components/admin/round/email-preview-dialog.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..62d460e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/components/admin/round/email-preview-dialog.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,130 @@
+'use client'
+
+import { useState } from 'react'
+import {
+  Dialog,
+  DialogContent,
+  DialogDescription,
+  DialogFooter,
+  DialogHeader,
+  DialogTitle,
+} from '@/components/ui/dialog'
+import { Button } from '@/components/ui/button'
+import { Textarea } from '@/components/ui/textarea'
+import { Label } from '@/components/ui/label'
+import { Loader2, Mail, RefreshCw } from 'lucide-react'
+
+interface EmailPreviewDialogProps {
+  open: boolean
+  onOpenChange: (open: boolean) => void
+  title: string
+  description: string
+  recipientCount: number
+  previewHtml: string | undefined
+  isPreviewLoading: boolean
+  onSend: (customMessage?: string) => void
+  isSending: boolean
+  showCustomMessage?: boolean
+  onRefreshPreview?: (customMessage?: string) => void
+}
+
+export function EmailPreviewDialog({
+  open,
+  onOpenChange,
+  title,
+  description,
+  recipientCount,
+  previewHtml,
+  isPreviewLoading,
+  onSend,
+  isSending,
+  showCustomMessage = true,
+  onRefreshPreview,
+}: EmailPreviewDialogProps) {
+  const [customMessage, setCustomMessage] = useState('')
+
+  return (
+    <Dialog open={open} onOpenChange={onOpenChange}>
+      <DialogContent className="max-w-4xl max-h-[90vh] flex flex-col">
+        <DialogHeader>
+          <DialogTitle className="flex items-center gap-2">
+            <Mail className="h-5 w-5" />
+            {title}
+          </DialogTitle>
+          <DialogDescription>{description}</DialogDescription>
+        </DialogHeader>
+
+        <div className="flex-1 overflow-hidden grid grid-cols-1 md:grid-cols-2 gap-4 min-h-0">
+          {/* Left: Custom message */}
+          {showCustomMessage && (
+            <div className="space-y-3">
+              <Label>Custom Message (optional)</Label>
+              <Textarea
+                placeholder="Add a personal message to include in the email..."
+                value={customMessage}
+                onChange={(e) => setCustomMessage(e.target.value)}
+                className="min-h-[200px] resize-none"
+              />
+              {onRefreshPreview && (
+                <Button
+                  variant="outline"
+                  size="sm"
+                  onClick={() => onRefreshPreview(customMessage || undefined)}
+                  disabled={isPreviewLoading}
+                >
+                  <RefreshCw className="h-3.5 w-3.5 mr-1.5" />
+                  Refresh Preview
+                </Button>
+              )}
+            </div>
+          )}
+
+          {/* Right: Email preview */}
+          <div className="border rounded-lg overflow-hidden bg-gray-50">
+            <div className="px-3 py-1.5 bg-gray-100 border-b text-xs text-muted-foreground font-medium">
+              Email Preview
+            </div>
+            {isPreviewLoading ? (
+              <div className="flex items-center justify-center h-[300px]">
+                <Loader2 className="h-6 w-6 animate-spin text-muted-foreground" />
+              </div>
+            ) : previewHtml ? (
+              <iframe
+                srcDoc={previewHtml}
+                sandbox="allow-same-origin"
+                className="w-full h-[400px] border-0"
+                title="Email Preview"
+              />
+            ) : (
+              <div className="flex items-center justify-center h-[300px] text-sm text-muted-foreground">
+                No preview available
+              </div>
+            )}
+          </div>
+        </div>
+
+        <DialogFooter className="mt-4">
+          <Button variant="outline" onClick={() => onOpenChange(false)} disabled={isSending}>
+            Cancel
+          </Button>
+          <Button
+            onClick={() => onSend(customMessage || undefined)}
+            disabled={isSending || recipientCount === 0}
+          >
+            {isSending ? (
+              <>
+                <Loader2 className="h-4 w-4 mr-2 animate-spin" />
+                Sending...
+              </>
+            ) : (
+              <>
+                <Mail className="h-4 w-4 mr-2" />
+                Send to {recipientCount} recipient{recipientCount !== 1 ? 's' : ''}
+              </>
+            )}
+          </Button>
+        </DialogFooter>
+      </DialogContent>
+    </Dialog>
+  )
+}
diff --git a/src/components/admin/round/finalization-tab.tsx b/src/components/admin/round/finalization-tab.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bc9eeb5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/components/admin/round/finalization-tab.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,665 @@
+'use client'
+
+import { useState, useMemo } from 'react'
+import { trpc } from '@/lib/trpc/client'
+import { toast } from 'sonner'
+import { Button } from '@/components/ui/button'
+import { Card, CardContent, CardHeader, CardTitle } from '@/components/ui/card'
+import { Badge } from '@/components/ui/badge'
+import { Input } from '@/components/ui/input'
+import { Textarea } from '@/components/ui/textarea'
+import {
+  Select,
+  SelectContent,
+  SelectItem,
+  SelectTrigger,
+  SelectValue,
+} from '@/components/ui/select'
+import {
+  AlertDialog,
+  AlertDialogAction,
+  AlertDialogCancel,
+  AlertDialogContent,
+  AlertDialogDescription,
+  AlertDialogFooter,
+  AlertDialogHeader,
+  AlertDialogTitle,
+  AlertDialogTrigger,
+} from '@/components/ui/alert-dialog'
+import { Checkbox } from '@/components/ui/checkbox'
+import { Skeleton } from '@/components/ui/skeleton'
+import {
+  Clock,
+  CheckCircle2,
+  AlertTriangle,
+  ArrowRight,
+  Loader2,
+  Search,
+  ChevronDown,
+  ChevronRight,
+  Mail,
+  Send,
+} from 'lucide-react'
+import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
+import { projectStateConfig } from '@/lib/round-config'
+
+// ── Types ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+interface FinalizationTabProps {
+  roundId: string
+  roundStatus: string
+}
+
+type ProposedOutcome = 'PASSED' | 'REJECTED'
+
+const stateColors: Record<string, string> = Object.fromEntries(
+  Object.entries(projectStateConfig).map(([k, v]) => [k, v.bg])
+)
+
+const stateLabelColors: Record<string, string> = {
+  PENDING: 'bg-gray-100 text-gray-700',
+  IN_PROGRESS: 'bg-blue-100 text-blue-700',
+  COMPLETED: 'bg-indigo-100 text-indigo-700',
+  PASSED: 'bg-green-100 text-green-700',
+  REJECTED: 'bg-red-100 text-red-700',
+  WITHDRAWN: 'bg-yellow-100 text-yellow-700',
+}
+
+// ── Main Component ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+export function FinalizationTab({ roundId, roundStatus }: FinalizationTabProps) {
+  const utils = trpc.useUtils()
+
+  const { data: summary, isLoading } = trpc.roundEngine.getFinalizationSummary.useQuery(
+    { roundId },
+  )
+
+  const [search, setSearch] = useState('')
+  const [filterOutcome, setFilterOutcome] = useState<'all' | 'PASSED' | 'REJECTED' | 'none'>('all')
+  const [selectedIds, setSelectedIds] = useState<Set<string>>(new Set())
+  const [emailSectionOpen, setEmailSectionOpen] = useState(false)
+  const [advancementMessage, setAdvancementMessage] = useState('')
+  const [rejectionMessage, setRejectionMessage] = useState('')
+
+  // Mutations
+  const updateOutcome = trpc.roundEngine.updateProposedOutcome.useMutation({
+    onSuccess: () => utils.roundEngine.getFinalizationSummary.invalidate({ roundId }),
+  })
+
+  const batchUpdate = trpc.roundEngine.batchUpdateProposedOutcomes.useMutation({
+    onSuccess: () => {
+      utils.roundEngine.getFinalizationSummary.invalidate({ roundId })
+      setSelectedIds(new Set())
+      toast.success('Proposed outcomes updated')
+    },
+  })
+
+  const confirmMutation = trpc.roundEngine.confirmFinalization.useMutation({
+    onSuccess: (data) => {
+      utils.roundEngine.getFinalizationSummary.invalidate({ roundId })
+      toast.success(
+        `Finalized: ${data.advanced} advanced, ${data.rejected} rejected, ${data.emailsSent} emails sent`,
+      )
+    },
+    onError: (err) => toast.error(err.message),
+  })
+
+  const endGraceMutation = trpc.roundEngine.endGracePeriod.useMutation({
+    onSuccess: () => {
+      utils.roundEngine.getFinalizationSummary.invalidate({ roundId })
+      toast.success('Grace period ended, projects processed')
+    },
+    onError: (err) => toast.error(err.message),
+  })
+
+  const processProjectsMutation = trpc.roundEngine.processRoundProjects.useMutation({
+    onSuccess: (data) => {
+      utils.roundEngine.getFinalizationSummary.invalidate({ roundId })
+      toast.success(`Processed ${data.processed} projects — review proposed outcomes below`)
+    },
+    onError: (err) => toast.error(err.message),
+  })
+
+  // Filtered projects
+  const filteredProjects = useMemo(() => {
+    if (!summary) return []
+    return summary.projects.filter((p) => {
+      const matchesSearch =
+        !search ||
+        p.title.toLowerCase().includes(search.toLowerCase()) ||
+        p.teamName?.toLowerCase().includes(search.toLowerCase()) ||
+        p.country?.toLowerCase().includes(search.toLowerCase())
+
+      const matchesFilter =
+        filterOutcome === 'all' ||
+        (filterOutcome === 'none' && !p.proposedOutcome) ||
+        p.proposedOutcome === filterOutcome
+
+      return matchesSearch && matchesFilter
+    })
+  }, [summary, search, filterOutcome])
+
+  // Counts
+  const passedCount = summary?.projects.filter((p) => p.proposedOutcome === 'PASSED').length ?? 0
+  const rejectedCount = summary?.projects.filter((p) => p.proposedOutcome === 'REJECTED').length ?? 0
+  const undecidedCount = summary?.projects.filter((p) => !p.proposedOutcome).length ?? 0
+
+  // Select all toggle
+  const allSelected = filteredProjects.length > 0 && filteredProjects.every((p) => selectedIds.has(p.id))
+  const toggleSelectAll = () => {
+    if (allSelected) {
+      setSelectedIds(new Set())
+    } else {
+      setSelectedIds(new Set(filteredProjects.map((p) => p.id)))
+    }
+  }
+
+  // Bulk set outcome
+  const handleBulkSetOutcome = (outcome: ProposedOutcome) => {
+    const outcomes: Record<string, ProposedOutcome> = {}
+    for (const id of selectedIds) {
+      outcomes[id] = outcome
+    }
+    batchUpdate.mutate({ roundId, outcomes })
+  }
+
+  if (isLoading) {
+    return (
+      <div className="space-y-4">
+        <Skeleton className="h-20 w-full" />
+        <Skeleton className="h-12 w-full" />
+        <Skeleton className="h-96 w-full" />
+      </div>
+    )
+  }
+
+  if (!summary) return null
+
+  return (
+    <div className="space-y-6">
+      {/* Grace Period Banner */}
+      {summary.isGracePeriodActive && (
+        <Card className="border-amber-200 bg-amber-50 dark:border-amber-800 dark:bg-amber-950/20">
+          <CardContent className="flex items-center justify-between py-4">
+            <div className="flex items-center gap-3">
+              <Clock className="h-5 w-5 text-amber-600" />
+              <div>
+                <p className="font-medium text-amber-800 dark:text-amber-200">Grace Period Active</p>
+                <p className="text-sm text-amber-600 dark:text-amber-400">
+                  Applicants can still submit until{' '}
+                  {summary.gracePeriodEndsAt
+                    ? new Date(summary.gracePeriodEndsAt).toLocaleString()
+                    : 'the grace period ends'}
+                </p>
+              </div>
+            </div>
+            <Button
+              variant="outline"
+              size="sm"
+              className="border-amber-300 hover:bg-amber-100"
+              onClick={() => endGraceMutation.mutate({ roundId })}
+              disabled={endGraceMutation.isPending}
+            >
+              {endGraceMutation.isPending && <Loader2 className="h-4 w-4 mr-1.5 animate-spin" />}
+              End Grace Period
+            </Button>
+          </CardContent>
+        </Card>
+      )}
+
+      {/* Finalized Banner */}
+      {summary.isFinalized && (
+        <Card className="border-green-200 bg-green-50 dark:border-green-800 dark:bg-green-950/20">
+          <CardContent className="flex items-center gap-3 py-4">
+            <CheckCircle2 className="h-5 w-5 text-green-600" />
+            <div>
+              <p className="font-medium text-green-800 dark:text-green-200">Round Finalized</p>
+              <p className="text-sm text-green-600 dark:text-green-400">
+                Finalized on{' '}
+                {summary.finalizedAt
+                  ? new Date(summary.finalizedAt).toLocaleString()
+                  : 'unknown date'}
+              </p>
+            </div>
+          </CardContent>
+        </Card>
+      )}
+
+      {/* Needs Processing Banner */}
+      {!summary.isFinalized && !summary.isGracePeriodActive && summary.projects.length > 0 && summary.projects.every((p) => !p.proposedOutcome) && (
+        <Card className="border-blue-200 bg-blue-50 dark:border-blue-800 dark:bg-blue-950/20">
+          <CardContent className="flex items-center justify-between py-4">
+            <div className="flex items-center gap-3">
+              <AlertTriangle className="h-5 w-5 text-blue-600" />
+              <div>
+                <p className="font-medium text-blue-800 dark:text-blue-200">Projects Need Processing</p>
+                <p className="text-sm text-blue-600 dark:text-blue-400">
+                  {summary.projects.length} project{summary.projects.length !== 1 ? 's' : ''} in this round have no proposed outcome.
+                  Click &quot;Process&quot; to auto-assign outcomes based on round type and project activity.
+                </p>
+              </div>
+            </div>
+            <Button
+              variant="outline"
+              size="sm"
+              className="border-blue-300 hover:bg-blue-100"
+              onClick={() => processProjectsMutation.mutate({ roundId })}
+              disabled={processProjectsMutation.isPending}
+            >
+              {processProjectsMutation.isPending && <Loader2 className="h-4 w-4 mr-1.5 animate-spin" />}
+              Process Projects
+            </Button>
+          </CardContent>
+        </Card>
+      )}
+
+      {/* Summary Stats Bar */}
+      <div className="grid grid-cols-2 sm:grid-cols-3 lg:grid-cols-6 gap-3">
+        {([
+          ['Pending', summary.stats.pending, 'bg-gray-100 text-gray-700'],
+          ['In Progress', summary.stats.inProgress, 'bg-blue-100 text-blue-700'],
+          ['Completed', summary.stats.completed, 'bg-indigo-100 text-indigo-700'],
+          ['Passed', summary.stats.passed, 'bg-green-100 text-green-700'],
+          ['Rejected', summary.stats.rejected, 'bg-red-100 text-red-700'],
+          ['Withdrawn', summary.stats.withdrawn, 'bg-yellow-100 text-yellow-700'],
+        ] as const).map(([label, count, cls]) => (
+          <div key={label} className="rounded-lg border p-3 text-center">
+            <div className="text-2xl font-bold">{count}</div>
+            <div className={cn('text-xs font-medium mt-1 inline-flex px-2 py-0.5 rounded-full', cls)}>{label}</div>
+          </div>
+        ))}
+      </div>
+
+      {/* Category Target Progress */}
+      {(summary.categoryTargets.startupTarget != null || summary.categoryTargets.conceptTarget != null) && (
+        <Card>
+          <CardHeader className="pb-3">
+            <CardTitle className="text-base">Advancement Targets</CardTitle>
+          </CardHeader>
+          <CardContent className="space-y-3">
+            {summary.categoryTargets.startupTarget != null && (
+              <div>
+                <div className="flex justify-between text-sm mb-1">
+                  <span>Startup</span>
+                  <span className="font-medium">
+                    {summary.categoryTargets.startupProposed} / {summary.categoryTargets.startupTarget}
+                  </span>
+                </div>
+                <div className="h-2.5 rounded-full bg-muted overflow-hidden">
+                  <div
+                    className={cn(
+                      'h-full rounded-full transition-all',
+                      summary.categoryTargets.startupProposed > summary.categoryTargets.startupTarget
+                        ? 'bg-amber-500'
+                        : 'bg-green-500',
+                    )}
+                    style={{
+                      width: `${Math.min(100, (summary.categoryTargets.startupProposed / summary.categoryTargets.startupTarget) * 100)}%`,
+                    }}
+                  />
+                </div>
+              </div>
+            )}
+            {summary.categoryTargets.conceptTarget != null && (
+              <div>
+                <div className="flex justify-between text-sm mb-1">
+                  <span>Business Concept</span>
+                  <span className="font-medium">
+                    {summary.categoryTargets.conceptProposed} / {summary.categoryTargets.conceptTarget}
+                  </span>
+                </div>
+                <div className="h-2.5 rounded-full bg-muted overflow-hidden">
+                  <div
+                    className={cn(
+                      'h-full rounded-full transition-all',
+                      summary.categoryTargets.conceptProposed > summary.categoryTargets.conceptTarget
+                        ? 'bg-amber-500'
+                        : 'bg-green-500',
+                    )}
+                    style={{
+                      width: `${Math.min(100, (summary.categoryTargets.conceptProposed / summary.categoryTargets.conceptTarget) * 100)}%`,
+                    }}
+                  />
+                </div>
+              </div>
+            )}
+          </CardContent>
+        </Card>
+      )}
+
+      {/* Proposed Outcomes Table */}
+      <Card>
+        <CardHeader className="pb-3">
+          <div className="flex flex-col sm:flex-row sm:items-center justify-between gap-3">
+            <CardTitle className="text-base">Proposed Outcomes</CardTitle>
+            <div className="flex items-center gap-2 text-sm text-muted-foreground">
+              <Badge variant="outline" className="bg-green-50 text-green-700 border-green-200">
+                {passedCount} advancing
+              </Badge>
+              <Badge variant="outline" className="bg-red-50 text-red-700 border-red-200">
+                {rejectedCount} rejected
+              </Badge>
+              {undecidedCount > 0 && (
+                <Badge variant="outline">{undecidedCount} undecided</Badge>
+              )}
+            </div>
+          </div>
+        </CardHeader>
+        <CardContent className="space-y-4">
+          {/* Search + Filter */}
+          <div className="flex flex-col sm:flex-row gap-3">
+            <div className="relative flex-1">
+              <Search className="absolute left-3 top-1/2 -translate-y-1/2 h-4 w-4 text-muted-foreground" />
+              <Input
+                placeholder="Search projects..."
+                value={search}
+                onChange={(e) => setSearch(e.target.value)}
+                className="pl-9"
+              />
+            </div>
+            <Select value={filterOutcome} onValueChange={(v) => setFilterOutcome(v as typeof filterOutcome)}>
+              <SelectTrigger className="w-[180px]">
+                <SelectValue placeholder="Filter by outcome" />
+              </SelectTrigger>
+              <SelectContent>
+                <SelectItem value="all">All projects</SelectItem>
+                <SelectItem value="PASSED">Proposed: Pass</SelectItem>
+                <SelectItem value="REJECTED">Proposed: Reject</SelectItem>
+                <SelectItem value="none">Undecided</SelectItem>
+              </SelectContent>
+            </Select>
+          </div>
+
+          {/* Bulk actions */}
+          {selectedIds.size > 0 && !summary.isFinalized && (
+            <div className="flex items-center gap-3 p-3 rounded-lg bg-muted/50 border">
+              <span className="text-sm font-medium">{selectedIds.size} selected</span>
+              <Button
+                variant="outline"
+                size="sm"
+                onClick={() => handleBulkSetOutcome('PASSED')}
+                disabled={batchUpdate.isPending}
+              >
+                Set as Pass
+              </Button>
+              <Button
+                variant="outline"
+                size="sm"
+                onClick={() => handleBulkSetOutcome('REJECTED')}
+                disabled={batchUpdate.isPending}
+                className="text-destructive"
+              >
+                Set as Reject
+              </Button>
+              <Button variant="ghost" size="sm" onClick={() => setSelectedIds(new Set())}>
+                Clear
+              </Button>
+            </div>
+          )}
+
+          {/* Table */}
+          <div className="border rounded-lg overflow-hidden">
+            <table className="w-full text-sm">
+              <thead>
+                <tr className="border-b bg-muted/50">
+                  {!summary.isFinalized && (
+                    <th className="w-10 px-3 py-2.5">
+                      <Checkbox
+                        checked={allSelected}
+                        onCheckedChange={toggleSelectAll}
+                        aria-label="Select all"
+                      />
+                    </th>
+                  )}
+                  <th className="text-left px-3 py-2.5 font-medium">Project</th>
+                  <th className="text-left px-3 py-2.5 font-medium hidden sm:table-cell">Category</th>
+                  <th className="text-left px-3 py-2.5 font-medium hidden md:table-cell">Country</th>
+                  <th className="text-center px-3 py-2.5 font-medium">Current State</th>
+                  {summary.roundType === 'EVALUATION' && (
+                    <th className="text-center px-3 py-2.5 font-medium hidden lg:table-cell">Score / Rank</th>
+                  )}
+                  <th className="text-center px-3 py-2.5 font-medium w-[160px]">Proposed Outcome</th>
+                </tr>
+              </thead>
+              <tbody>
+                {filteredProjects.map((project) => (
+                  <tr key={project.id} className="border-b last:border-0 hover:bg-muted/30">
+                    {!summary.isFinalized && (
+                      <td className="px-3 py-2.5">
+                        <Checkbox
+                          checked={selectedIds.has(project.id)}
+                          onCheckedChange={(checked) => {
+                            const next = new Set(selectedIds)
+                            if (checked) next.add(project.id)
+                            else next.delete(project.id)
+                            setSelectedIds(next)
+                          }}
+                          aria-label={`Select ${project.title}`}
+                        />
+                      </td>
+                    )}
+                    <td className="px-3 py-2.5">
+                      <div className="font-medium truncate max-w-[200px]">{project.title}</div>
+                      {project.teamName && (
+                        <div className="text-xs text-muted-foreground truncate">{project.teamName}</div>
+                      )}
+                    </td>
+                    <td className="px-3 py-2.5 hidden sm:table-cell text-muted-foreground">
+                      {project.category === 'STARTUP' ? 'Startup' : project.category === 'BUSINESS_CONCEPT' ? 'Concept' : project.category ?? '-'}
+                    </td>
+                    <td className="px-3 py-2.5 hidden md:table-cell text-muted-foreground">
+                      {project.country ?? '-'}
+                    </td>
+                    <td className="px-3 py-2.5 text-center">
+                      <Badge
+                        variant="secondary"
+                        className={cn('text-xs', stateLabelColors[project.currentState] ?? '')}
+                      >
+                        {project.currentState.replace('_', ' ')}
+                      </Badge>
+                    </td>
+                    {summary.roundType === 'EVALUATION' && (
+                      <td className="px-3 py-2.5 text-center hidden lg:table-cell text-muted-foreground">
+                        {project.evaluationScore != null
+                          ? `${project.evaluationScore.toFixed(1)} (#${project.rankPosition ?? '-'})`
+                          : '-'}
+                      </td>
+                    )}
+                    <td className="px-3 py-2.5 text-center">
+                      {summary.isFinalized ? (
+                        <Badge
+                          variant="secondary"
+                          className={cn(
+                            'text-xs',
+                            project.proposedOutcome === 'PASSED' ? 'bg-green-100 text-green-700' : 'bg-red-100 text-red-700',
+                          )}
+                        >
+                          {project.proposedOutcome === 'PASSED' ? 'Advanced' : 'Rejected'}
+                        </Badge>
+                      ) : (
+                        <Select
+                          value={project.proposedOutcome ?? 'undecided'}
+                          onValueChange={(v) => {
+                            if (v === 'undecided') return
+                            updateOutcome.mutate({
+                              roundId,
+                              projectId: project.id,
+                              proposedOutcome: v as 'PASSED' | 'REJECTED',
+                            })
+                          }}
+                        >
+                          <SelectTrigger
+                            className={cn(
+                              'h-8 w-[130px] text-xs mx-auto',
+                              project.proposedOutcome === 'PASSED' && 'border-green-300 bg-green-50 text-green-700',
+                              project.proposedOutcome === 'REJECTED' && 'border-red-300 bg-red-50 text-red-700',
+                            )}
+                          >
+                            <SelectValue />
+                          </SelectTrigger>
+                          <SelectContent>
+                            <SelectItem value="undecided" disabled>Undecided</SelectItem>
+                            <SelectItem value="PASSED">Pass</SelectItem>
+                            <SelectItem value="REJECTED">Reject</SelectItem>
+                          </SelectContent>
+                        </Select>
+                      )}
+                    </td>
+                  </tr>
+                ))}
+                {filteredProjects.length === 0 && (
+                  <tr>
+                    <td
+                      colSpan={summary.isFinalized ? 6 : 7}
+                      className="px-3 py-8 text-center text-muted-foreground"
+                    >
+                      No projects match your search/filter
+                    </td>
+                  </tr>
+                )}
+              </tbody>
+            </table>
+          </div>
+        </CardContent>
+      </Card>
+
+      {/* Email Customization + Confirm */}
+      {!summary.isFinalized && !summary.isGracePeriodActive && (
+        <Card>
+          <CardHeader className="pb-3">
+            <button
+              className="flex items-center gap-2 text-left w-full"
+              onClick={() => setEmailSectionOpen(!emailSectionOpen)}
+            >
+              {emailSectionOpen ? (
+                <ChevronDown className="h-4 w-4" />
+              ) : (
+                <ChevronRight className="h-4 w-4" />
+              )}
+              <Mail className="h-4 w-4" />
+              <CardTitle className="text-base">Email Customization</CardTitle>
+              <span className="text-xs text-muted-foreground ml-2">(optional)</span>
+            </button>
+          </CardHeader>
+          {emailSectionOpen && (
+            <CardContent className="space-y-4">
+              {/* Account stats */}
+              {(summary.accountStats.needsInvite > 0 || summary.accountStats.hasAccount > 0) && (
+                <div className="flex items-center gap-4 p-3 rounded-lg bg-muted/50 border text-sm">
+                  <Mail className="h-4 w-4 text-muted-foreground shrink-0" />
+                  <div className="flex flex-wrap gap-x-4 gap-y-1">
+                    {summary.accountStats.needsInvite > 0 && (
+                      <span>
+                        <strong>{summary.accountStats.needsInvite}</strong> project{summary.accountStats.needsInvite !== 1 ? 's' : ''} will receive a{' '}
+                        <Badge variant="outline" className="bg-blue-50 text-blue-700 border-blue-200 text-xs">Create Account</Badge>{' '}
+                        invite link
+                      </span>
+                    )}
+                    {summary.accountStats.hasAccount > 0 && (
+                      <span>
+                        <strong>{summary.accountStats.hasAccount}</strong> project{summary.accountStats.hasAccount !== 1 ? 's' : ''} will receive a{' '}
+                        <Badge variant="outline" className="bg-green-50 text-green-700 border-green-200 text-xs">View Dashboard</Badge>{' '}
+                        link
+                      </span>
+                    )}
+                  </div>
+                </div>
+              )}
+              <div>
+                <label className="text-sm font-medium mb-1.5 block">Advancement Message</label>
+                <Textarea
+                  placeholder="Custom message for projects that are advancing (added to the standard email template)..."
+                  value={advancementMessage}
+                  onChange={(e) => setAdvancementMessage(e.target.value)}
+                  rows={3}
+                />
+              </div>
+              <div>
+                <label className="text-sm font-medium mb-1.5 block">Rejection Message</label>
+                <Textarea
+                  placeholder="Custom message for projects that are not advancing (added to the standard email template)..."
+                  value={rejectionMessage}
+                  onChange={(e) => setRejectionMessage(e.target.value)}
+                  rows={3}
+                />
+              </div>
+            </CardContent>
+          )}
+          <CardContent className="pt-0">
+            <div className="flex items-center justify-between border-t pt-4">
+              <div className="text-sm text-muted-foreground">
+                {summary.nextRound ? (
+                  <span>
+                    <strong>{passedCount}</strong> project{passedCount !== 1 ? 's' : ''} will advance to{' '}
+                    <strong>{summary.nextRound.name}</strong>
+                  </span>
+                ) : (
+                  <span>
+                    <strong>{passedCount}</strong> project{passedCount !== 1 ? 's' : ''} will be marked as passed
+                  </span>
+                )}
+                {' | '}
+                <strong>{rejectedCount}</strong> rejected
+                {undecidedCount > 0 && (
+                  <span className="text-amber-600"> | {undecidedCount} undecided (will not be processed)</span>
+                )}
+              </div>
+
+              <AlertDialog>
+                <AlertDialogTrigger asChild>
+                  <Button
+                    disabled={passedCount + rejectedCount === 0 || confirmMutation.isPending}
+                  >
+                    {confirmMutation.isPending && <Loader2 className="h-4 w-4 mr-1.5 animate-spin" />}
+                    <Send className="h-4 w-4 mr-1.5" />
+                    Finalize Round
+                  </Button>
+                </AlertDialogTrigger>
+                <AlertDialogContent>
+                  <AlertDialogHeader>
+                    <AlertDialogTitle>Confirm Finalization</AlertDialogTitle>
+                    <AlertDialogDescription asChild>
+                      <div className="space-y-2">
+                        <p>This will:</p>
+                        <ul className="list-disc pl-5 space-y-1">
+                          <li>Mark <strong>{passedCount}</strong> project{passedCount !== 1 ? 's' : ''} as <strong>PASSED</strong></li>
+                          <li>Mark <strong>{rejectedCount}</strong> project{rejectedCount !== 1 ? 's' : ''} as <strong>REJECTED</strong></li>
+                          {summary.nextRound && (
+                            <li>Advance passed projects to <strong>{summary.nextRound.name}</strong></li>
+                          )}
+                          <li>Send email notifications to all affected teams</li>
+                        </ul>
+                        {undecidedCount > 0 && (
+                          <p className="text-amber-600 flex items-center gap-1.5 mt-2">
+                            <AlertTriangle className="h-4 w-4" />
+                            {undecidedCount} project{undecidedCount !== 1 ? 's' : ''} with no proposed outcome will not be affected.
+                          </p>
+                        )}
+                        <p className="font-medium mt-3">This action cannot be undone.</p>
+                      </div>
+                    </AlertDialogDescription>
+                  </AlertDialogHeader>
+                  <AlertDialogFooter>
+                    <AlertDialogCancel>Cancel</AlertDialogCancel>
+                    <AlertDialogAction
+                      onClick={() =>
+                        confirmMutation.mutate({
+                          roundId,
+                          targetRoundId: summary.nextRound?.id,
+                          advancementMessage: advancementMessage || undefined,
+                          rejectionMessage: rejectionMessage || undefined,
+                        })
+                      }
+                    >
+                      Yes, Finalize Round
+                    </AlertDialogAction>
+                  </AlertDialogFooter>
+                </AlertDialogContent>
+              </AlertDialog>
+            </div>
+          </CardContent>
+        </Card>
+      )}
+    </div>
+  )
+}
diff --git a/src/components/admin/round/notify-advanced-button.tsx b/src/components/admin/round/notify-advanced-button.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..07dbc64
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/components/admin/round/notify-advanced-button.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+'use client'
+
+import { useState } from 'react'
+import { trpc } from '@/lib/trpc/client'
+import { toast } from 'sonner'
+import { Trophy } from 'lucide-react'
+import { EmailPreviewDialog } from './email-preview-dialog'
+
+interface NotifyAdvancedButtonProps {
+  roundId: string
+  targetRoundId?: string
+}
+
+export function NotifyAdvancedButton({ roundId, targetRoundId }: NotifyAdvancedButtonProps) {
+  const [open, setOpen] = useState(false)
+  const [customMessage, setCustomMessage] = useState<string | undefined>()
+
+  const preview = trpc.round.previewAdvancementEmail.useQuery(
+    { roundId, targetRoundId, customMessage },
+    { enabled: open }
+  )
+
+  const sendMutation = trpc.round.sendAdvancementNotifications.useMutation({
+    onSuccess: (data) => {
+      toast.success(
+        `Sent ${data.sent} notification${data.sent !== 1 ? 's' : ''}${data.failed ? ` (${data.failed} failed)` : ''}`
+      )
+      setOpen(false)
+    },
+    onError: (err) => toast.error(err.message),
+  })
+
+  return (
+    <>
+      <button
+        onClick={() => setOpen(true)}
+        className="flex items-start gap-3 p-4 rounded-lg border border-l-4 border-l-emerald-500 hover:-translate-y-0.5 hover:shadow-md transition-all text-left"
+      >
+        <Trophy className="h-5 w-5 text-emerald-600 mt-0.5 shrink-0" />
+        <div>
+          <p className="text-sm font-medium">Notify Advanced Teams</p>
+          <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground mt-0.5">
+            Send advancement emails to passed projects
+          </p>
+        </div>
+      </button>
+
+      <EmailPreviewDialog
+        open={open}
+        onOpenChange={setOpen}
+        title="Notify Advanced Teams"
+        description="Send advancement notification emails to project team members"
+        recipientCount={preview.data?.recipientCount ?? 0}
+        previewHtml={preview.data?.html}
+        isPreviewLoading={preview.isLoading}
+        onSend={(msg) => sendMutation.mutate({ roundId, targetRoundId, customMessage: msg })}
+        isSending={sendMutation.isPending}
+        onRefreshPreview={(msg) => setCustomMessage(msg)}
+      />
+    </>
+  )
+}
diff --git a/src/components/admin/round/notify-rejected-button.tsx b/src/components/admin/round/notify-rejected-button.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d19c3bc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/components/admin/round/notify-rejected-button.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,61 @@
+'use client'
+
+import { useState } from 'react'
+import { trpc } from '@/lib/trpc/client'
+import { toast } from 'sonner'
+import { XCircle } from 'lucide-react'
+import { EmailPreviewDialog } from './email-preview-dialog'
+
+interface NotifyRejectedButtonProps {
+  roundId: string
+}
+
+export function NotifyRejectedButton({ roundId }: NotifyRejectedButtonProps) {
+  const [open, setOpen] = useState(false)
+  const [customMessage, setCustomMessage] = useState<string | undefined>()
+
+  const preview = trpc.round.previewRejectionEmail.useQuery(
+    { roundId, customMessage },
+    { enabled: open }
+  )
+
+  const sendMutation = trpc.round.sendRejectionNotifications.useMutation({
+    onSuccess: (data) => {
+      toast.success(
+        `Sent ${data.sent} notification${data.sent !== 1 ? 's' : ''}${data.failed ? ` (${data.failed} failed)` : ''}`
+      )
+      setOpen(false)
+    },
+    onError: (err) => toast.error(err.message),
+  })
+
+  return (
+    <>
+      <button
+        onClick={() => setOpen(true)}
+        className="flex items-start gap-3 p-4 rounded-lg border border-l-4 border-l-red-500 hover:-translate-y-0.5 hover:shadow-md transition-all text-left"
+      >
+        <XCircle className="h-5 w-5 text-red-600 mt-0.5 shrink-0" />
+        <div>
+          <p className="text-sm font-medium">Notify Non-Advanced</p>
+          <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground mt-0.5">
+            Send rejection emails to non-advanced projects
+          </p>
+        </div>
+      </button>
+
+      <EmailPreviewDialog
+        open={open}
+        onOpenChange={setOpen}
+        title="Notify Non-Advanced Teams"
+        description="Send rejection notification emails to project team members"
+        recipientCount={preview.data?.recipientCount ?? 0}
+        previewHtml={preview.data?.html}
+        isPreviewLoading={preview.isLoading}
+        onSend={(msg) => sendMutation.mutate({ roundId, customMessage: msg })}
+        isSending={sendMutation.isPending}
+        onRefreshPreview={(msg) => setCustomMessage(msg)}
+      />
+    </>
+  )
+}
diff --git a/src/components/admin/round/project-states-table.tsx b/src/components/admin/round/project-states-table.tsx
index 48a8e6c..11f7278 100644
--- a/src/components/admin/round/project-states-table.tsx
+++ b/src/components/admin/round/project-states-table.tsx
@@ -76,13 +76,23 @@ const stateConfig: Record<ProjectState, { label: string; color: string; icon: Re
   WITHDRAWN: { label: 'Withdrawn', color: 'bg-orange-100 text-orange-700 border-orange-200', icon: LogOut },
 }
 
+type CompetitionRound = {
+  id: string
+  name: string
+  sortOrder: number
+  _count: { projectRoundStates: number }
+}
+
 type ProjectStatesTableProps = {
   competitionId: string
   roundId: string
+  roundStatus?: string
+  competitionRounds?: CompetitionRound[]
+  currentSortOrder?: number
   onAssignProjects?: (projectIds: string[]) => void
 }
 
-export function ProjectStatesTable({ competitionId, roundId, onAssignProjects }: ProjectStatesTableProps) {
+export function ProjectStatesTable({ competitionId, roundId, roundStatus, competitionRounds, currentSortOrder, onAssignProjects }: ProjectStatesTableProps) {
   const [selectedIds, setSelectedIds] = useState<Set<string>>(new Set())
   const [stateFilter, setStateFilter] = useState<string>('ALL')
   const [searchQuery, setSearchQuery] = useState('')
@@ -226,32 +236,65 @@ export function ProjectStatesTable({ competitionId, roundId, onAssignProjects }:
     )
   }
 
+  const hasEarlierRounds = competitionRounds && currentSortOrder != null &&
+    competitionRounds.some((r) => r.sortOrder < currentSortOrder && r._count.projectRoundStates > 0)
+
   if (!projectStates || projectStates.length === 0) {
     return (
-      <Card>
-        <CardContent className="py-12">
-          <div className="flex flex-col items-center justify-center text-center">
-            <div className="rounded-full bg-muted p-4 mb-4">
-              <Layers className="h-8 w-8 text-muted-foreground" />
+      <>
+        <Card>
+          <CardContent className="py-12">
+            <div className="flex flex-col items-center justify-center text-center">
+              <div className="rounded-full bg-muted p-4 mb-4">
+                <Layers className="h-8 w-8 text-muted-foreground" />
+              </div>
+              <p className="text-sm font-medium">No Projects in This Round</p>
+              <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground mt-1 max-w-sm">
+                Assign projects from the Project Pool or import from an earlier round to get started.
+              </p>
+              <div className="flex items-center gap-2 mt-4">
+                <Link href={poolLink}>
+                  <Button size="sm" variant="outline">
+                    <Plus className="h-4 w-4 mr-1.5" />
+                    Go to Project Pool
+                  </Button>
+                </Link>
+                {hasEarlierRounds && (
+                  <Button size="sm" onClick={() => { setAddProjectOpen(true) }}>
+                    <ArrowRight className="h-4 w-4 mr-1.5" />
+                    Import from Earlier Round
+                  </Button>
+                )}
+              </div>
             </div>
-            <p className="text-sm font-medium">No Projects in This Round</p>
-            <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground mt-1 max-w-sm">
-              Assign projects from the Project Pool to this round to get started.
-            </p>
-            <Link href={poolLink}>
-              <Button size="sm" className="mt-4">
-                <Plus className="h-4 w-4 mr-1.5" />
-                Go to Project Pool
-              </Button>
-            </Link>
-          </div>
-        </CardContent>
-      </Card>
+          </CardContent>
+        </Card>
+        <AddProjectDialog
+          open={addProjectOpen}
+          onOpenChange={setAddProjectOpen}
+          roundId={roundId}
+          competitionId={competitionId}
+          competitionRounds={competitionRounds}
+          currentSortOrder={currentSortOrder}
+          defaultTab={hasEarlierRounds ? 'round' : 'create'}
+          onAssigned={() => {
+            utils.roundEngine.getProjectStates.invalidate({ roundId })
+          }}
+        />
+      </>
     )
   }
 
   return (
     <div className="space-y-4">
+      {/* Finalization hint for closed rounds */}
+      {(roundStatus === 'ROUND_CLOSED' || roundStatus === 'ROUND_ARCHIVED') && (
+        <div className="flex items-center gap-2 rounded-lg border border-blue-200 bg-blue-50 dark:border-blue-800 dark:bg-blue-950/20 px-4 py-3 text-sm">
+          <span className="text-blue-700 dark:text-blue-300">
+            This round is closed. Use the <strong>Finalization</strong> tab to review proposed outcomes and confirm advancement.
+          </span>
+        </div>
+      )}
       {/* Top bar: search + filters + add buttons */}
       <div className="flex items-center justify-between gap-4 flex-wrap">
         <div className="flex items-center gap-3 flex-1 min-w-0">
@@ -496,12 +539,14 @@ export function ProjectStatesTable({ competitionId, roundId, onAssignProjects }:
         }}
       />
 
-      {/* Add Project Dialog (Create New + From Pool) */}
+      {/* Add Project Dialog (Create New + From Pool + From Round) */}
       <AddProjectDialog
         open={addProjectOpen}
         onOpenChange={setAddProjectOpen}
         roundId={roundId}
         competitionId={competitionId}
+        competitionRounds={competitionRounds}
+        currentSortOrder={currentSortOrder}
         onAssigned={() => {
           utils.roundEngine.getProjectStates.invalidate({ roundId })
         }}
@@ -744,15 +789,21 @@ function AddProjectDialog({
   onOpenChange,
   roundId,
   competitionId,
+  competitionRounds,
+  currentSortOrder,
+  defaultTab,
   onAssigned,
 }: {
   open: boolean
   onOpenChange: (open: boolean) => void
   roundId: string
   competitionId: string
+  competitionRounds?: CompetitionRound[]
+  currentSortOrder?: number
+  defaultTab?: 'create' | 'pool' | 'round'
   onAssigned: () => void
 }) {
-  const [activeTab, setActiveTab] = useState<'create' | 'pool'>('create')
+  const [activeTab, setActiveTab] = useState<'create' | 'pool' | 'round'>(defaultTab ?? 'create')
 
   // ── Create New tab state ──
   const [title, setTitle] = useState('')
@@ -765,6 +816,12 @@ function AddProjectDialog({
   const [poolSearch, setPoolSearch] = useState('')
   const [selectedPoolIds, setSelectedPoolIds] = useState<Set<string>>(new Set())
 
+  // ── From Round tab state ──
+  const [sourceRoundId, setSourceRoundId] = useState('')
+  const [roundStateFilter, setRoundStateFilter] = useState<string[]>([])
+  const [roundSearch, setRoundSearch] = useState('')
+  const [selectedRoundIds, setSelectedRoundIds] = useState<Set<string>>(new Set())
+
   const utils = trpc.useUtils()
 
   // Get the competition to find programId (for pool search)
@@ -774,6 +831,34 @@ function AddProjectDialog({
   )
   const programId = (competition as any)?.programId || ''
 
+  // Earlier rounds available for import
+  const earlierRounds = useMemo(() => {
+    if (!competitionRounds || currentSortOrder == null) return []
+    return competitionRounds
+      .filter((r) => r.sortOrder < currentSortOrder && r._count.projectRoundStates > 0)
+  }, [competitionRounds, currentSortOrder])
+
+  // From Round query
+  const { data: roundProjects, isLoading: roundLoading } = trpc.projectPool.getProjectsInRound.useQuery(
+    {
+      roundId: sourceRoundId,
+      states: roundStateFilter.length > 0 ? roundStateFilter : undefined,
+      search: roundSearch.trim() || undefined,
+    },
+    { enabled: open && activeTab === 'round' && !!sourceRoundId },
+  )
+
+  // Import mutation
+  const importMutation = trpc.projectPool.importFromRound.useMutation({
+    onSuccess: (data) => {
+      toast.success(`${data.imported} project(s) imported${data.skipped > 0 ? `, ${data.skipped} already in round` : ''}`)
+      utils.roundEngine.getProjectStates.invalidate({ roundId })
+      onAssigned()
+      resetAndClose()
+    },
+    onError: (err) => toast.error(err.message),
+  })
+
   // Pool query
   const { data: poolResults, isLoading: poolLoading } = trpc.projectPool.listUnassigned.useQuery(
     {
@@ -815,6 +900,10 @@ function AddProjectDialog({
     setCategory('')
     setPoolSearch('')
     setSelectedPoolIds(new Set())
+    setSourceRoundId('')
+    setRoundStateFilter([])
+    setRoundSearch('')
+    setSelectedRoundIds(new Set())
     onOpenChange(false)
   }
 
@@ -838,6 +927,24 @@ function AddProjectDialog({
     })
   }
 
+  const handleImportFromRound = () => {
+    if (selectedRoundIds.size === 0 || !sourceRoundId) return
+    importMutation.mutate({
+      sourceRoundId,
+      targetRoundId: roundId,
+      projectIds: Array.from(selectedRoundIds),
+    })
+  }
+
+  const toggleRoundProject = (id: string) => {
+    setSelectedRoundIds(prev => {
+      const next = new Set(prev)
+      if (next.has(id)) next.delete(id)
+      else next.add(id)
+      return next
+    })
+  }
+
   const togglePoolProject = (id: string) => {
     setSelectedPoolIds(prev => {
       const next = new Set(prev)
@@ -847,7 +954,7 @@ function AddProjectDialog({
     })
   }
 
-  const isMutating = createMutation.isPending || assignMutation.isPending
+  const isMutating = createMutation.isPending || assignMutation.isPending || importMutation.isPending
 
   return (
     <Dialog open={open} onOpenChange={(isOpen) => {
@@ -862,10 +969,13 @@ function AddProjectDialog({
           </DialogDescription>
         </DialogHeader>
 
-        <Tabs value={activeTab} onValueChange={(v) => setActiveTab(v as 'create' | 'pool')}>
-          <TabsList className="grid w-full grid-cols-2">
+        <Tabs value={activeTab} onValueChange={(v) => setActiveTab(v as 'create' | 'pool' | 'round')}>
+          <TabsList className={`grid w-full ${earlierRounds.length > 0 ? 'grid-cols-3' : 'grid-cols-2'}`}>
             <TabsTrigger value="create">Create New</TabsTrigger>
             <TabsTrigger value="pool">From Pool</TabsTrigger>
+            {earlierRounds.length > 0 && (
+              <TabsTrigger value="round">From Round</TabsTrigger>
+            )}
           </TabsList>
 
           {/* ── Create New Tab ── */}
@@ -1012,6 +1122,158 @@ function AddProjectDialog({
               </Button>
             </DialogFooter>
           </TabsContent>
+
+          {/* ── From Round Tab ── */}
+          {earlierRounds.length > 0 && (
+            <TabsContent value="round" className="space-y-4 mt-4">
+              <div className="space-y-2">
+                <Label>Source Round</Label>
+                <Select value={sourceRoundId} onValueChange={(v) => {
+                  setSourceRoundId(v)
+                  setSelectedRoundIds(new Set())
+                }}>
+                  <SelectTrigger>
+                    <SelectValue placeholder="Select a round..." />
+                  </SelectTrigger>
+                  <SelectContent>
+                    {earlierRounds.map((r) => (
+                      <SelectItem key={r.id} value={r.id}>
+                        {r.name} ({r._count.projectRoundStates} projects)
+                      </SelectItem>
+                    ))}
+                  </SelectContent>
+                </Select>
+              </div>
+
+              {sourceRoundId && (
+                <>
+                  <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
+                    <div className="relative flex-1">
+                      <Search className="absolute left-2.5 top-1/2 -translate-y-1/2 h-3.5 w-3.5 text-muted-foreground" />
+                      <Input
+                        placeholder="Search by title or team..."
+                        value={roundSearch}
+                        onChange={(e) => setRoundSearch(e.target.value)}
+                        className="pl-8"
+                      />
+                    </div>
+                  </div>
+
+                  <div className="flex flex-wrap gap-1.5">
+                    {['PASSED', 'COMPLETED', 'PENDING', 'IN_PROGRESS', 'REJECTED'].map((state) => {
+                      const isActive = roundStateFilter.includes(state)
+                      return (
+                        <button
+                          key={state}
+                          onClick={() => {
+                            setRoundStateFilter(prev =>
+                              isActive ? prev.filter(s => s !== state) : [...prev, state]
+                            )
+                            setSelectedRoundIds(new Set())
+                          }}
+                          className={`text-xs px-2.5 py-1 rounded-full border transition-colors ${
+                            isActive
+                              ? 'bg-foreground text-background border-foreground'
+                              : 'bg-muted text-muted-foreground border-transparent hover:border-border'
+                          }`}
+                        >
+                          {state.charAt(0) + state.slice(1).toLowerCase().replace('_', ' ')}
+                        </button>
+                      )
+                    })}
+                  </div>
+
+                  <ScrollArea className="h-[280px] rounded-md border">
+                    <div className="p-2 space-y-0.5">
+                      {roundLoading && (
+                        <div className="flex items-center justify-center py-8">
+                          <Loader2 className="h-5 w-5 animate-spin text-muted-foreground" />
+                        </div>
+                      )}
+
+                      {!roundLoading && roundProjects?.length === 0 && (
+                        <p className="text-sm text-muted-foreground text-center py-8">
+                          {roundSearch.trim() ? `No projects found matching "${roundSearch}"` : 'No projects in this round'}
+                        </p>
+                      )}
+
+                      {roundProjects && roundProjects.length > 0 && (
+                        <label
+                          className="flex items-center gap-3 rounded-md px-2.5 py-2 text-sm cursor-pointer hover:bg-muted/50 border-b mb-1"
+                        >
+                          <Checkbox
+                            checked={roundProjects.length > 0 && roundProjects.every(p => selectedRoundIds.has(p.id))}
+                            onCheckedChange={() => {
+                              const allIds = roundProjects.map(p => p.id)
+                              const allSelected = allIds.every(id => selectedRoundIds.has(id))
+                              if (allSelected) {
+                                setSelectedRoundIds(new Set())
+                              } else {
+                                setSelectedRoundIds(new Set(allIds))
+                              }
+                            }}
+                          />
+                          <span className="text-xs font-medium text-muted-foreground">
+                            Select all ({roundProjects.length})
+                          </span>
+                        </label>
+                      )}
+
+                      {roundProjects?.map((project) => {
+                        const isSelected = selectedRoundIds.has(project.id)
+                        return (
+                          <label
+                            key={project.id}
+                            className={`flex items-center gap-3 rounded-md px-2.5 py-2 text-sm cursor-pointer transition-colors ${
+                              isSelected ? 'bg-accent' : 'hover:bg-muted/50'
+                            }`}
+                          >
+                            <Checkbox
+                              checked={isSelected}
+                              onCheckedChange={() => toggleRoundProject(project.id)}
+                            />
+                            <div className="flex flex-1 items-center justify-between min-w-0">
+                              <div className="min-w-0">
+                                <p className="text-sm font-medium truncate">{project.title}</p>
+                                <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground truncate">
+                                  {project.teamName}
+                                  {project.country && <> &middot; {project.country}</>}
+                                </p>
+                              </div>
+                              <div className="flex items-center gap-1.5 ml-2 shrink-0">
+                                <Badge variant="outline" className="text-[10px]">
+                                  {project.state.charAt(0) + project.state.slice(1).toLowerCase().replace('_', ' ')}
+                                </Badge>
+                                {project.competitionCategory && (
+                                  <Badge variant="outline" className="text-[10px]">
+                                    {project.competitionCategory === 'STARTUP' ? 'Startup' : 'Concept'}
+                                  </Badge>
+                                )}
+                              </div>
+                            </div>
+                          </label>
+                        )
+                      })}
+                    </div>
+                  </ScrollArea>
+                </>
+              )}
+
+              <DialogFooter>
+                <Button variant="outline" onClick={resetAndClose}>Cancel</Button>
+                <Button
+                  onClick={handleImportFromRound}
+                  disabled={selectedRoundIds.size === 0 || isMutating}
+                >
+                  {importMutation.isPending && <Loader2 className="h-4 w-4 mr-1.5 animate-spin" />}
+                  {selectedRoundIds.size <= 1
+                    ? 'Import to Round'
+                    : `Import ${selectedRoundIds.size} Projects`
+                  }
+                </Button>
+              </DialogFooter>
+            </TabsContent>
+          )}
         </Tabs>
       </DialogContent>
     </Dialog>
diff --git a/src/components/applicant/competition-timeline.tsx b/src/components/applicant/competition-timeline.tsx
index 3d19eeb..3ff1624 100644
--- a/src/components/applicant/competition-timeline.tsx
+++ b/src/components/applicant/competition-timeline.tsx
@@ -4,7 +4,8 @@ import { trpc } from '@/lib/trpc/client'
 import { Card, CardContent, CardHeader, CardTitle } from '@/components/ui/card'
 import { Badge } from '@/components/ui/badge'
 import { Skeleton } from '@/components/ui/skeleton'
-import { CheckCircle2, Circle, Clock, XCircle, Trophy } from 'lucide-react'
+import { CheckCircle2, Circle, Clock, XCircle, Trophy, Check } from 'lucide-react'
+import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
 
 const roundStatusDisplay: Record<string, { label: string; variant: 'default' | 'secondary' }> = {
   ROUND_DRAFT: { label: 'Upcoming', variant: 'secondary' },
@@ -166,7 +167,7 @@ export function ApplicantCompetitionTimeline() {
 
 /**
  * Compact sidebar variant for the dashboard.
- * Shows dots + labels, no date details.
+ * Animated timeline with connector indicators between dots.
  */
 export function CompetitionTimelineSidebar() {
   const { data, isLoading } = trpc.applicant.getMyCompetitionTimeline.useQuery()
@@ -185,54 +186,123 @@ export function CompetitionTimelineSidebar() {
     return <p className="text-sm text-muted-foreground">No rounds available</p>
   }
 
+  // Find the index where elimination happened (first REJECTED entry)
+  const eliminationIndex = data.entries.findIndex((e) => e.projectState === 'REJECTED')
+
   return (
-    <div className="space-y-0">
-      {data.entries.map((entry, index) => {
-        const isCompleted = entry.status === 'ROUND_CLOSED' || entry.status === 'ROUND_ARCHIVED'
-        const isActive = entry.status === 'ROUND_ACTIVE'
-        const isRejected = entry.projectState === 'REJECTED'
-        const isGrandFinale = entry.roundType === 'GRAND_FINALE'
-        const isLast = index === data.entries.length - 1
+    <div className="relative">
+      <div className="space-y-0">
+        {data.entries.map((entry, index) => {
+          const isCompleted = entry.status === 'ROUND_CLOSED' || entry.status === 'ROUND_ARCHIVED'
+          const isActive = entry.status === 'ROUND_ACTIVE'
+          const isRejected = entry.projectState === 'REJECTED'
+          const isGrandFinale = entry.roundType === 'GRAND_FINALE'
+          const isPassed = entry.projectState === 'PASSED' || entry.projectState === 'COMPLETED'
+          const isLast = index === data.entries.length - 1
+          // Is this entry after the elimination point?
+          const isAfterElimination = eliminationIndex >= 0 && index > eliminationIndex
 
-        let dotColor = 'border-2 border-muted bg-background'
-        if (isRejected) dotColor = 'bg-destructive'
-        else if (isGrandFinale && isCompleted) dotColor = 'bg-yellow-500'
-        else if (isCompleted) dotColor = 'bg-primary'
-        else if (isActive) dotColor = 'bg-primary ring-2 ring-primary/30'
+          // Is this the current round the project is in (regardless of round status)?
+          const isCurrent = !!entry.projectState && entry.projectState !== 'PASSED' && entry.projectState !== 'COMPLETED' && entry.projectState !== 'REJECTED'
 
-        return (
-          <div key={entry.id} className="relative flex gap-3">
-            {/* Connecting line */}
-            {!isLast && (
-              <div className="absolute left-[7px] top-[20px] h-full w-0.5 bg-muted" />
-            )}
+          // Determine connector segment color (no icons, just colored lines)
+          let connectorColor = 'bg-border'
+          if ((isPassed || isCompleted) && !isAfterElimination) connectorColor = 'bg-emerald-400'
+          else if (isRejected) connectorColor = 'bg-destructive/30'
 
-            {/* Dot */}
-            <div className={`relative z-10 mt-1.5 h-4 w-4 rounded-full shrink-0 ${dotColor}`} />
+          // Dot inner content
+          let dotInner: React.ReactNode = null
+          let dotClasses = 'border-2 border-muted-foreground/20 bg-background'
 
-            {/* Label */}
-            <div className="flex-1 pb-4">
-              <p
-                className={`text-sm font-medium ${
-                  isRejected
-                    ? 'text-destructive'
-                    : isCompleted || isActive
-                      ? 'text-foreground'
-                      : 'text-muted-foreground'
-                }`}
-              >
-                {entry.label}
-              </p>
-              {isRejected && (
-                <p className="text-xs text-destructive">Not Selected</p>
-              )}
-              {isActive && (
-                <p className="text-xs text-primary">In Progress</p>
+          if (isAfterElimination) {
+            dotClasses = 'border-2 border-muted/60 bg-muted/30'
+          } else if (isRejected) {
+            dotClasses = 'bg-destructive border-2 border-destructive'
+            dotInner = <XCircle className="h-3.5 w-3.5 text-white" />
+          } else if (isGrandFinale && (isCompleted || isPassed)) {
+            dotClasses = 'bg-yellow-500 border-2 border-yellow-500'
+            dotInner = <Trophy className="h-3.5 w-3.5 text-white" />
+          } else if (isCompleted || isPassed) {
+            dotClasses = 'bg-emerald-500 border-2 border-emerald-500'
+            dotInner = <Check className="h-3.5 w-3.5 text-white" />
+          } else if (isCurrent) {
+            dotClasses = 'bg-amber-400 border-2 border-amber-400'
+            dotInner = <span className="h-2.5 w-2.5 rounded-full bg-white animate-ping" style={{ animationDuration: '2s' }} />
+          }
+
+          // Status sub-label
+          let statusLabel: string | null = null
+          let statusColor = 'text-muted-foreground'
+          if (isRejected) {
+            statusLabel = 'Eliminated'
+            statusColor = 'text-destructive'
+          } else if (isAfterElimination) {
+            statusLabel = null
+          } else if (isPassed) {
+            statusLabel = 'Advanced'
+            statusColor = 'text-emerald-600'
+          } else if (isCurrent) {
+            statusLabel = 'You are here'
+            statusColor = 'text-amber-600'
+          }
+
+          return (
+            <div
+              key={entry.id}
+              className="animate-in fade-in slide-in-from-left-2 fill-mode-both"
+              style={{ animationDelay: `${index * 100}ms`, animationDuration: '400ms' }}
+            >
+              {/* Row: dot + label */}
+              <div className={cn(
+                'group relative flex items-center gap-3.5 rounded-lg px-1.5 py-1.5 -mx-1.5 transition-colors duration-200 hover:bg-muted/40',
+                isCurrent && 'bg-amber-50/60 hover:bg-amber-50/80',
+              )}>
+                {/* Dot */}
+                <div
+                  className={cn(
+                    'relative z-10 h-7 w-7 rounded-full shrink-0 flex items-center justify-center shadow-sm transition-all duration-300',
+                    isCurrent && 'ring-4 ring-amber-400/25',
+                    isPassed && !isRejected && !isAfterElimination && 'ring-[3px] ring-emerald-500/15',
+                    dotClasses,
+                  )}
+                >
+                  {dotInner}
+                </div>
+
+                {/* Label */}
+                <div className="flex-1 min-w-0">
+                  <p
+                    className={cn('text-sm leading-5 font-medium transition-colors duration-200', {
+                      'text-destructive line-through decoration-destructive/40': isRejected,
+                      'text-muted-foreground/40': isAfterElimination,
+                      'text-foreground font-semibold': isCurrent,
+                      'text-foreground': !isCurrent && !isRejected && !isAfterElimination && (isCompleted || isActive || isPassed),
+                      'text-muted-foreground': !isRejected && !isAfterElimination && !isCompleted && !isActive && !isPassed,
+                    })}
+                  >
+                    {entry.label}
+                  </p>
+                  {statusLabel && (
+                    <p className={cn('text-xs mt-0.5 font-semibold tracking-wide uppercase', statusColor)}>{statusLabel}</p>
+                  )}
+                </div>
+              </div>
+
+              {/* Connector line between dots */}
+              {!isLast && (
+                <div className="flex items-center ml-[13px] h-5">
+                  <div
+                    className={cn(
+                      'w-[2px] h-full rounded-full transition-all duration-500',
+                      connectorColor,
+                    )}
+                  />
+                </div>
               )}
             </div>
-          </div>
-        )
-      })}
+          )
+        })}
+      </div>
     </div>
   )
 }
diff --git a/src/components/applicant/mentoring-request-card.tsx b/src/components/applicant/mentoring-request-card.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ba95ff8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/components/applicant/mentoring-request-card.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,133 @@
+'use client'
+
+import { useState, useEffect } from 'react'
+import { trpc } from '@/lib/trpc/client'
+import { Card, CardContent, CardHeader, CardTitle } from '@/components/ui/card'
+import { Button } from '@/components/ui/button'
+import { Badge } from '@/components/ui/badge'
+import { MessageSquare, Clock, CheckCircle, XCircle } from 'lucide-react'
+import { toast } from 'sonner'
+
+interface MentoringRequestCardProps {
+  projectId: string
+  roundId: string
+  roundName: string
+}
+
+export function MentoringRequestCard({ projectId, roundId, roundName }: MentoringRequestCardProps) {
+  const [timeLeft, setTimeLeft] = useState('')
+
+  const { data: status, isLoading } = trpc.applicant.getMentoringRequestStatus.useQuery(
+    { projectId, roundId },
+    { refetchInterval: 60_000 },
+  )
+
+  const utils = trpc.useUtils()
+  const requestMutation = trpc.applicant.requestMentoring.useMutation({
+    onSuccess: (data) => {
+      toast.success(data.requesting ? 'Mentoring requested' : 'Mentoring request cancelled')
+      utils.applicant.getMentoringRequestStatus.invalidate({ projectId, roundId })
+      utils.applicant.getMyDashboard.invalidate()
+    },
+    onError: (error) => toast.error(error.message),
+  })
+
+  // Countdown timer
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (!status?.deadline) return
+    const update = () => {
+      const now = new Date()
+      const deadline = new Date(status.deadline!)
+      const diff = deadline.getTime() - now.getTime()
+      if (diff <= 0) {
+        setTimeLeft('Expired')
+        return
+      }
+      const days = Math.floor(diff / (1000 * 60 * 60 * 24))
+      const hours = Math.floor((diff % (1000 * 60 * 60 * 24)) / (1000 * 60 * 60))
+      const minutes = Math.floor((diff % (1000 * 60 * 60)) / (1000 * 60))
+      if (days > 0) setTimeLeft(`${days}d ${hours}h remaining`)
+      else if (hours > 0) setTimeLeft(`${hours}h ${minutes}m remaining`)
+      else setTimeLeft(`${minutes}m remaining`)
+    }
+    update()
+    const interval = setInterval(update, 60_000)
+    return () => clearInterval(interval)
+  }, [status?.deadline])
+
+  if (isLoading || !status?.available) return null
+
+  return (
+    <Card>
+      <CardHeader className="pb-3">
+        <CardTitle className="flex items-center gap-2 text-base">
+          <MessageSquare className="h-5 w-5" />
+          Mentoring — {roundName}
+        </CardTitle>
+      </CardHeader>
+      <CardContent className="space-y-4">
+        {status.requested ? (
+          <div className="flex items-start gap-3">
+            <CheckCircle className="h-5 w-5 text-green-500 mt-0.5 shrink-0" />
+            <div>
+              <p className="text-sm font-medium">Mentoring requested</p>
+              <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground">
+                {status.requestedAt
+                  ? `Requested on ${new Date(status.requestedAt).toLocaleDateString()}`
+                  : 'Awaiting mentor assignment'}
+              </p>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+        ) : (
+          <div className="flex items-start gap-3">
+            <XCircle className="h-5 w-5 text-muted-foreground mt-0.5 shrink-0" />
+            <div>
+              <p className="text-sm font-medium">Not requesting mentoring</p>
+              <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground">
+                You will advance automatically without a mentoring period.
+              </p>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+        )}
+
+        {/* Deadline info */}
+        {status.deadline && (
+          <div className="flex items-center gap-2 text-sm">
+            <Clock className="h-4 w-4 text-muted-foreground" />
+            <span className="text-muted-foreground">Request window:</span>
+            {status.canStillRequest ? (
+              <Badge variant="outline" className="text-amber-600 border-amber-300">
+                {timeLeft}
+              </Badge>
+            ) : (
+              <Badge variant="secondary">Closed</Badge>
+            )}
+          </div>
+        )}
+
+        {/* Action button */}
+        {status.canStillRequest && (
+          <Button
+            variant={status.requested ? 'outline' : 'default'}
+            size="sm"
+            className="w-full"
+            onClick={() => requestMutation.mutate({ projectId, roundId, requesting: !status.requested })}
+            disabled={requestMutation.isPending}
+          >
+            {requestMutation.isPending
+              ? 'Updating...'
+              : status.requested
+                ? 'Cancel Mentoring Request'
+                : 'Request Mentoring'}
+          </Button>
+        )}
+
+        {!status.canStillRequest && (
+          <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground text-center">
+            The mentoring request window has closed.
+          </p>
+        )}
+      </CardContent>
+    </Card>
+  )
+}
diff --git a/src/components/applicant/withdraw-button.tsx b/src/components/applicant/withdraw-button.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e087eef
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/components/applicant/withdraw-button.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,70 @@
+'use client'
+
+import { useState } from 'react'
+import { trpc } from '@/lib/trpc/client'
+import { Button } from '@/components/ui/button'
+import {
+  AlertDialog,
+  AlertDialogAction,
+  AlertDialogCancel,
+  AlertDialogContent,
+  AlertDialogDescription,
+  AlertDialogFooter,
+  AlertDialogHeader,
+  AlertDialogTitle,
+  AlertDialogTrigger,
+} from '@/components/ui/alert-dialog'
+import { LogOut } from 'lucide-react'
+import { toast } from 'sonner'
+
+interface WithdrawButtonProps {
+  projectId: string
+}
+
+export function WithdrawButton({ projectId }: WithdrawButtonProps) {
+  const [open, setOpen] = useState(false)
+  const utils = trpc.useUtils()
+
+  const withdraw = trpc.applicant.withdrawFromCompetition.useMutation({
+    onSuccess: (data) => {
+      toast.success(`Withdrawn from ${data.roundName}`)
+      utils.applicant.getMyDashboard.invalidate()
+      utils.applicant.getMyCompetitionTimeline.invalidate()
+      setOpen(false)
+    },
+    onError: (error) => {
+      toast.error(error.message)
+    },
+  })
+
+  return (
+    <AlertDialog open={open} onOpenChange={setOpen}>
+      <AlertDialogTrigger asChild>
+        <Button variant="outline" size="sm" className="text-destructive hover:text-destructive">
+          <LogOut className="h-4 w-4 mr-1.5" />
+          Withdraw
+        </Button>
+      </AlertDialogTrigger>
+      <AlertDialogContent>
+        <AlertDialogHeader>
+          <AlertDialogTitle>Withdraw from Competition?</AlertDialogTitle>
+          <AlertDialogDescription>
+            Are you sure you want to withdraw your project from the current round?
+            This action is immediate and cannot be undone by you.
+            An administrator would need to re-include your project.
+          </AlertDialogDescription>
+        </AlertDialogHeader>
+        <AlertDialogFooter>
+          <AlertDialogCancel>Cancel</AlertDialogCancel>
+          <AlertDialogAction
+            onClick={() => withdraw.mutate({ projectId })}
+            className="bg-destructive text-destructive-foreground hover:bg-destructive/90"
+            disabled={withdraw.isPending}
+          >
+            {withdraw.isPending ? 'Withdrawing...' : 'Yes, Withdraw'}
+          </AlertDialogAction>
+        </AlertDialogFooter>
+      </AlertDialogContent>
+    </AlertDialog>
+  )
+}
diff --git a/src/components/layouts/applicant-nav.tsx b/src/components/layouts/applicant-nav.tsx
index 1e6cbc7..e6d27a1 100644
--- a/src/components/layouts/applicant-nav.tsx
+++ b/src/components/layouts/applicant-nav.tsx
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 'use client'
 
-import { Home, Users, FileText, MessageSquare, Trophy, Star, BookOpen } from 'lucide-react'
+import { Home, FolderOpen, FileText, MessageSquare, Trophy, Star, BookOpen } from 'lucide-react'
 import { trpc } from '@/lib/trpc/client'
 import { RoleNav, type NavItem, type RoleNavUser } from '@/components/layouts/role-nav'
 
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ export function ApplicantNav({ user }: ApplicantNavProps) {
 
   const navigation: NavItem[] = [
     { name: 'Dashboard', href: '/applicant', icon: Home },
-    { name: 'Team', href: '/applicant/team', icon: Users },
+    { name: 'Project', href: '/applicant/team', icon: FolderOpen },
     { name: 'Competition', href: '/applicant/competition', icon: Trophy },
     { name: 'Documents', href: '/applicant/documents', icon: FileText },
     ...(flags?.hasEvaluationRounds
diff --git a/src/components/layouts/role-nav.tsx b/src/components/layouts/role-nav.tsx
index 30ecf1f..faed7e9 100644
--- a/src/components/layouts/role-nav.tsx
+++ b/src/components/layouts/role-nav.tsx
@@ -144,9 +144,9 @@ export function RoleNav({ navigation, roleName, user, basePath, statusBadge, edi
                   </span>
                 </Button>
               </DropdownMenuTrigger>
-              <DropdownMenuContent align="end" className="w-48">
-                <DropdownMenuItem disabled>
-                  <User className="mr-2 h-4 w-4" />
+              <DropdownMenuContent align="end" className="min-w-48">
+                <DropdownMenuItem disabled className="text-xs">
+                  <User className="mr-2 h-4 w-4 shrink-0" />
                   {user.email}
                 </DropdownMenuItem>
                 <DropdownMenuSeparator />
diff --git a/src/components/shared/file-viewer.tsx b/src/components/shared/file-viewer.tsx
index 0c9f8ba..d35ef42 100644
--- a/src/components/shared/file-viewer.tsx
+++ b/src/components/shared/file-viewer.tsx
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ const OFFICE_MIME_TYPES = [
 
 const OFFICE_EXTENSIONS = ['.pptx', '.ppt', '.docx', '.doc']
 
-function isOfficeFile(mimeType: string, fileName: string): boolean {
+export function isOfficeFile(mimeType: string, fileName: string): boolean {
   if (OFFICE_MIME_TYPES.includes(mimeType)) return true
   const ext = fileName.toLowerCase().slice(fileName.lastIndexOf('.'))
   return OFFICE_EXTENSIONS.includes(ext)
@@ -633,7 +633,7 @@ function FileDownloadButton({ file, className, label }: { file: ProjectFile; cla
   )
 }
 
-function FilePreview({ file, url }: { file: ProjectFile; url: string }) {
+export function FilePreview({ file, url }: { file: { mimeType: string; fileName: string }; url: string }) {
   if (file.mimeType.startsWith('video/')) {
     return (
       <video
diff --git a/src/components/shared/notification-bell.tsx b/src/components/shared/notification-bell.tsx
index ab2355e..ffa58e8 100644
--- a/src/components/shared/notification-bell.tsx
+++ b/src/components/shared/notification-bell.tsx
@@ -252,6 +252,14 @@ export function NotificationBell() {
     }
   )
 
+  // Mark all notifications as read when popover opens
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (open && isAuthenticated && unreadCount > 0) {
+      markAllAsReadMutation.mutate()
+    }
+    // eslint-disable-next-line react-hooks/exhaustive-deps
+  }, [open])
+
   const markAsReadMutation = trpc.notification.markAsRead.useMutation({
     onSuccess: () => refetch(),
   })
diff --git a/src/components/shared/project-logo-upload.tsx b/src/components/shared/project-logo-upload.tsx
index 62efb63..218b560 100644
--- a/src/components/shared/project-logo-upload.tsx
+++ b/src/components/shared/project-logo-upload.tsx
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ import { Button } from '@/components/ui/button'
 import { Input } from '@/components/ui/input'
 import { Label } from '@/components/ui/label'
 import { Slider } from '@/components/ui/slider'
-import { Upload, Loader2, ZoomIn, ImageIcon } from 'lucide-react'
+import { Upload, Loader2, Trash2, ZoomIn, ImageIcon } from 'lucide-react'
 import { trpc } from '@/lib/trpc/client'
 import { toast } from 'sonner'
 
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ type ProjectLogoUploadProps = {
   projectId: string
   currentLogoUrl?: string | null
   onUploadComplete?: () => void
+  children?: React.ReactNode
 }
 
 const MAX_SIZE_MB = 5
@@ -72,6 +73,7 @@ export function ProjectLogoUpload({
   projectId,
   currentLogoUrl,
   onUploadComplete,
+  children,
 }: ProjectLogoUploadProps) {
   const [open, setOpen] = useState(false)
   const [imageSrc, setImageSrc] = useState<string | null>(null)
@@ -79,10 +81,12 @@ export function ProjectLogoUpload({
   const [zoom, setZoom] = useState(1)
   const [croppedAreaPixels, setCroppedAreaPixels] = useState<Area | null>(null)
   const [isUploading, setIsUploading] = useState(false)
+  const [isDeleting, setIsDeleting] = useState(false)
   const fileInputRef = useRef<HTMLInputElement>(null)
 
   const getUploadUrl = trpc.applicant.getProjectLogoUploadUrl.useMutation()
   const confirmUpload = trpc.applicant.confirmProjectLogo.useMutation()
+  const deleteLogo = trpc.applicant.deleteProjectLogo.useMutation()
 
   const onCropComplete = useCallback((_croppedArea: Area, croppedPixels: Area) => {
     setCroppedAreaPixels(croppedPixels)
@@ -148,6 +152,21 @@ export function ProjectLogoUpload({
     }
   }
 
+  const handleDelete = async () => {
+    setIsDeleting(true)
+    try {
+      await deleteLogo.mutateAsync({ projectId })
+      toast.success('Logo removed')
+      setOpen(false)
+      onUploadComplete?.()
+    } catch (error) {
+      console.error('Delete error:', error)
+      toast.error('Failed to remove logo')
+    } finally {
+      setIsDeleting(false)
+    }
+  }
+
   const resetState = () => {
     setImageSrc(null)
     setCrop({ x: 0, y: 0 })
@@ -164,43 +183,48 @@ export function ProjectLogoUpload({
   return (
     <Dialog open={open} onOpenChange={setOpen}>
       <DialogTrigger asChild>
-        <button
-          type="button"
-          className="relative mx-auto flex h-24 w-24 items-center justify-center rounded-xl border-2 border-dashed border-muted-foreground/30 hover:border-primary/50 transition-colors cursor-pointer overflow-hidden bg-muted"
-        >
-          {currentLogoUrl ? (
-            <img src={currentLogoUrl} alt="Project logo" className="h-full w-full object-cover" />
-          ) : (
-            <ImageIcon className="h-8 w-8 text-muted-foreground/50" />
-          )}
-        </button>
+        {children || (
+          <button
+            type="button"
+            className="relative mx-auto flex h-24 w-24 items-center justify-center rounded-xl border-2 border-dashed border-muted-foreground/30 hover:border-primary/50 transition-colors cursor-pointer overflow-hidden bg-muted"
+          >
+            {currentLogoUrl ? (
+              <img src={currentLogoUrl} alt="Project logo" className="h-full w-full object-cover" />
+            ) : (
+              <ImageIcon className="h-8 w-8 text-muted-foreground/50" />
+            )}
+          </button>
+        )}
       </DialogTrigger>
       <DialogContent className="sm:max-w-md">
         <DialogHeader>
           <DialogTitle>Project Logo</DialogTitle>
           <DialogDescription>
             {imageSrc
-              ? 'Drag to reposition and use the slider to zoom.'
-              : 'Upload a logo for your project. Allowed formats: JPEG, PNG, GIF, WebP.'}
+              ? 'Drag to reposition and use the slider to zoom. The logo will be cropped to a square.'
+              : `Upload a logo for your project. Allowed formats: JPEG, PNG, GIF, WebP. Max size: ${MAX_SIZE_MB}MB.`}
           </DialogDescription>
         </DialogHeader>
 
         <div className="space-y-4 py-4">
           {imageSrc ? (
             <>
+              {/* Cropper */}
               <div className="relative w-full h-64 bg-muted rounded-lg overflow-hidden">
                 <Cropper
                   image={imageSrc}
                   crop={crop}
                   zoom={zoom}
                   aspect={1}
-                  showGrid={false}
+                  cropShape="rect"
+                  showGrid
                   onCropChange={setCrop}
                   onCropComplete={onCropComplete}
                   onZoomChange={setZoom}
                 />
               </div>
 
+              {/* Zoom slider */}
               <div className="flex items-center gap-3 px-1">
                 <ZoomIn className="h-4 w-4 text-muted-foreground shrink-0" />
                 <Slider
@@ -213,6 +237,7 @@ export function ProjectLogoUpload({
                 />
               </div>
 
+              {/* Change image button */}
               <Button
                 variant="ghost"
                 size="sm"
@@ -227,6 +252,7 @@ export function ProjectLogoUpload({
             </>
           ) : (
             <>
+              {/* Current logo preview */}
               {currentLogoUrl && (
                 <div className="flex justify-center">
                   <img
@@ -237,6 +263,7 @@ export function ProjectLogoUpload({
                 </div>
               )}
 
+              {/* File input */}
               <div className="space-y-2">
                 <Label htmlFor="logo">Select image</Label>
                 <Input
@@ -253,6 +280,22 @@ export function ProjectLogoUpload({
         </div>
 
         <DialogFooter className="flex-col gap-2 sm:flex-row">
+          {currentLogoUrl && !imageSrc && (
+            <Button
+              variant="destructive"
+              onClick={handleDelete}
+              disabled={isDeleting}
+              className="w-full sm:w-auto"
+            >
+              {isDeleting ? (
+                <Loader2 className="mr-2 h-4 w-4 animate-spin" />
+              ) : (
+                <Trash2 className="mr-2 h-4 w-4" />
+              )}
+              Remove
+            </Button>
+          )}
+
           <div className="flex gap-2 w-full sm:w-auto">
             <Button variant="outline" onClick={handleCancel} className="flex-1">
               Cancel
diff --git a/src/components/shared/requirement-upload-slot.tsx b/src/components/shared/requirement-upload-slot.tsx
index ca8b998..cf3aec7 100644
--- a/src/components/shared/requirement-upload-slot.tsx
+++ b/src/components/shared/requirement-upload-slot.tsx
@@ -13,17 +13,27 @@ import {
   Loader2,
   Trash2,
   RefreshCw,
+  Eye,
+  Download,
+  FileText,
+  Languages,
+  Play,
+  X,
 } from 'lucide-react'
 import { cn, formatFileSize } from '@/lib/utils'
 import { toast } from 'sonner'
+import { FilePreview, isOfficeFile } from '@/components/shared/file-viewer'
 
 function getMimeLabel(mime: string): string {
   if (mime === 'application/pdf') return 'PDF'
   if (mime.startsWith('image/')) return 'Images'
+  if (mime === 'video/mp4') return 'MP4'
+  if (mime === 'video/quicktime') return 'MOV'
+  if (mime === 'video/webm') return 'WebM'
   if (mime.startsWith('video/')) return 'Video'
-  if (mime.includes('wordprocessingml')) return 'Word'
+  if (mime.includes('wordprocessingml') || mime === 'application/msword') return 'Word'
   if (mime.includes('spreadsheetml')) return 'Excel'
-  if (mime.includes('presentationml')) return 'PowerPoint'
+  if (mime.includes('presentationml') || mime === 'application/vnd.ms-powerpoint') return 'PowerPoint'
   if (mime.endsWith('/*')) return mime.replace('/*', '')
   return mime
 }
@@ -44,6 +54,11 @@ interface UploadedFile {
   size: number
   createdAt: string | Date
   requirementId?: string | null
+  bucket?: string
+  objectKey?: string
+  pageCount?: number | null
+  detectedLang?: string | null
+  analyzedAt?: string | Date | null
 }
 
 interface RequirementUploadSlotProps {
@@ -55,6 +70,36 @@ interface RequirementUploadSlotProps {
   disabled?: boolean
 }
 
+function ViewFileButton({ bucket, objectKey }: { bucket: string; objectKey: string }) {
+  const { data } = trpc.file.getDownloadUrl.useQuery(
+    { bucket, objectKey, forDownload: false },
+    { staleTime: 10 * 60 * 1000 }
+  )
+  const href = typeof data === 'string' ? data : data?.url
+  return (
+    <Button variant="ghost" size="sm" className="h-6 px-2 text-xs gap-1" asChild disabled={!href}>
+      <a href={href || '#'} target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">
+        <Eye className="h-3 w-3" /> View
+      </a>
+    </Button>
+  )
+}
+
+function DownloadFileButton({ bucket, objectKey, fileName }: { bucket: string; objectKey: string; fileName: string }) {
+  const { data } = trpc.file.getDownloadUrl.useQuery(
+    { bucket, objectKey, forDownload: true, fileName },
+    { staleTime: 10 * 60 * 1000 }
+  )
+  const href = typeof data === 'string' ? data : data?.url
+  return (
+    <Button variant="ghost" size="sm" className="h-6 px-2 text-xs gap-1" asChild disabled={!href}>
+      <a href={href || '#'} download={fileName}>
+        <Download className="h-3 w-3" /> Download
+      </a>
+    </Button>
+  )
+}
+
 export function RequirementUploadSlot({
   requirement,
   existingFile,
@@ -66,6 +111,7 @@ export function RequirementUploadSlot({
   const [uploading, setUploading] = useState(false)
   const [progress, setProgress] = useState(0)
   const [deleting, setDeleting] = useState(false)
+  const [showPreview, setShowPreview] = useState(false)
   const fileInputRef = useRef<HTMLInputElement>(null)
 
   const getUploadUrl = trpc.applicant.getUploadUrl.useMutation()
@@ -181,6 +227,20 @@ export function RequirementUploadSlot({
     }
   }, [existingFile, deleteFile, onFileChange])
 
+  // Fetch preview URL only when preview is toggled on
+  const { data: previewUrlData, isLoading: isLoadingPreview } = trpc.file.getDownloadUrl.useQuery(
+    { bucket: existingFile?.bucket || '', objectKey: existingFile?.objectKey || '', forDownload: false },
+    { enabled: showPreview && !!existingFile?.bucket && !!existingFile?.objectKey, staleTime: 10 * 60 * 1000 }
+  )
+  const previewUrl = typeof previewUrlData === 'string' ? previewUrlData : previewUrlData?.url
+
+  const canPreview = existingFile
+    ? existingFile.mimeType.startsWith('video/') ||
+      existingFile.mimeType === 'application/pdf' ||
+      existingFile.mimeType.startsWith('image/') ||
+      isOfficeFile(existingFile.mimeType, existingFile.fileName)
+    : false
+
   const isFulfilled = !!existingFile
   const statusColor = isFulfilled
     ? 'border-green-200 bg-green-50 dark:border-green-900 dark:bg-green-950'
@@ -222,9 +282,9 @@ export function RequirementUploadSlot({
           )}
 
           <div className="flex flex-wrap gap-1 ml-6 mb-2">
-            {requirement.acceptedMimeTypes.map((mime) => (
-              <Badge key={mime} variant="outline" className="text-xs">
-                {getMimeLabel(mime)}
+            {[...new Set(requirement.acceptedMimeTypes.map(getMimeLabel))].map((label) => (
+              <Badge key={label} variant="outline" className="text-xs">
+                {label}
               </Badge>
             ))}
             {requirement.maxSizeMB && (
@@ -235,10 +295,65 @@ export function RequirementUploadSlot({
           </div>
 
           {existingFile && (
-            <div className="ml-6 flex items-center gap-2 text-xs text-muted-foreground">
-              <FileIcon className="h-3 w-3" />
-              <span className="truncate">{existingFile.fileName}</span>
-              <span>({formatFileSize(existingFile.size)})</span>
+            <div className="ml-6 space-y-1.5">
+              <div className="flex items-center gap-2 text-xs text-muted-foreground">
+                <FileIcon className="h-3 w-3" />
+                <span className="truncate">{existingFile.fileName}</span>
+                <span>({formatFileSize(existingFile.size)})</span>
+                {existingFile.pageCount != null && (
+                  <span className="flex items-center gap-0.5">
+                    <FileText className="h-3 w-3" />
+                    {existingFile.pageCount} page{existingFile.pageCount !== 1 ? 's' : ''}
+                  </span>
+                )}
+                {existingFile.detectedLang && existingFile.detectedLang !== 'und' && (
+                  <span className="flex items-center gap-0.5">
+                    <Languages className="h-3 w-3" />
+                    {existingFile.detectedLang.toUpperCase()}
+                  </span>
+                )}
+              </div>
+              {existingFile.bucket && existingFile.objectKey && (
+                <div className="flex items-center gap-1.5">
+                  {canPreview && (
+                    <Button
+                      variant="ghost"
+                      size="sm"
+                      className="h-6 px-2 text-xs gap-1"
+                      onClick={() => setShowPreview(!showPreview)}
+                    >
+                      {showPreview ? (
+                        <><X className="h-3 w-3" /> Close Preview</>
+                      ) : (
+                        <><Play className="h-3 w-3" /> Preview</>
+                      )}
+                    </Button>
+                  )}
+                  <ViewFileButton bucket={existingFile.bucket} objectKey={existingFile.objectKey} />
+                  <DownloadFileButton bucket={existingFile.bucket} objectKey={existingFile.objectKey} fileName={existingFile.fileName} />
+                </div>
+              )}
+            </div>
+          )}
+
+          {/* Inline preview panel */}
+          {showPreview && existingFile && (
+            <div className="ml-6 mt-2 rounded-lg border bg-muted/50 overflow-hidden">
+              {isLoadingPreview ? (
+                <div className="flex items-center justify-center py-8">
+                  <Loader2 className="h-8 w-8 animate-spin text-muted-foreground" />
+                </div>
+              ) : previewUrl ? (
+                <FilePreview
+                  file={{ mimeType: existingFile.mimeType, fileName: existingFile.fileName }}
+                  url={previewUrl}
+                />
+              ) : (
+                <div className="flex items-center justify-center py-8 text-muted-foreground">
+                  <AlertCircle className="mr-2 h-4 w-4" />
+                  Failed to load preview
+                </div>
+              )}
             </div>
           )}
 
@@ -349,6 +464,11 @@ export function RequirementUploadList({ projectId, roundId, disabled }: Requirem
                     size: existing.size,
                     createdAt: existing.createdAt,
                     requirementId: (existing as { requirementId?: string | null }).requirementId,
+                    bucket: (existing as { bucket?: string }).bucket,
+                    objectKey: (existing as { objectKey?: string }).objectKey,
+                    pageCount: (existing as { pageCount?: number | null }).pageCount,
+                    detectedLang: (existing as { detectedLang?: string | null }).detectedLang,
+                    analyzedAt: (existing as { analyzedAt?: string | null }).analyzedAt,
                   }
                 : null
             }
diff --git a/src/components/shared/user-avatar.tsx b/src/components/shared/user-avatar.tsx
index bac99cc..8723a21 100644
--- a/src/components/shared/user-avatar.tsx
+++ b/src/components/shared/user-avatar.tsx
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ type UserAvatarProps = {
     email?: string | null
     profileImageKey?: string | null
   }
-  size?: 'xs' | 'sm' | 'md' | 'lg' | 'xl'
+  size?: 'xs' | 'sm' | 'md' | 'lg' | 'xl' | '2xl'
   className?: string
   showEditOverlay?: boolean
   avatarUrl?: string | null
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ const sizeClasses = {
   md: 'h-10 w-10',
   lg: 'h-12 w-12',
   xl: 'h-16 w-16',
+  '2xl': 'h-24 w-24',
 }
 
 const textSizeClasses = {
@@ -31,6 +32,7 @@ const textSizeClasses = {
   md: 'text-sm',
   lg: 'text-base',
   xl: 'text-lg',
+  '2xl': 'text-2xl',
 }
 
 const iconSizeClasses = {
@@ -39,6 +41,7 @@ const iconSizeClasses = {
   md: 'h-4 w-4',
   lg: 'h-5 w-5',
   xl: 'h-6 w-6',
+  '2xl': 'h-8 w-8',
 }
 
 export function UserAvatar({
diff --git a/src/lib/email.ts b/src/lib/email.ts
index 86da704..aee5d38 100644
--- a/src/lib/email.ts
+++ b/src/lib/email.ts
@@ -1678,6 +1678,222 @@ Together for a healthier ocean.
   }
 }
 
+/**
+ * Generate "Project Advanced" notification email template
+ */
+export function getAdvancementNotificationTemplate(
+  name: string,
+  projectName: string,
+  fromRoundName: string,
+  toRoundName: string,
+  customMessage?: string,
+  accountUrl?: string,
+): EmailTemplate {
+  const greeting = name ? `Congratulations ${name}!` : 'Congratulations!'
+
+  const celebrationBanner = `
+<table role="presentation" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" style="margin: 20px 0;">
+  <tr>
+    <td style="background: linear-gradient(135deg, #059669 0%, #0d9488 100%); border-radius: 12px; padding: 24px; text-align: center;">
+      <p style="color: #ffffff; margin: 0 0 8px 0; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 600; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 2px;">Great News</p>
+      <h2 style="color: #ffffff; margin: 0; font-size: 28px; font-weight: 700;">Your project has advanced!</h2>
+    </td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+`
+
+  const escapedMessage = customMessage
+    ? customMessage
+        .replace(/&/g, '&amp;')
+        .replace(/</g, '&lt;')
+        .replace(/>/g, '&gt;')
+        .replace(/\n/g, '<br>')
+    : null
+
+  const content = `
+    ${sectionTitle(greeting)}
+    ${celebrationBanner}
+    ${infoBox(`<strong>"${projectName}"</strong>`, 'success')}
+    ${infoBox(`Advanced from <strong>${fromRoundName}</strong> to <strong>${toRoundName}</strong>`, 'info')}
+    ${
+      escapedMessage
+        ? `<div style="background-color: #f5f5f5; border-radius: 8px; padding: 20px; margin: 20px 0; color: ${BRAND.textDark}; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.7;">${escapedMessage}</div>`
+        : paragraph('Our team will be in touch with more details about the next phase.')
+    }
+    ${accountUrl
+      ? ctaButton(accountUrl, 'Create Your Account')
+      : ctaButton('/applicant', 'View Your Dashboard')}
+  `
+
+  return {
+    subject: `Your project has advanced: "${projectName}"`,
+    html: getEmailWrapper(content),
+    text: `
+${greeting}
+
+Your project has advanced!
+
+Project: ${projectName}
+Advanced from: ${fromRoundName}
+To: ${toRoundName}
+
+${customMessage || 'Our team will be in touch with more details about the next phase.'}
+
+${accountUrl
+  ? `Create your account: ${getBaseUrl()}${accountUrl}`
+  : `Visit your dashboard: ${getBaseUrl()}/applicant`}
+
+---
+Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge
+Together for a healthier ocean.
+    `,
+  }
+}
+
+/**
+ * Generate "Project Not Advanced" (rejection) notification email template
+ */
+export function getRejectionNotificationTemplate(
+  name: string,
+  projectName: string,
+  roundName: string,
+  customMessage?: string
+): EmailTemplate {
+  const greeting = name ? `Dear ${name},` : 'Dear Applicant,'
+
+  const escapedMessage = customMessage
+    ? customMessage
+        .replace(/&/g, '&amp;')
+        .replace(/</g, '&lt;')
+        .replace(/>/g, '&gt;')
+        .replace(/\n/g, '<br>')
+    : null
+
+  const content = `
+    ${sectionTitle(greeting)}
+    ${paragraph(`Thank you for your participation in <strong>${roundName}</strong> with your project <strong>"${projectName}"</strong>.`)}
+    ${infoBox('After careful review by our jury, we regret to inform you that your project was not selected to advance at this stage.', 'info')}
+    ${
+      escapedMessage
+        ? `<div style="background-color: #f5f5f5; border-radius: 8px; padding: 20px; margin: 20px 0; color: ${BRAND.textDark}; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.7;">${escapedMessage}</div>`
+        : ''
+    }
+    ${paragraph('We encourage you to continue developing your ocean protection initiative and to apply again in future editions. Your commitment to protecting our oceans is valuable and appreciated.')}
+    <p style="color: ${BRAND.textMuted}; margin: 24px 0 0 0; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">
+      Thank you for being part of the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge community.
+    </p>
+  `
+
+  return {
+    subject: `Update on your application: "${projectName}"`,
+    html: getEmailWrapper(content),
+    text: `
+${greeting}
+
+Thank you for your participation in ${roundName} with your project "${projectName}".
+
+After careful review by our jury, we regret to inform you that your project was not selected to advance at this stage.
+
+${customMessage || ''}
+
+We encourage you to continue developing your ocean protection initiative and to apply again in future editions.
+
+Thank you for being part of the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge community.
+
+---
+Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge
+Together for a healthier ocean.
+    `,
+  }
+}
+
+/**
+ * Generate "Selected for Special Award" notification email template
+ */
+export function getAwardSelectionNotificationTemplate(
+  name: string,
+  projectName: string,
+  awardName: string,
+  customMessage?: string,
+  accountUrl?: string,
+): EmailTemplate {
+  const greeting = name ? `Dear ${name},` : 'Dear Applicant,'
+
+  const celebrationBanner = `
+<table role="presentation" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" style="margin: 20px 0;">
+  <tr>
+    <td style="background: linear-gradient(135deg, #d97706 0%, #f59e0b 100%); border-radius: 12px; padding: 24px; text-align: center;">
+      <p style="color: #ffffff; margin: 0 0 8px 0; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 600; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 2px;">Congratulations</p>
+      <h2 style="color: #ffffff; margin: 0; font-size: 24px; font-weight: 700;">Your project has been selected!</h2>
+    </td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+`
+
+  const escapedMessage = customMessage
+    ? customMessage
+        .replace(/&/g, '&amp;')
+        .replace(/</g, '&lt;')
+        .replace(/>/g, '&gt;')
+        .replace(/\n/g, '<br>')
+    : null
+
+  const content = `
+    ${sectionTitle(greeting)}
+    ${celebrationBanner}
+    ${infoBox(`<strong>"${projectName}"</strong> has been selected for the <strong>${awardName}</strong>`, 'success')}
+    ${
+      escapedMessage
+        ? `<div style="background-color: #f5f5f5; border-radius: 8px; padding: 20px; margin: 20px 0; color: ${BRAND.textDark}; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.7;">${escapedMessage}</div>`
+        : paragraph('Our team will be in touch with more details about this award and next steps.')
+    }
+    ${accountUrl
+      ? ctaButton(accountUrl, 'Create Your Account')
+      : ctaButton('/applicant', 'View Your Dashboard')}
+  `
+
+  return {
+    subject: `Your project has been selected for ${awardName}: "${projectName}"`,
+    html: getEmailWrapper(content),
+    text: `
+${greeting}
+
+Your project has been selected!
+
+Project: ${projectName}
+Award: ${awardName}
+
+${customMessage || 'Our team will be in touch with more details about this award and next steps.'}
+
+${accountUrl
+  ? `Create your account: ${getBaseUrl()}${accountUrl}`
+  : `Visit your dashboard: ${getBaseUrl()}/applicant`}
+
+---
+Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge
+Together for a healthier ocean.
+    `,
+  }
+}
+
+/**
+ * Generate a preview HTML wrapper for admin email previews
+ */
+export function getEmailPreviewHtml(subject: string, body: string): string {
+  const formattedBody = body
+    .replace(/&/g, '&amp;')
+    .replace(/</g, '&lt;')
+    .replace(/>/g, '&gt;')
+    .replace(/\n/g, '<br>')
+  const content = `
+    ${sectionTitle(subject)}
+    <div style="color: #1f2937; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.7; margin: 20px 0;">
+      ${formattedBody}
+    </div>
+  `
+  return getEmailWrapper(content)
+}
+
 /**
  * Template registry mapping notification types to template generators
  */
@@ -1828,6 +2044,32 @@ export const NOTIFICATION_EMAIL_TEMPLATES: Record<string, TemplateGenerator> = {
       (ctx.metadata?.awardName as string) || 'Award'
     ),
 
+  ADVANCEMENT_NOTIFICATION: (ctx) =>
+    getAdvancementNotificationTemplate(
+      ctx.name || '',
+      (ctx.metadata?.projectName as string) || 'Your Project',
+      (ctx.metadata?.fromRoundName as string) || 'previous round',
+      (ctx.metadata?.toRoundName as string) || 'next round',
+      ctx.metadata?.customMessage as string | undefined,
+      ctx.metadata?.accountUrl as string | undefined,
+    ),
+  REJECTION_NOTIFICATION: (ctx) =>
+    getRejectionNotificationTemplate(
+      ctx.name || '',
+      (ctx.metadata?.projectName as string) || 'Your Project',
+      (ctx.metadata?.roundName as string) || 'this round',
+      ctx.metadata?.customMessage as string | undefined
+    ),
+
+  AWARD_SELECTION_NOTIFICATION: (ctx) =>
+    getAwardSelectionNotificationTemplate(
+      ctx.name || '',
+      (ctx.metadata?.projectName as string) || 'Your Project',
+      (ctx.metadata?.awardName as string) || 'Special Award',
+      ctx.metadata?.customMessage as string | undefined,
+      ctx.metadata?.accountUrl as string | undefined,
+    ),
+
   // Admin templates
   NEW_APPLICATION: (ctx) =>
     getNewApplicationTemplate(
diff --git a/src/server/routers/applicant.ts b/src/server/routers/applicant.ts
index a78bd84..3ce2850 100644
--- a/src/server/routers/applicant.ts
+++ b/src/server/routers/applicant.ts
@@ -3,13 +3,13 @@ import { z } from 'zod'
 import { TRPCError } from '@trpc/server'
 import { router, publicProcedure, protectedProcedure } from '../trpc'
 import { getPresignedUrl, generateObjectKey } from '@/lib/minio'
-import { generateLogoKey, type StorageProviderType } from '@/lib/storage'
-import { getImageUploadUrl, confirmImageUpload, getImageUrl, type ImageUploadConfig } from '@/server/utils/image-upload'
+import { generateLogoKey, createStorageProvider, type StorageProviderType } from '@/lib/storage'
+import { getImageUploadUrl, confirmImageUpload, getImageUrl, deleteImage, type ImageUploadConfig } from '@/server/utils/image-upload'
 import { sendStyledNotificationEmail, sendTeamMemberInviteEmail } from '@/lib/email'
 import { logAudit } from '@/server/utils/audit'
 import { createNotification } from '../services/in-app-notification'
-import { checkRequirementsAndTransition } from '../services/round-engine'
-import { EvaluationConfigSchema } from '@/types/competition-configs'
+import { checkRequirementsAndTransition, triggerInProgressOnActivity, transitionProject, isTerminalState } from '../services/round-engine'
+import { EvaluationConfigSchema, MentoringConfigSchema } from '@/types/competition-configs'
 import type { Prisma } from '@prisma/client'
 
 // Bucket for applicant submissions
@@ -415,14 +415,17 @@ export const applicantRouter = router({
         },
       })
 
-      // Auto-transition: if uploading against a round requirement, check completion
-      if (roundId && requirementId) {
-        await checkRequirementsAndTransition(
-          projectId,
-          roundId,
-          ctx.user.id,
-          ctx.prisma,
-        )
+      // Auto-transition: mark as IN_PROGRESS on file activity, then check completion
+      if (roundId) {
+        await triggerInProgressOnActivity(projectId, roundId, ctx.user.id, ctx.prisma)
+        if (requirementId) {
+          await checkRequirementsAndTransition(
+            projectId,
+            roundId,
+            ctx.user.id,
+            ctx.prisma,
+          )
+        }
       }
 
       // Auto-analyze document (fire-and-forget, delayed for presigned upload)
@@ -724,6 +727,8 @@ export const applicantRouter = router({
                   email: true,
                   status: true,
                   lastLoginAt: true,
+                  profileImageKey: true,
+                  profileImageProvider: true,
                 },
               },
             },
@@ -742,9 +747,20 @@ export const applicantRouter = router({
         })
       }
 
+      // Generate presigned avatar URLs for team members with profile images
+      const avatarUrls: Record<string, string> = {}
+      for (const member of project.teamMembers) {
+        if (member.user.profileImageKey) {
+          const providerType = (member.user.profileImageProvider as StorageProviderType) || 's3'
+          const provider = createStorageProvider(providerType)
+          avatarUrls[member.userId] = await provider.getDownloadUrl(member.user.profileImageKey)
+        }
+      }
+
       return {
         teamMembers: project.teamMembers,
         submittedBy: project.submittedBy,
+        avatarUrls,
       }
     }),
 
@@ -1296,6 +1312,7 @@ export const applicantRouter = router({
             id: true,
             name: true,
             slug: true,
+            roundType: true,
             windowCloseAt: true,
           },
         })
@@ -1311,6 +1328,24 @@ export const applicantRouter = router({
       select: { id: true },
     })
 
+    // Check if there is an active intake round (applicants can edit project details during intake)
+    const activeIntakeRound = await ctx.prisma.round.findFirst({
+      where: {
+        competition: { programId: project.programId },
+        roundType: 'INTAKE',
+        status: 'ROUND_ACTIVE',
+      },
+      select: { id: true },
+    })
+
+    // Generate presigned logo URL if the project has a logo
+    let logoUrl: string | null = null
+    if (project.logoKey) {
+      const providerType = (project.logoProvider as StorageProviderType) || 's3'
+      const provider = createStorageProvider(providerType)
+      logoUrl = await provider.getDownloadUrl(project.logoKey)
+    }
+
     return {
       project: {
         ...project,
@@ -1321,6 +1356,8 @@ export const applicantRouter = router({
       timeline,
       currentStatus,
       hasPassedIntake: !!passedIntake,
+      isIntakeOpen: !!activeIntakeRound,
+      logoUrl,
     }
   }),
 
@@ -1430,7 +1467,7 @@ export const applicantRouter = router({
     type TimelineEntry = {
       id: string
       label: string
-      roundType: 'EVALUATION' | 'GRAND_FINALE'
+      roundType: string
       status: string
       windowOpenAt: Date | null
       windowCloseAt: Date | null
@@ -1440,25 +1477,32 @@ export const applicantRouter = router({
 
     const entries: TimelineEntry[] = []
 
-    // Build lookup for filtering rounds and their next evaluation round
+    // Build lookup for filtering rounds
     const filteringRounds = rounds.filter((r) => r.roundType === 'FILTERING')
-    const evalRounds = rounds.filter((r) => r.roundType === 'EVALUATION')
     const liveFinalRounds = rounds.filter((r) => r.roundType === 'LIVE_FINAL')
     const deliberationRounds = rounds.filter((r) => r.roundType === 'DELIBERATION')
 
-    // Process EVALUATION rounds
-    for (const evalRound of evalRounds) {
-      const actualState = stateMap.get(evalRound.id) ?? null
+    // Process visible rounds: hide FILTERING, LIVE_FINAL, DELIBERATION always.
+    // Also hide MENTORING unless the project is actually participating in it.
+    const visibleRounds = rounds.filter(
+      (r) => {
+        if (r.roundType === 'FILTERING' || r.roundType === 'LIVE_FINAL' || r.roundType === 'DELIBERATION') return false
+        if (r.roundType === 'MENTORING' && !stateMap.has(r.id)) return false
+        return true
+      }
+    )
 
-      // Check if a FILTERING round before this eval round rejected the project
+    for (const round of visibleRounds) {
+      const actualState = stateMap.get(round.id) ?? null
+
+      // Check if a FILTERING round before this round rejected the project
       let projectState = actualState
       let isSynthesizedRejection = false
 
-      // Find FILTERING rounds that come before this eval round in sortOrder
-      const evalSortOrder = rounds.findIndex((r) => r.id === evalRound.id)
+      const roundSortOrder = rounds.findIndex((r) => r.id === round.id)
       const precedingFilterRounds = filteringRounds.filter((fr) => {
         const frIdx = rounds.findIndex((r) => r.id === fr.id)
-        return frIdx < evalSortOrder
+        return frIdx < roundSortOrder
       })
 
       for (const fr of precedingFilterRounds) {
@@ -1475,12 +1519,12 @@ export const applicantRouter = router({
       }
 
       entries.push({
-        id: evalRound.id,
-        label: evalRound.name,
-        roundType: 'EVALUATION',
-        status: evalRound.status,
-        windowOpenAt: evalRound.windowOpenAt,
-        windowCloseAt: evalRound.windowCloseAt,
+        id: round.id,
+        label: round.name,
+        roundType: round.roundType,
+        status: round.status,
+        windowOpenAt: round.windowOpenAt,
+        windowCloseAt: round.windowCloseAt,
         projectState,
         isSynthesizedRejection,
       })
@@ -1913,6 +1957,59 @@ export const applicantRouter = router({
       return { success: true }
     }),
 
+  /**
+   * Delete project logo (applicant access).
+   */
+  deleteProjectLogo: protectedProcedure
+    .input(z.object({ projectId: z.string() }))
+    .mutation(async ({ ctx, input }) => {
+      const isMember = await ctx.prisma.project.findFirst({
+        where: {
+          id: input.projectId,
+          OR: [
+            { submittedByUserId: ctx.user.id },
+            { teamMembers: { some: { userId: ctx.user.id } } },
+          ],
+        },
+        select: { id: true },
+      })
+
+      if (!isMember) {
+        throw new TRPCError({ code: 'FORBIDDEN', message: 'You are not a member of this project' })
+      }
+
+      const logoConfig: ImageUploadConfig<{ logoKey: string | null; logoProvider: string | null }> = {
+        label: 'logo',
+        generateKey: generateLogoKey,
+        findCurrent: (prisma, entityId) =>
+          prisma.project.findUnique({
+            where: { id: entityId },
+            select: { logoKey: true, logoProvider: true },
+          }),
+        getImageKey: (record) => record.logoKey,
+        getProviderType: (record) =>
+          (record.logoProvider as StorageProviderType) || 's3',
+        setImage: (prisma, entityId, key, providerType) =>
+          prisma.project.update({
+            where: { id: entityId },
+            data: { logoKey: key, logoProvider: providerType },
+          }),
+        clearImage: (prisma, entityId) =>
+          prisma.project.update({
+            where: { id: entityId },
+            data: { logoKey: null, logoProvider: null },
+          }),
+        auditEntityType: 'Project',
+        auditFieldName: 'logoKey',
+      }
+
+      return deleteImage(ctx.prisma, logoConfig, input.projectId, {
+        userId: ctx.user.id,
+        ip: ctx.ip,
+        userAgent: ctx.userAgent,
+      })
+    }),
+
   /**
    * Get project logo URL (applicant access).
    */
@@ -1932,4 +2029,196 @@ export const applicantRouter = router({
 
       return getImageUrl(ctx.prisma, logoConfig, input.projectId)
     }),
+
+  /**
+   * Withdraw from competition. Only team lead can withdraw.
+   * Finds the current active (non-terminal) ProjectRoundState and transitions to WITHDRAWN.
+   */
+  /**
+   * Get mentoring request status for a project in a MENTORING round
+   */
+  getMentoringRequestStatus: protectedProcedure
+    .input(z.object({ projectId: z.string(), roundId: z.string() }))
+    .query(async ({ ctx, input }) => {
+      if (ctx.user.role !== 'APPLICANT') {
+        throw new TRPCError({ code: 'FORBIDDEN', message: 'Only applicants can access this' })
+      }
+
+      const round = await ctx.prisma.round.findUnique({
+        where: { id: input.roundId },
+        select: { id: true, roundType: true, status: true, configJson: true, windowOpenAt: true },
+      })
+
+      if (!round || round.roundType !== 'MENTORING') {
+        return { available: false, requested: false, requestedAt: null, deadline: null, canStillRequest: false }
+      }
+
+      const config = MentoringConfigSchema.safeParse(round.configJson)
+      const deadlineDays = config.success ? config.data.mentoringRequestDeadlineDays : 14
+
+      const deadline = round.windowOpenAt
+        ? new Date(new Date(round.windowOpenAt).getTime() + deadlineDays * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000)
+        : null
+
+      const canStillRequest = round.status === 'ROUND_ACTIVE' && (!deadline || new Date() < deadline)
+
+      const prs = await ctx.prisma.projectRoundState.findUnique({
+        where: { projectId_roundId: { projectId: input.projectId, roundId: input.roundId } },
+        select: { metadataJson: true },
+      })
+
+      const metadata = (prs?.metadataJson as Record<string, unknown>) ?? {}
+      const requested = !!metadata.mentoringRequested
+      const requestedAt = metadata.mentoringRequestedAt ? new Date(metadata.mentoringRequestedAt as string) : null
+
+      return { available: true, requested, requestedAt, deadline, canStillRequest }
+    }),
+
+  /**
+   * Request or cancel mentoring for the current MENTORING round
+   */
+  requestMentoring: protectedProcedure
+    .input(z.object({ projectId: z.string(), roundId: z.string(), requesting: z.boolean() }))
+    .mutation(async ({ ctx, input }) => {
+      if (ctx.user.role !== 'APPLICANT') {
+        throw new TRPCError({ code: 'FORBIDDEN', message: 'Only applicants can request mentoring' })
+      }
+
+      // Verify caller is team lead
+      const project = await ctx.prisma.project.findUnique({
+        where: { id: input.projectId },
+        select: { id: true, submittedByUserId: true, title: true },
+      })
+      if (!project) throw new TRPCError({ code: 'NOT_FOUND', message: 'Project not found' })
+      if (project.submittedByUserId !== ctx.user.id) {
+        throw new TRPCError({ code: 'FORBIDDEN', message: 'Only the team lead can request mentoring' })
+      }
+
+      // Verify round is MENTORING and ACTIVE
+      const round = await ctx.prisma.round.findUnique({
+        where: { id: input.roundId },
+        select: { id: true, roundType: true, status: true, configJson: true, windowOpenAt: true },
+      })
+      if (!round || round.roundType !== 'MENTORING') {
+        throw new TRPCError({ code: 'BAD_REQUEST', message: 'Not a mentoring round' })
+      }
+      if (round.status !== 'ROUND_ACTIVE') {
+        throw new TRPCError({ code: 'BAD_REQUEST', message: 'Mentoring round is not active' })
+      }
+
+      // Check deadline
+      const config = MentoringConfigSchema.safeParse(round.configJson)
+      const deadlineDays = config.success ? config.data.mentoringRequestDeadlineDays : 14
+      if (round.windowOpenAt) {
+        const deadline = new Date(new Date(round.windowOpenAt).getTime() + deadlineDays * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000)
+        if (new Date() > deadline) {
+          throw new TRPCError({ code: 'BAD_REQUEST', message: 'Mentoring request window has closed' })
+        }
+      }
+
+      // Find PRS
+      const prs = await ctx.prisma.projectRoundState.findUnique({
+        where: { projectId_roundId: { projectId: input.projectId, roundId: input.roundId } },
+      })
+      if (!prs) {
+        throw new TRPCError({ code: 'NOT_FOUND', message: 'Project is not assigned to this round' })
+      }
+
+      const existingMeta = (prs.metadataJson as Record<string, unknown>) ?? {}
+
+      // Update metadataJson with mentoring request info
+      await ctx.prisma.projectRoundState.update({
+        where: { id: prs.id },
+        data: {
+          metadataJson: {
+            ...existingMeta,
+            mentoringRequested: input.requesting,
+            mentoringRequestedAt: input.requesting ? new Date().toISOString() : null,
+          },
+        },
+      })
+
+      // If requesting mentoring and currently PASSED (pass-through), transition to IN_PROGRESS
+      if (input.requesting && prs.state === 'PASSED') {
+        await transitionProject(
+          input.projectId, input.roundId,
+          'IN_PROGRESS' as Parameters<typeof transitionProject>[2],
+          ctx.user.id, ctx.prisma,
+        )
+      }
+
+      await logAudit({
+        prisma: ctx.prisma,
+        action: input.requesting ? 'MENTORING_REQUESTED' : 'MENTORING_CANCELLED',
+        entityType: 'Project',
+        entityId: input.projectId,
+        userId: ctx.user.id,
+        detailsJson: { roundId: input.roundId, projectTitle: project.title },
+      })
+
+      return { success: true, requesting: input.requesting }
+    }),
+
+  withdrawFromCompetition: protectedProcedure
+    .input(z.object({ projectId: z.string() }))
+    .mutation(async ({ ctx, input }) => {
+      if (ctx.user.role !== 'APPLICANT') {
+        throw new TRPCError({ code: 'FORBIDDEN', message: 'Only applicants can withdraw' })
+      }
+
+      // Verify caller is team lead (submittedByUserId)
+      const project = await ctx.prisma.project.findUnique({
+        where: { id: input.projectId },
+        select: { id: true, submittedByUserId: true, title: true },
+      })
+
+      if (!project) {
+        throw new TRPCError({ code: 'NOT_FOUND', message: 'Project not found' })
+      }
+
+      if (project.submittedByUserId !== ctx.user.id) {
+        throw new TRPCError({ code: 'FORBIDDEN', message: 'Only the team lead can withdraw from the competition' })
+      }
+
+      // Find the active (non-terminal) ProjectRoundState
+      const activePrs = await ctx.prisma.projectRoundState.findFirst({
+        where: {
+          projectId: input.projectId,
+          round: { status: { in: ['ROUND_ACTIVE', 'ROUND_CLOSED'] } },
+        },
+        include: { round: { select: { id: true, name: true } } },
+        orderBy: { round: { sortOrder: 'desc' } },
+      })
+
+      if (!activePrs || isTerminalState(activePrs.state as Parameters<typeof isTerminalState>[0])) {
+        throw new TRPCError({ code: 'BAD_REQUEST', message: 'No active round participation to withdraw from' })
+      }
+
+      const result = await transitionProject(
+        input.projectId,
+        activePrs.roundId,
+        'WITHDRAWN' as Parameters<typeof transitionProject>[2],
+        ctx.user.id,
+        ctx.prisma,
+      )
+
+      if (!result.success) {
+        throw new TRPCError({
+          code: 'BAD_REQUEST',
+          message: result.errors?.join('; ') ?? 'Failed to withdraw',
+        })
+      }
+
+      // Audit log
+      await logAudit({
+        prisma: ctx.prisma,
+        action: 'WITHDRAWAL',
+        entityType: 'Project',
+        entityId: input.projectId,
+        userId: ctx.user.id,
+        detailsJson: { roundId: activePrs.roundId, roundName: activePrs.round.name, projectTitle: project.title },
+      })
+
+      return { success: true, roundId: activePrs.roundId, roundName: activePrs.round.name }
+    }),
 })
diff --git a/src/server/routers/evaluation.ts b/src/server/routers/evaluation.ts
index 410f44d..3c5e940 100644
--- a/src/server/routers/evaluation.ts
+++ b/src/server/routers/evaluation.ts
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import { generateSummary } from '@/server/services/ai-evaluation-summary'
 import { quickRank as aiQuickRank } from '../services/ai-ranking'
 import type { EvaluationConfig } from '@/types/competition-configs'
 import type { PrismaClient } from '@prisma/client'
+import { triggerInProgressOnActivity, checkEvaluationCompletionAndTransition } from '../services/round-engine'
 
 /**
  * Auto-trigger AI ranking if all required assignments for the round are complete.
@@ -377,6 +378,12 @@ export const evaluationRouter = router({
       // Auto-trigger ranking if all assignments complete (fire-and-forget, never awaited)
       void triggerAutoRankIfComplete(evaluation.assignment.roundId, ctx.prisma, ctx.user.id)
 
+      // Auto-transition: mark project IN_PROGRESS and check if all evaluations are done
+      const projectId = evaluation.assignment.projectId
+      const roundIdForTransition = evaluation.assignment.roundId
+      await triggerInProgressOnActivity(projectId, roundIdForTransition, ctx.user.id, ctx.prisma)
+      await checkEvaluationCompletionAndTransition(projectId, roundIdForTransition, ctx.user.id, ctx.prisma)
+
       // Audit log
       await logAudit({
         prisma: ctx.prisma,
diff --git a/src/server/routers/filtering.ts b/src/server/routers/filtering.ts
index 7ba883e..75d614a 100644
--- a/src/server/routers/filtering.ts
+++ b/src/server/routers/filtering.ts
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ import {
   notifyAdmins,
   NotificationTypes,
 } from '../services/in-app-notification'
+import { triggerInProgressOnActivity } from '../services/round-engine'
 
 /**
  * Verify the current session user exists in the database.
@@ -204,6 +205,11 @@ export async function runFilteringJob(jobId: string, roundId: string, userId: st
       })
     }
 
+    // Auto-transition: mark all projects as IN_PROGRESS when filtering starts
+    for (const pss of projectStates) {
+      await triggerInProgressOnActivity(pss.projectId, roundId, userId, prisma)
+    }
+
     // Execute rules — upsert results per batch for streaming to the UI
     const results = await executeFilteringRules(rules, projects, userId, roundId, onProgress, async (batchResults) => {
       if (batchResults.length === 0) return
diff --git a/src/server/routers/mentor.ts b/src/server/routers/mentor.ts
index c8e4fbb..605f216 100644
--- a/src/server/routers/mentor.ts
+++ b/src/server/routers/mentor.ts
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ import {
   addFileComment as workspaceAddFileComment,
   promoteFile as workspacePromoteFile,
 } from '../services/mentor-workspace'
+import { triggerInProgressOnActivity } from '../services/round-engine'
 
 export const mentorRouter = router({
   /**
@@ -211,6 +212,23 @@ export const mentorRouter = router({
         },
       })
 
+      // Auto-transition: mark project IN_PROGRESS in any active MENTORING round
+      try {
+        const mentoringPrs = await ctx.prisma.projectRoundState.findFirst({
+          where: {
+            projectId: input.projectId,
+            round: { roundType: 'MENTORING', status: { in: ['ROUND_ACTIVE', 'ROUND_CLOSED'] } },
+            state: 'PENDING',
+          },
+          select: { roundId: true },
+        })
+        if (mentoringPrs) {
+          await triggerInProgressOnActivity(input.projectId, mentoringPrs.roundId, ctx.user.id, ctx.prisma)
+        }
+      } catch (e) {
+        console.error('[Mentor] triggerInProgressOnActivity failed (non-fatal):', e)
+      }
+
       return assignment
     }),
 
diff --git a/src/server/routers/message.ts b/src/server/routers/message.ts
index f595e97..92ed51f 100644
--- a/src/server/routers/message.ts
+++ b/src/server/routers/message.ts
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ import { z } from 'zod'
 import { TRPCError } from '@trpc/server'
 import { router, protectedProcedure, adminProcedure } from '../trpc'
 import { logAudit } from '@/server/utils/audit'
-import { sendStyledNotificationEmail } from '@/lib/email'
+import { sendStyledNotificationEmail, getEmailPreviewHtml } from '@/lib/email'
 
 export const messageRouter = router({
   /**
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ export const messageRouter = router({
   send: adminProcedure
     .input(
       z.object({
-        recipientType: z.enum(['USER', 'ROLE', 'ROUND_JURY', 'PROGRAM_TEAM', 'ALL']),
+        recipientType: z.enum(['USER', 'ROLE', 'ROUND_JURY', 'ROUND_APPLICANTS', 'PROGRAM_TEAM', 'ALL']),
         recipientFilter: z.any().optional(),
         roundId: z.string().optional(),
         subject: z.string().min(1).max(500),
@@ -371,6 +371,34 @@ export const messageRouter = router({
 
       return template
     }),
+
+  /**
+   * Preview styled email HTML for admin compose dialog.
+   */
+  previewEmail: adminProcedure
+    .input(z.object({ subject: z.string(), body: z.string() }))
+    .query(({ input }) => {
+      return { html: getEmailPreviewHtml(input.subject, input.body) }
+    }),
+
+  /**
+   * Send a test email to the currently logged-in admin.
+   */
+  sendTest: adminProcedure
+    .input(z.object({ subject: z.string(), body: z.string() }))
+    .mutation(async ({ ctx, input }) => {
+      await sendStyledNotificationEmail(
+        ctx.user.email,
+        ctx.user.name || '',
+        'MESSAGE',
+        {
+          title: input.subject,
+          message: input.body,
+          linkUrl: '/admin/messages',
+        }
+      )
+      return { sent: true, to: ctx.user.email }
+    }),
 })
 
 // =============================================================================
@@ -419,6 +447,35 @@ async function resolveRecipients(
       return assignments.map((a) => a.userId)
     }
 
+    case 'ROUND_APPLICANTS': {
+      const targetRoundId = roundId || (filter?.roundId as string)
+      if (!targetRoundId) return []
+      // Get all projects in this round
+      const projectStates = await prisma.projectRoundState.findMany({
+        where: { roundId: targetRoundId },
+        select: { projectId: true },
+      })
+      const projectIds = projectStates.map((ps) => ps.projectId)
+      if (projectIds.length === 0) return []
+      // Get team members + submittedByUserId
+      const [teamMembers, projects] = await Promise.all([
+        prisma.teamMember.findMany({
+          where: { projectId: { in: projectIds } },
+          select: { userId: true },
+        }),
+        prisma.project.findMany({
+          where: { id: { in: projectIds } },
+          select: { submittedByUserId: true },
+        }),
+      ])
+      const userIds = new Set<string>()
+      for (const tm of teamMembers) userIds.add(tm.userId)
+      for (const p of projects) {
+        if (p.submittedByUserId) userIds.add(p.submittedByUserId)
+      }
+      return [...userIds]
+    }
+
     case 'PROGRAM_TEAM': {
       const programId = filter?.programId as string
       if (!programId) return []
diff --git a/src/server/routers/project-pool.ts b/src/server/routers/project-pool.ts
index dd4412e..fb8610f 100644
--- a/src/server/routers/project-pool.ts
+++ b/src/server/routers/project-pool.ts
@@ -2,72 +2,6 @@ import { z } from 'zod'
 import { TRPCError } from '@trpc/server'
 import { router, adminProcedure } from '../trpc'
 import { logAudit } from '../utils/audit'
-import { sendAnnouncementEmail } from '@/lib/email'
-import type { PrismaClient } from '@prisma/client'
-
-/**
- * Send round-entry notification emails to project team members.
- * Fire-and-forget: errors are logged but never block the assignment.
- */
-async function sendRoundEntryEmails(
-  prisma: PrismaClient,
-  projectIds: string[],
-  roundName: string,
-) {
-  try {
-    // Fetch projects with team members' user emails + fallback submittedByEmail
-    const projects = await prisma.project.findMany({
-      where: { id: { in: projectIds } },
-      select: {
-        id: true,
-        title: true,
-        submittedByEmail: true,
-        teamMembers: {
-          select: {
-            user: { select: { email: true, name: true } },
-          },
-        },
-      },
-    })
-
-    const emailPromises: Promise<void>[] = []
-
-    for (const project of projects) {
-      // Collect unique emails for this project
-      const recipients = new Map<string, string | null>()
-
-      for (const tm of project.teamMembers) {
-        if (tm.user.email) {
-          recipients.set(tm.user.email, tm.user.name)
-        }
-      }
-
-      // Fallback: if no team members have emails, use submittedByEmail
-      if (recipients.size === 0 && project.submittedByEmail) {
-        recipients.set(project.submittedByEmail, null)
-      }
-
-      for (const [email, name] of recipients) {
-        emailPromises.push(
-          sendAnnouncementEmail(
-            email,
-            name,
-            `Your project has entered: ${roundName}`,
-            `Your project "${project.title}" has been added to the round "${roundName}" in the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge. You will receive further instructions as the round progresses.`,
-            'View Your Dashboard',
-            `${process.env.NEXTAUTH_URL || 'https://portal.monaco-opc.com'}/dashboard`,
-          ).catch((err) => {
-            console.error(`[round-entry-email] Failed to send to ${email}:`, err)
-          }),
-        )
-      }
-    }
-
-    await Promise.allSettled(emailPromises)
-  } catch (err) {
-    console.error('[round-entry-email] Failed to send round entry emails:', err)
-  }
-}
 
 /**
  * Project Pool Router
@@ -199,7 +133,7 @@ export const projectPoolRouter = router({
   assignToRound: adminProcedure
     .input(
       z.object({
-        projectIds: z.array(z.string()).min(1).max(200),
+        projectIds: z.array(z.string()).min(1).max(1000),
         roundId: z.string(),
       })
     )
@@ -228,10 +162,10 @@ export const projectPoolRouter = router({
         })
       }
 
-      // Verify round exists and get config
+      // Verify round exists
       const round = await ctx.prisma.round.findUniqueOrThrow({
         where: { id: roundId },
-        select: { id: true, name: true, configJson: true },
+        select: { id: true, name: true },
       })
 
       // Step 2: Perform bulk assignment in a transaction
@@ -284,12 +218,6 @@ export const projectPoolRouter = router({
         userAgent: ctx.userAgent,
       })
 
-      // Send round-entry notification emails if enabled (fire-and-forget)
-      const config = (round.configJson as Record<string, unknown>) || {}
-      if (config.notifyOnEntry) {
-        void sendRoundEntryEmails(ctx.prisma as unknown as PrismaClient, projectIds, round.name)
-      }
-
       return {
         success: true,
         assignedCount: result.count,
@@ -313,10 +241,10 @@ export const projectPoolRouter = router({
     .mutation(async ({ ctx, input }) => {
       const { programId, roundId, competitionCategory, unassignedOnly } = input
 
-      // Verify round exists and get config
-      const round = await ctx.prisma.round.findUniqueOrThrow({
+      // Verify round exists
+      await ctx.prisma.round.findUniqueOrThrow({
         where: { id: roundId },
-        select: { id: true, name: true, configJson: true },
+        select: { id: true },
       })
 
       // Find projects to assign
@@ -388,12 +316,213 @@ export const projectPoolRouter = router({
         userAgent: ctx.userAgent,
       })
 
-      // Send round-entry notification emails if enabled (fire-and-forget)
-      const config = (round.configJson as Record<string, unknown>) || {}
-      if (config.notifyOnEntry) {
-        void sendRoundEntryEmails(ctx.prisma as unknown as PrismaClient, projectIds, round.name)
-      }
-
       return { success: true, assignedCount: result.count, roundId }
     }),
+
+  /**
+   * List projects in a specific round (for import-from-round picker).
+   */
+  getProjectsInRound: adminProcedure
+    .input(
+      z.object({
+        roundId: z.string(),
+        states: z.array(z.string()).optional(),
+        search: z.string().optional(),
+      })
+    )
+    .query(async ({ ctx, input }) => {
+      const { roundId, states, search } = input
+
+      const where: Record<string, unknown> = { roundId }
+
+      if (states && states.length > 0) {
+        where.state = { in: states }
+      }
+
+      if (search?.trim()) {
+        where.project = {
+          OR: [
+            { title: { contains: search, mode: 'insensitive' } },
+            { teamName: { contains: search, mode: 'insensitive' } },
+          ],
+        }
+      }
+
+      const projectStates = await ctx.prisma.projectRoundState.findMany({
+        where,
+        select: {
+          projectId: true,
+          state: true,
+          project: {
+            select: {
+              id: true,
+              title: true,
+              teamName: true,
+              competitionCategory: true,
+              country: true,
+            },
+          },
+        },
+        orderBy: { project: { title: 'asc' } },
+      })
+
+      return projectStates.map((ps) => ({
+        id: ps.project.id,
+        title: ps.project.title,
+        teamName: ps.project.teamName,
+        competitionCategory: ps.project.competitionCategory,
+        country: ps.project.country,
+        state: ps.state,
+      }))
+    }),
+
+  /**
+   * Import projects from an earlier round into a later round.
+   * Fills intermediate rounds with COMPLETED states to keep history clean.
+   */
+  importFromRound: adminProcedure
+    .input(
+      z.object({
+        sourceRoundId: z.string(),
+        targetRoundId: z.string(),
+        projectIds: z.array(z.string()).min(1).max(1000),
+      })
+    )
+    .mutation(async ({ ctx, input }) => {
+      const { sourceRoundId, targetRoundId, projectIds } = input
+
+      // Validate both rounds exist and belong to the same competition
+      const [sourceRound, targetRound] = await Promise.all([
+        ctx.prisma.round.findUniqueOrThrow({
+          where: { id: sourceRoundId },
+          select: { id: true, name: true, competitionId: true, sortOrder: true },
+        }),
+        ctx.prisma.round.findUniqueOrThrow({
+          where: { id: targetRoundId },
+          select: { id: true, name: true, competitionId: true, sortOrder: true },
+        }),
+      ])
+
+      if (sourceRound.competitionId !== targetRound.competitionId) {
+        throw new TRPCError({
+          code: 'BAD_REQUEST',
+          message: 'Source and target rounds must belong to the same competition',
+        })
+      }
+
+      if (sourceRound.sortOrder >= targetRound.sortOrder) {
+        throw new TRPCError({
+          code: 'BAD_REQUEST',
+          message: 'Source round must come before target round',
+        })
+      }
+
+      // Validate all projectIds exist in the source round
+      const sourceStates = await ctx.prisma.projectRoundState.findMany({
+        where: { roundId: sourceRoundId, projectId: { in: projectIds } },
+        select: { projectId: true, state: true },
+      })
+
+      if (sourceStates.length !== projectIds.length) {
+        const foundIds = new Set(sourceStates.map((s) => s.projectId))
+        const missing = projectIds.filter((id) => !foundIds.has(id))
+        throw new TRPCError({
+          code: 'BAD_REQUEST',
+          message: `${missing.length} project(s) not found in source round`,
+        })
+      }
+
+      // Find intermediate rounds
+      const intermediateRounds = await ctx.prisma.round.findMany({
+        where: {
+          competitionId: sourceRound.competitionId,
+          sortOrder: { gt: sourceRound.sortOrder, lt: targetRound.sortOrder },
+        },
+        select: { id: true },
+        orderBy: { sortOrder: 'asc' },
+      })
+
+      // Check which projects are already in the target round
+      const existingInTarget = await ctx.prisma.projectRoundState.findMany({
+        where: { roundId: targetRoundId, projectId: { in: projectIds } },
+        select: { projectId: true },
+      })
+      const alreadyInTarget = new Set(existingInTarget.map((e) => e.projectId))
+      const toImport = projectIds.filter((id) => !alreadyInTarget.has(id))
+
+      if (toImport.length === 0) {
+        return { imported: 0, skipped: projectIds.length }
+      }
+
+      await ctx.prisma.$transaction(async (tx) => {
+        // Update source round states to COMPLETED (if PASSED or PENDING)
+        await tx.projectRoundState.updateMany({
+          where: {
+            roundId: sourceRoundId,
+            projectId: { in: toImport },
+            state: { in: ['PASSED', 'PENDING', 'IN_PROGRESS'] },
+          },
+          data: { state: 'COMPLETED' },
+        })
+
+        // Create COMPLETED states for intermediate rounds
+        if (intermediateRounds.length > 0) {
+          const intermediateData = intermediateRounds.flatMap((round) =>
+            toImport.map((projectId) => ({
+              projectId,
+              roundId: round.id,
+              state: 'COMPLETED' as const,
+            }))
+          )
+          await tx.projectRoundState.createMany({
+            data: intermediateData,
+            skipDuplicates: true,
+          })
+        }
+
+        // Create PENDING states in the target round
+        await tx.projectRoundState.createMany({
+          data: toImport.map((projectId) => ({
+            projectId,
+            roundId: targetRoundId,
+          })),
+          skipDuplicates: true,
+        })
+
+        // Update project status to ASSIGNED
+        await tx.project.updateMany({
+          where: { id: { in: toImport } },
+          data: { status: 'ASSIGNED' },
+        })
+
+        // Create status history records
+        await tx.projectStatusHistory.createMany({
+          data: toImport.map((projectId) => ({
+            projectId,
+            status: 'ASSIGNED',
+            changedBy: ctx.user?.id,
+          })),
+        })
+      })
+
+      await logAudit({
+        prisma: ctx.prisma,
+        userId: ctx.user?.id,
+        action: 'IMPORT_FROM_ROUND',
+        entityType: 'Project',
+        detailsJson: {
+          sourceRoundId,
+          sourceRoundName: sourceRound.name,
+          targetRoundId,
+          targetRoundName: targetRound.name,
+          importedCount: toImport.length,
+          skippedCount: alreadyInTarget.size,
+          intermediateRounds: intermediateRounds.length,
+        },
+        ipAddress: ctx.ip,
+        userAgent: ctx.userAgent,
+      })
+
+      return { imported: toImport.length, skipped: alreadyInTarget.size }
+    }),
 })
diff --git a/src/server/routers/round.ts b/src/server/routers/round.ts
index 077c6d7..c6c5708 100644
--- a/src/server/routers/round.ts
+++ b/src/server/routers/round.ts
@@ -6,7 +6,14 @@ import { logAudit } from '@/server/utils/audit'
 import { validateRoundConfig, defaultRoundConfig } from '@/types/competition-configs'
 import { generateShortlist } from '../services/ai-shortlist'
 import { createBulkNotifications } from '../services/in-app-notification'
-import { sendAnnouncementEmail } from '@/lib/email'
+import {
+  getAdvancementNotificationTemplate,
+  getRejectionNotificationTemplate,
+  sendStyledNotificationEmail,
+  sendInvitationEmail,
+  getBaseUrl,
+} from '@/lib/email'
+import { generateInviteToken, getInviteExpiryHours, getInviteExpiryMs } from '@/server/utils/invite'
 import {
   openWindow,
   closeWindow,
@@ -417,95 +424,6 @@ export const roundRouter = router({
         userAgent: ctx.userAgent,
       })
 
-      // Fix 5: notifyOnEntry — notify team members when projects enter target round
-      try {
-        const targetConfig = (targetRound.configJson as Record<string, unknown>) || {}
-        if (targetConfig.notifyOnEntry) {
-          const teamMembers = await ctx.prisma.teamMember.findMany({
-            where: { projectId: { in: idsToAdvance! } },
-            select: { userId: true },
-          })
-          const userIds = [...new Set(teamMembers.map((tm) => tm.userId))]
-          if (userIds.length > 0) {
-            void createBulkNotifications({
-              userIds,
-              type: 'round_entry',
-              title: `Projects entered: ${targetRound.name}`,
-              message: `Your project has been advanced to the round "${targetRound.name}".`,
-              linkUrl: '/dashboard',
-              linkLabel: 'View Dashboard',
-              icon: 'ArrowRight',
-            })
-          }
-        }
-      } catch (notifyErr) {
-        console.error('[advanceProjects] notifyOnEntry notification failed (non-fatal):', notifyErr)
-      }
-
-      // Fix 6: notifyOnAdvance — notify applicants from source round that projects advanced
-      try {
-        const sourceConfig = (currentRound.configJson as Record<string, unknown>) || {}
-        if (sourceConfig.notifyOnAdvance) {
-          const projects = await ctx.prisma.project.findMany({
-            where: { id: { in: idsToAdvance! } },
-            select: {
-              id: true,
-              title: true,
-              submittedByEmail: true,
-              teamMembers: {
-                select: { user: { select: { id: true, email: true, name: true } } },
-              },
-            },
-          })
-
-          // Collect unique user IDs for in-app notifications
-          const applicantUserIds = new Set<string>()
-          for (const project of projects) {
-            for (const tm of project.teamMembers) {
-              applicantUserIds.add(tm.user.id)
-            }
-          }
-
-          if (applicantUserIds.size > 0) {
-            void createBulkNotifications({
-              userIds: [...applicantUserIds],
-              type: 'project_advanced',
-              title: 'Your project has advanced!',
-              message: `Congratulations! Your project has advanced from "${currentRound.name}" to "${targetRound.name}".`,
-              linkUrl: '/dashboard',
-              linkLabel: 'View Dashboard',
-              icon: 'Trophy',
-              priority: 'high',
-            })
-          }
-
-          // Send emails to team members (fire-and-forget)
-          for (const project of projects) {
-            const recipients = new Map<string, string | null>()
-            for (const tm of project.teamMembers) {
-              if (tm.user.email) recipients.set(tm.user.email, tm.user.name)
-            }
-            if (recipients.size === 0 && project.submittedByEmail) {
-              recipients.set(project.submittedByEmail, null)
-            }
-            for (const [email, name] of recipients) {
-              void sendAnnouncementEmail(
-                email,
-                name,
-                `Your project has advanced to: ${targetRound.name}`,
-                `Congratulations! Your project "${project.title}" has advanced from "${currentRound.name}" to "${targetRound.name}" in the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge.`,
-                'View Your Dashboard',
-                `${process.env.NEXTAUTH_URL || 'https://portal.monaco-opc.com'}/dashboard`,
-              ).catch((err) => {
-                console.error(`[advanceProjects] notifyOnAdvance email failed for ${email}:`, err)
-              })
-            }
-          }
-        }
-      } catch (notifyErr) {
-        console.error('[advanceProjects] notifyOnAdvance notification failed (non-fatal):', notifyErr)
-      }
-
       return {
         advancedCount: idsToAdvance!.length,
         autoPassedCount,
@@ -883,4 +801,477 @@ export const roundRouter = router({
       })
       return round ?? null
     }),
+
+  // =========================================================================
+  // Notification Procedures
+  // =========================================================================
+
+  previewAdvancementEmail: adminProcedure
+    .input(
+      z.object({
+        roundId: z.string(),
+        targetRoundId: z.string().optional(),
+        customMessage: z.string().optional(),
+      })
+    )
+    .query(async ({ ctx, input }) => {
+      const { roundId, targetRoundId, customMessage } = input
+
+      const currentRound = await ctx.prisma.round.findUniqueOrThrow({
+        where: { id: roundId },
+        select: { name: true, competition: { select: { rounds: { select: { id: true, name: true, sortOrder: true }, orderBy: { sortOrder: 'asc' } } } } },
+      })
+
+      // Determine target round name
+      const rounds = currentRound.competition.rounds
+      const currentIdx = rounds.findIndex((r) => r.id === roundId)
+      const targetRound = targetRoundId
+        ? rounds.find((r) => r.id === targetRoundId)
+        : rounds[currentIdx + 1]
+      const toRoundName = targetRound?.name ?? 'Next Round'
+
+      // Count recipients: team members of PASSED or COMPLETED projects in this round
+      const projectStates = await ctx.prisma.projectRoundState.findMany({
+        where: { roundId, state: { in: ['PASSED', 'COMPLETED'] } },
+        select: { projectId: true },
+      })
+      const projectIds = projectStates.map((ps) => ps.projectId)
+
+      let recipientCount = 0
+      if (projectIds.length > 0) {
+        const teamMembers = await ctx.prisma.teamMember.findMany({
+          where: { projectId: { in: projectIds } },
+          select: { user: { select: { email: true } } },
+        })
+        const emails = new Set(teamMembers.map((tm) => tm.user.email).filter(Boolean))
+
+        // Also count submittedByEmail for projects without team member emails
+        const projects = await ctx.prisma.project.findMany({
+          where: { id: { in: projectIds } },
+          select: { submittedByEmail: true, teamMembers: { select: { user: { select: { email: true } } } } },
+        })
+        for (const p of projects) {
+          const hasTeamEmail = p.teamMembers.some((tm) => tm.user.email)
+          if (!hasTeamEmail && p.submittedByEmail) {
+            emails.add(p.submittedByEmail)
+          }
+        }
+        recipientCount = emails.size
+      }
+
+      // Build preview HTML
+      const template = getAdvancementNotificationTemplate(
+        'Team Member',
+        'Your Project',
+        currentRound.name,
+        toRoundName,
+        customMessage || undefined
+      )
+
+      return { html: template.html, subject: template.subject, recipientCount }
+    }),
+
+  sendAdvancementNotifications: adminProcedure
+    .input(
+      z.object({
+        roundId: z.string(),
+        targetRoundId: z.string().optional(),
+        customMessage: z.string().optional(),
+        projectIds: z.array(z.string()).optional(),
+      })
+    )
+    .mutation(async ({ ctx, input }) => {
+      const { roundId, targetRoundId, customMessage } = input
+
+      const currentRound = await ctx.prisma.round.findUniqueOrThrow({
+        where: { id: roundId },
+        select: { name: true, competition: { select: { rounds: { select: { id: true, name: true, sortOrder: true }, orderBy: { sortOrder: 'asc' } } } } },
+      })
+
+      const rounds = currentRound.competition.rounds
+      const currentIdx = rounds.findIndex((r) => r.id === roundId)
+      const targetRound = targetRoundId
+        ? rounds.find((r) => r.id === targetRoundId)
+        : rounds[currentIdx + 1]
+      const toRoundName = targetRound?.name ?? 'Next Round'
+
+      // Get target projects
+      let projectIds = input.projectIds
+      if (!projectIds) {
+        const projectStates = await ctx.prisma.projectRoundState.findMany({
+          where: { roundId, state: { in: ['PASSED', 'COMPLETED'] } },
+          select: { projectId: true },
+        })
+        projectIds = projectStates.map((ps) => ps.projectId)
+      }
+
+      if (projectIds.length === 0) {
+        return { sent: 0, failed: 0 }
+      }
+
+      // Fetch projects with team members
+      const projects = await ctx.prisma.project.findMany({
+        where: { id: { in: projectIds } },
+        select: {
+          id: true,
+          title: true,
+          submittedByEmail: true,
+          teamMembers: {
+            select: { user: { select: { id: true, email: true, name: true } } },
+          },
+        },
+      })
+
+      let sent = 0
+      let failed = 0
+      const allUserIds = new Set<string>()
+
+      for (const project of projects) {
+        const recipients = new Map<string, string | null>()
+        for (const tm of project.teamMembers) {
+          if (tm.user.email) {
+            recipients.set(tm.user.email, tm.user.name)
+            allUserIds.add(tm.user.id)
+          }
+        }
+        if (recipients.size === 0 && project.submittedByEmail) {
+          recipients.set(project.submittedByEmail, null)
+        }
+
+        for (const [email, name] of recipients) {
+          try {
+            await sendStyledNotificationEmail(
+              email,
+              name || '',
+              'ADVANCEMENT_NOTIFICATION',
+              {
+                title: 'Your project has advanced!',
+                message: '',
+                linkUrl: '/applicant',
+                metadata: {
+                  projectName: project.title,
+                  fromRoundName: currentRound.name,
+                  toRoundName,
+                  customMessage: customMessage || undefined,
+                },
+              }
+            )
+            sent++
+          } catch (err) {
+            console.error(`[sendAdvancementNotifications] Failed for ${email}:`, err)
+            failed++
+          }
+        }
+      }
+
+      // Create in-app notifications
+      if (allUserIds.size > 0) {
+        void createBulkNotifications({
+          userIds: [...allUserIds],
+          type: 'project_advanced',
+          title: 'Your project has advanced!',
+          message: `Your project has advanced from "${currentRound.name}" to "${toRoundName}".`,
+          linkUrl: '/applicant',
+          linkLabel: 'View Dashboard',
+          icon: 'Trophy',
+          priority: 'high',
+        })
+      }
+
+      // Audit
+      await logAudit({
+        prisma: ctx.prisma,
+        userId: ctx.user?.id,
+        action: 'SEND_ADVANCEMENT_NOTIFICATIONS',
+        entityType: 'Round',
+        entityId: roundId,
+        detailsJson: { sent, failed, projectCount: projectIds.length, customMessage: !!customMessage },
+        ipAddress: ctx.ip,
+        userAgent: ctx.userAgent,
+      })
+
+      return { sent, failed }
+    }),
+
+  previewRejectionEmail: adminProcedure
+    .input(
+      z.object({
+        roundId: z.string(),
+        customMessage: z.string().optional(),
+      })
+    )
+    .query(async ({ ctx, input }) => {
+      const { roundId, customMessage } = input
+
+      const round = await ctx.prisma.round.findUniqueOrThrow({
+        where: { id: roundId },
+        select: { name: true },
+      })
+
+      // Count recipients: team members of REJECTED projects
+      const projectStates = await ctx.prisma.projectRoundState.findMany({
+        where: { roundId, state: 'REJECTED' },
+        select: { projectId: true },
+      })
+      const projectIds = projectStates.map((ps) => ps.projectId)
+
+      let recipientCount = 0
+      if (projectIds.length > 0) {
+        const projects = await ctx.prisma.project.findMany({
+          where: { id: { in: projectIds } },
+          select: { submittedByEmail: true, teamMembers: { select: { user: { select: { email: true } } } } },
+        })
+        const emails = new Set<string>()
+        for (const p of projects) {
+          const hasTeamEmail = p.teamMembers.some((tm) => tm.user.email)
+          if (hasTeamEmail) {
+            for (const tm of p.teamMembers) {
+              if (tm.user.email) emails.add(tm.user.email)
+            }
+          } else if (p.submittedByEmail) {
+            emails.add(p.submittedByEmail)
+          }
+        }
+        recipientCount = emails.size
+      }
+
+      const template = getRejectionNotificationTemplate(
+        'Team Member',
+        'Your Project',
+        round.name,
+        customMessage || undefined
+      )
+
+      return { html: template.html, subject: template.subject, recipientCount }
+    }),
+
+  sendRejectionNotifications: adminProcedure
+    .input(
+      z.object({
+        roundId: z.string(),
+        customMessage: z.string().optional(),
+      })
+    )
+    .mutation(async ({ ctx, input }) => {
+      const { roundId, customMessage } = input
+
+      const round = await ctx.prisma.round.findUniqueOrThrow({
+        where: { id: roundId },
+        select: { name: true },
+      })
+
+      const projectStates = await ctx.prisma.projectRoundState.findMany({
+        where: { roundId, state: 'REJECTED' },
+        select: { projectId: true },
+      })
+      const projectIds = projectStates.map((ps) => ps.projectId)
+
+      if (projectIds.length === 0) {
+        return { sent: 0, failed: 0 }
+      }
+
+      const projects = await ctx.prisma.project.findMany({
+        where: { id: { in: projectIds } },
+        select: {
+          id: true,
+          title: true,
+          submittedByEmail: true,
+          teamMembers: {
+            select: { user: { select: { id: true, email: true, name: true } } },
+          },
+        },
+      })
+
+      let sent = 0
+      let failed = 0
+      const allUserIds = new Set<string>()
+
+      for (const project of projects) {
+        const recipients = new Map<string, string | null>()
+        for (const tm of project.teamMembers) {
+          if (tm.user.email) {
+            recipients.set(tm.user.email, tm.user.name)
+            allUserIds.add(tm.user.id)
+          }
+        }
+        if (recipients.size === 0 && project.submittedByEmail) {
+          recipients.set(project.submittedByEmail, null)
+        }
+
+        for (const [email, name] of recipients) {
+          try {
+            await sendStyledNotificationEmail(
+              email,
+              name || '',
+              'REJECTION_NOTIFICATION',
+              {
+                title: 'Update on your application',
+                message: '',
+                linkUrl: '/applicant',
+                metadata: {
+                  projectName: project.title,
+                  roundName: round.name,
+                  customMessage: customMessage || undefined,
+                },
+              }
+            )
+            sent++
+          } catch (err) {
+            console.error(`[sendRejectionNotifications] Failed for ${email}:`, err)
+            failed++
+          }
+        }
+      }
+
+      // In-app notifications
+      if (allUserIds.size > 0) {
+        void createBulkNotifications({
+          userIds: [...allUserIds],
+          type: 'NOT_SELECTED',
+          title: 'Update on your application',
+          message: `Your project was not selected to advance from "${round.name}".`,
+          linkUrl: '/applicant',
+          linkLabel: 'View Dashboard',
+          icon: 'Info',
+        })
+      }
+
+      await logAudit({
+        prisma: ctx.prisma,
+        userId: ctx.user?.id,
+        action: 'SEND_REJECTION_NOTIFICATIONS',
+        entityType: 'Round',
+        entityId: roundId,
+        detailsJson: { sent, failed, projectCount: projectIds.length, customMessage: !!customMessage },
+        ipAddress: ctx.ip,
+        userAgent: ctx.userAgent,
+      })
+
+      return { sent, failed }
+    }),
+
+  getBulkInvitePreview: adminProcedure
+    .input(z.object({ roundId: z.string() }))
+    .query(async ({ ctx, input }) => {
+      const { roundId } = input
+
+      // Get all projects in this round
+      const projectStates = await ctx.prisma.projectRoundState.findMany({
+        where: { roundId },
+        select: { projectId: true },
+      })
+      const projectIds = projectStates.map((ps) => ps.projectId)
+
+      if (projectIds.length === 0) {
+        return { uninvitedCount: 0, totalTeamMembers: 0, alreadyInvitedCount: 0 }
+      }
+
+      // Get all team members for these projects
+      const teamMembers = await ctx.prisma.teamMember.findMany({
+        where: { projectId: { in: projectIds } },
+        select: { user: { select: { id: true, status: true } } },
+      })
+
+      // Deduplicate by user ID
+      const userMap = new Map<string, string>()
+      for (const tm of teamMembers) {
+        userMap.set(tm.user.id, tm.user.status)
+      }
+
+      let uninvitedCount = 0
+      let alreadyInvitedCount = 0
+      for (const [, status] of userMap) {
+        if (status === 'ACTIVE' || status === 'INVITED') {
+          alreadyInvitedCount++
+        } else {
+          uninvitedCount++
+        }
+      }
+
+      return {
+        uninvitedCount,
+        totalTeamMembers: userMap.size,
+        alreadyInvitedCount,
+      }
+    }),
+
+  bulkInviteTeamMembers: adminProcedure
+    .input(z.object({ roundId: z.string() }))
+    .mutation(async ({ ctx, input }) => {
+      const { roundId } = input
+
+      // Get all projects in this round
+      const projectStates = await ctx.prisma.projectRoundState.findMany({
+        where: { roundId },
+        select: { projectId: true },
+      })
+      const projectIds = projectStates.map((ps) => ps.projectId)
+
+      if (projectIds.length === 0) {
+        return { invited: 0, skipped: 0, failed: 0 }
+      }
+
+      // Get all team members with user details
+      const teamMembers = await ctx.prisma.teamMember.findMany({
+        where: { projectId: { in: projectIds } },
+        select: {
+          user: { select: { id: true, email: true, name: true, status: true, role: true } },
+        },
+      })
+
+      // Deduplicate by user ID
+      const users = new Map<string, { id: string; email: string; name: string | null; status: string; role: string }>()
+      for (const tm of teamMembers) {
+        if (tm.user.email && !users.has(tm.user.id)) {
+          users.set(tm.user.id, tm.user)
+        }
+      }
+
+      const baseUrl = getBaseUrl()
+      const expiryHours = await getInviteExpiryHours(ctx.prisma as unknown as import('@prisma/client').PrismaClient)
+      const expiryMs = expiryHours * 60 * 60 * 1000
+
+      let invited = 0
+      let skipped = 0
+      let failed = 0
+
+      for (const [, user] of users) {
+        if (user.status === 'ACTIVE' || user.status === 'INVITED') {
+          skipped++
+          continue
+        }
+
+        try {
+          const token = generateInviteToken()
+          await ctx.prisma.user.update({
+            where: { id: user.id },
+            data: {
+              status: 'INVITED',
+              inviteToken: token,
+              inviteTokenExpiresAt: new Date(Date.now() + expiryMs),
+            },
+          })
+
+          const inviteUrl = `${baseUrl}/accept-invite?token=${token}`
+          await sendInvitationEmail(user.email, user.name, inviteUrl, user.role, expiryHours)
+          invited++
+        } catch (err) {
+          console.error(`[bulkInviteTeamMembers] Failed for ${user.email}:`, err)
+          failed++
+        }
+      }
+
+      await logAudit({
+        prisma: ctx.prisma,
+        userId: ctx.user?.id,
+        action: 'BULK_INVITE_TEAM_MEMBERS',
+        entityType: 'Round',
+        entityId: roundId,
+        detailsJson: { invited, skipped, failed, totalUsers: users.size },
+        ipAddress: ctx.ip,
+        userAgent: ctx.userAgent,
+      })
+
+      return { invited, skipped, failed }
+    }),
 })
diff --git a/src/server/routers/roundEngine.ts b/src/server/routers/roundEngine.ts
index a56e48e..07cc9e7 100644
--- a/src/server/routers/roundEngine.ts
+++ b/src/server/routers/roundEngine.ts
@@ -11,6 +11,11 @@ import {
   getProjectRoundStates,
   getProjectRoundState,
 } from '../services/round-engine'
+import {
+  processRoundClose,
+  getFinalizationSummary,
+  confirmFinalization,
+} from '../services/round-finalization'
 
 const projectRoundStateEnum = z.enum([
   'PENDING',
@@ -318,4 +323,110 @@ export const roundEngineRouter = router({
         projectIds: result.projectIds,
       }
     }),
+
+  // ─── Finalization Procedures ────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+  getFinalizationSummary: adminProcedure
+    .input(z.object({ roundId: z.string() }))
+    .query(async ({ ctx, input }) => {
+      return getFinalizationSummary(input.roundId, ctx.prisma)
+    }),
+
+  updateProposedOutcome: adminProcedure
+    .input(z.object({
+      roundId: z.string(),
+      projectId: z.string(),
+      proposedOutcome: projectRoundStateEnum,
+    }))
+    .mutation(async ({ ctx, input }) => {
+      const prs = await ctx.prisma.projectRoundState.findUnique({
+        where: { projectId_roundId: { projectId: input.projectId, roundId: input.roundId } },
+      })
+      if (!prs) throw new TRPCError({ code: 'NOT_FOUND', message: 'Project round state not found' })
+
+      return ctx.prisma.projectRoundState.update({
+        where: { id: prs.id },
+        data: { proposedOutcome: input.proposedOutcome },
+      })
+    }),
+
+  batchUpdateProposedOutcomes: adminProcedure
+    .input(z.object({
+      roundId: z.string(),
+      outcomes: z.record(z.string(), projectRoundStateEnum),
+    }))
+    .mutation(async ({ ctx, input }) => {
+      let updated = 0
+      for (const [projectId, outcome] of Object.entries(input.outcomes)) {
+        await ctx.prisma.projectRoundState.updateMany({
+          where: { projectId, roundId: input.roundId },
+          data: { proposedOutcome: outcome },
+        })
+        updated++
+      }
+      return { updated }
+    }),
+
+  confirmFinalization: adminProcedure
+    .input(z.object({
+      roundId: z.string(),
+      targetRoundId: z.string().optional(),
+      advancementMessage: z.string().optional(),
+      rejectionMessage: z.string().optional(),
+    }))
+    .mutation(async ({ ctx, input }) => {
+      return confirmFinalization(
+        input.roundId,
+        {
+          targetRoundId: input.targetRoundId,
+          advancementMessage: input.advancementMessage,
+          rejectionMessage: input.rejectionMessage,
+        },
+        ctx.user.id,
+        ctx.prisma,
+      )
+    }),
+
+  endGracePeriod: adminProcedure
+    .input(z.object({ roundId: z.string() }))
+    .mutation(async ({ ctx, input }) => {
+      const round = await ctx.prisma.round.findUniqueOrThrow({ where: { id: input.roundId } })
+
+      if (round.status !== 'ROUND_CLOSED') {
+        throw new TRPCError({ code: 'BAD_REQUEST', message: 'Round must be ROUND_CLOSED' })
+      }
+      if (!round.gracePeriodEndsAt) {
+        throw new TRPCError({ code: 'BAD_REQUEST', message: 'Round has no grace period set' })
+      }
+
+      // Clear grace period and process
+      await ctx.prisma.round.update({
+        where: { id: input.roundId },
+        data: { gracePeriodEndsAt: new Date() },
+      })
+
+      const result = await processRoundClose(input.roundId, ctx.user.id, ctx.prisma)
+      return { processed: result.processed }
+    }),
+
+  /**
+   * Manually trigger processRoundClose for already-closed rounds.
+   * Used when a round was closed before the finalization system existed,
+   * or when processRoundClose failed silently on close.
+   */
+  processRoundProjects: adminProcedure
+    .input(z.object({ roundId: z.string() }))
+    .mutation(async ({ ctx, input }) => {
+      const round = await ctx.prisma.round.findUniqueOrThrow({ where: { id: input.roundId } })
+
+      if (round.status !== 'ROUND_CLOSED' && round.status !== 'ROUND_ARCHIVED') {
+        throw new TRPCError({
+          code: 'BAD_REQUEST',
+          message: `Round must be ROUND_CLOSED or ROUND_ARCHIVED, got ${round.status}`,
+        })
+      }
+
+      const result = await processRoundClose(input.roundId, ctx.user.id, ctx.prisma)
+      return { processed: result.processed }
+    }),
 })
diff --git a/src/server/routers/specialAward.ts b/src/server/routers/specialAward.ts
index 2fac9b2..09014b5 100644
--- a/src/server/routers/specialAward.ts
+++ b/src/server/routers/specialAward.ts
@@ -4,6 +4,8 @@ import { Prisma } from '@prisma/client'
 import { router, protectedProcedure, adminProcedure } from '../trpc'
 import { logAudit } from '../utils/audit'
 import { processEligibilityJob } from '../services/award-eligibility-job'
+import { sendStyledNotificationEmail } from '@/lib/email'
+import { generateInviteToken, getInviteExpiryMs } from '@/server/utils/invite'
 import type { PrismaClient } from '@prisma/client'
 
 /**
@@ -1182,6 +1184,181 @@ export const specialAwardRouter = router({
       return round
     }),
 
+  // ─── Pool Notifications ─────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+  /**
+   * Get account stats for eligible projects (how many need invite vs have account)
+   */
+  getNotificationStats: adminProcedure
+    .input(z.object({ awardId: z.string() }))
+    .query(async ({ ctx, input }) => {
+      const eligibilities = await ctx.prisma.awardEligibility.findMany({
+        where: { awardId: input.awardId, eligible: true },
+        select: {
+          project: {
+            select: {
+              submittedBy: { select: { id: true, passwordHash: true } },
+              teamMembers: {
+                select: { user: { select: { id: true, passwordHash: true } } },
+              },
+            },
+          },
+        },
+      })
+
+      const seen = new Set<string>()
+      let needsInvite = 0
+      let hasAccount = 0
+
+      for (const e of eligibilities) {
+        const submitter = e.project.submittedBy
+        if (submitter && !seen.has(submitter.id)) {
+          seen.add(submitter.id)
+          if (submitter.passwordHash) hasAccount++
+          else needsInvite++
+        }
+        for (const tm of e.project.teamMembers) {
+          if (!seen.has(tm.user.id)) {
+            seen.add(tm.user.id)
+            if (tm.user.passwordHash) hasAccount++
+            else needsInvite++
+          }
+        }
+      }
+
+      return { needsInvite, hasAccount, totalProjects: eligibilities.length }
+    }),
+
+  /**
+   * Notify eligible projects that they've been selected for an award.
+   * Generates invite tokens for passwordless users.
+   */
+  notifyEligibleProjects: adminProcedure
+    .input(z.object({
+      awardId: z.string(),
+      customMessage: z.string().optional(),
+    }))
+    .mutation(async ({ ctx, input }) => {
+      const award = await ctx.prisma.specialAward.findUniqueOrThrow({
+        where: { id: input.awardId },
+        select: { id: true, name: true, description: true, status: true },
+      })
+
+      // Get eligible projects with submitter + team members
+      const eligibilities = await ctx.prisma.awardEligibility.findMany({
+        where: { awardId: input.awardId, eligible: true },
+        select: {
+          id: true,
+          projectId: true,
+          project: {
+            select: {
+              id: true,
+              title: true,
+              submittedBy: {
+                select: { id: true, email: true, name: true, passwordHash: true },
+              },
+              teamMembers: {
+                select: {
+                  user: {
+                    select: { id: true, email: true, name: true, passwordHash: true },
+                  },
+                },
+              },
+            },
+          },
+        },
+      })
+
+      if (eligibilities.length === 0) {
+        throw new TRPCError({
+          code: 'BAD_REQUEST',
+          message: 'No eligible projects to notify',
+        })
+      }
+
+      // Pre-generate invite tokens for passwordless users
+      const expiryMs = await getInviteExpiryMs(ctx.prisma)
+      const expiresAt = new Date(Date.now() + expiryMs)
+      const tokenMap = new Map<string, string>() // userId -> token
+
+      const allUsers: Array<{ id: string; passwordHash: string | null }> = []
+      for (const e of eligibilities) {
+        if (e.project.submittedBy) allUsers.push(e.project.submittedBy)
+        for (const tm of e.project.teamMembers) allUsers.push(tm.user)
+      }
+
+      const passwordlessUsers = allUsers.filter((u) => !u.passwordHash)
+      const uniquePasswordless = [...new Map(passwordlessUsers.map((u) => [u.id, u])).values()]
+
+      for (const user of uniquePasswordless) {
+        const token = generateInviteToken()
+        tokenMap.set(user.id, token)
+        await ctx.prisma.user.update({
+          where: { id: user.id },
+          data: { inviteToken: token, inviteTokenExpiresAt: expiresAt },
+        })
+      }
+
+      // Send emails
+      let emailsSent = 0
+      let emailsFailed = 0
+
+      for (const e of eligibilities) {
+        const recipients: Array<{ id: string; email: string; name: string | null; passwordHash: string | null }> = []
+        if (e.project.submittedBy) recipients.push(e.project.submittedBy)
+        for (const tm of e.project.teamMembers) {
+          if (!recipients.some((r) => r.id === tm.user.id)) {
+            recipients.push(tm.user)
+          }
+        }
+
+        for (const recipient of recipients) {
+          const token = tokenMap.get(recipient.id)
+          const accountUrl = token ? `/accept-invite?token=${token}` : undefined
+
+          try {
+            await sendStyledNotificationEmail(
+              recipient.email,
+              recipient.name || '',
+              'AWARD_SELECTION_NOTIFICATION',
+              {
+                title: `Selected for ${award.name}`,
+                message: input.customMessage || '',
+                metadata: {
+                  projectName: e.project.title,
+                  awardName: award.name,
+                  customMessage: input.customMessage,
+                  accountUrl,
+                },
+              },
+            )
+            emailsSent++
+          } catch (err) {
+            console.error(`[award-notify] Failed to email ${recipient.email}:`, err)
+            emailsFailed++
+          }
+        }
+      }
+
+      await logAudit({
+        prisma: ctx.prisma,
+        userId: ctx.user.id,
+        action: 'UPDATE',
+        entityType: 'SpecialAward',
+        entityId: input.awardId,
+        detailsJson: {
+          action: 'NOTIFY_ELIGIBLE_PROJECTS',
+          eligibleCount: eligibilities.length,
+          emailsSent,
+          emailsFailed,
+        },
+        ipAddress: ctx.ip,
+        userAgent: ctx.userAgent,
+      })
+
+      return { notified: eligibilities.length, emailsSent, emailsFailed }
+    }),
+
   /**
    * Delete an award round (only if DRAFT)
    */
diff --git a/src/server/routers/user.ts b/src/server/routers/user.ts
index 62f0a6d..d7094c9 100644
--- a/src/server/routers/user.ts
+++ b/src/server/routers/user.ts
@@ -1,4 +1,3 @@
-import crypto from 'crypto'
 import { z } from 'zod'
 import { TRPCError } from '@trpc/server'
 import type { Prisma } from '@prisma/client'
@@ -8,29 +7,7 @@ import { sendInvitationEmail, sendMagicLinkEmail } from '@/lib/email'
 import { hashPassword, validatePassword } from '@/lib/password'
 import { attachAvatarUrls } from '@/server/utils/avatar-url'
 import { logAudit } from '@/server/utils/audit'
-
-const DEFAULT_INVITE_EXPIRY_HOURS = 72 // 3 days
-
-async function getInviteExpiryHours(prisma: import('@prisma/client').PrismaClient): Promise<number> {
-  try {
-    const setting = await prisma.systemSettings.findUnique({
-      where: { key: 'invite_link_expiry_hours' },
-      select: { value: true },
-    })
-    const hours = setting?.value ? parseInt(setting.value, 10) : DEFAULT_INVITE_EXPIRY_HOURS
-    return isNaN(hours) || hours < 1 ? DEFAULT_INVITE_EXPIRY_HOURS : hours
-  } catch {
-    return DEFAULT_INVITE_EXPIRY_HOURS
-  }
-}
-
-async function getInviteExpiryMs(prisma: import('@prisma/client').PrismaClient): Promise<number> {
-  return (await getInviteExpiryHours(prisma)) * 60 * 60 * 1000
-}
-
-function generateInviteToken(): string {
-  return crypto.randomBytes(32).toString('hex')
-}
+import { generateInviteToken, getInviteExpiryHours, getInviteExpiryMs } from '@/server/utils/invite'
 
 export const userRouter = router({
   /**
@@ -95,9 +72,21 @@ export const userRouter = router({
         return { valid: false, error: 'EXPIRED_TOKEN' as const }
       }
 
+      // Check if user belongs to a team (was invited as team member)
+      const teamMembership = await ctx.prisma.teamMember.findFirst({
+        where: { userId: user.id },
+        select: {
+          role: true,
+          project: { select: { title: true, teamName: true } },
+        },
+      })
+
       return {
         valid: true,
         user: { name: user.name, email: user.email, role: user.role },
+        team: teamMembership
+          ? { projectTitle: teamMembership.project.title, teamName: teamMembership.project.teamName }
+          : null,
       }
     }),
 
diff --git a/src/server/services/deliberation.ts b/src/server/services/deliberation.ts
index adef066..b83d9a9 100644
--- a/src/server/services/deliberation.ts
+++ b/src/server/services/deliberation.ts
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ import type {
   Prisma,
 } from '@prisma/client'
 import { logAudit } from '@/server/utils/audit'
+import { triggerInProgressOnActivity } from './round-engine'
 
 // ─── Types ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
@@ -186,7 +187,7 @@ export async function submitVote(
 
   const runoffRound = params.runoffRound ?? 0
 
-  return prisma.deliberationVote.upsert({
+  const vote = await prisma.deliberationVote.upsert({
     where: {
       sessionId_juryMemberId_projectId_runoffRound: {
         sessionId: params.sessionId,
@@ -208,6 +209,17 @@ export async function submitVote(
       isWinnerPick: params.isWinnerPick ?? false,
     },
   })
+
+  // Auto-transition: mark project IN_PROGRESS in the deliberation round
+  try {
+    if (session.roundId) {
+      await triggerInProgressOnActivity(params.projectId, session.roundId, params.juryMemberId, prisma)
+    }
+  } catch (e) {
+    console.error('[Deliberation] triggerInProgressOnActivity failed (non-fatal):', e)
+  }
+
+  return vote
 }
 
 // ─── Aggregation ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
diff --git a/src/server/services/round-engine.ts b/src/server/services/round-engine.ts
index 0bf2798..259388a 100644
--- a/src/server/services/round-engine.ts
+++ b/src/server/services/round-engine.ts
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ import type { PrismaClient, ProjectRoundStateValue, Prisma } from '@prisma/clien
 import { logAudit } from '@/server/utils/audit'
 import { safeValidateRoundConfig } from '@/types/competition-configs'
 import { expireIntentsForRound } from './assignment-intent'
+import { processRoundClose } from './round-finalization'
 
 // ─── Types ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
@@ -55,11 +56,11 @@ const VALID_ROUND_TRANSITIONS: Record<string, string[]> = {
 }
 
 const VALID_PROJECT_TRANSITIONS: Record<string, string[]> = {
-  PENDING: ['IN_PROGRESS', 'PASSED', 'REJECTED', 'WITHDRAWN'],
-  IN_PROGRESS: ['PASSED', 'REJECTED', 'WITHDRAWN'],
-  PASSED: ['COMPLETED', 'WITHDRAWN'],
+  PENDING: ['IN_PROGRESS', 'REJECTED', 'WITHDRAWN'],
+  IN_PROGRESS: ['COMPLETED', 'REJECTED', 'WITHDRAWN'],
+  COMPLETED: ['PASSED', 'REJECTED'],
+  PASSED: ['IN_PROGRESS', 'WITHDRAWN'],
   REJECTED: ['PENDING'], // re-include
-  COMPLETED: [], // terminal
   WITHDRAWN: ['PENDING'], // re-include
 }
 
@@ -174,13 +175,44 @@ export async function activateRound(
         const projectIds = projectStates.map((ps: { projectId: string }) => ps.projectId)
         const result = await batchCheckRequirementsAndTransition(roundId, projectIds, actorId, prisma)
         if (result.transitionedCount > 0) {
-          console.log(`[RoundEngine] On activation: auto-passed ${result.transitionedCount} projects with complete documents`)
+          console.log(`[RoundEngine] On activation: auto-completed ${result.transitionedCount} projects with complete documents`)
         }
       }
     } catch (retroError) {
       console.error('[RoundEngine] Retroactive document check failed (non-fatal):', retroError)
     }
 
+    // Mentoring pass-through: for MENTORING rounds with passThroughIfNoRequest,
+    // auto-set all PENDING projects to PASSED (they pass through unless they request mentoring)
+    if (round.roundType === 'MENTORING') {
+      try {
+        const mentoringConfig = safeValidateRoundConfig('MENTORING', round.configJson as Record<string, unknown>)
+        if (mentoringConfig.success && mentoringConfig.data.passThroughIfNoRequest) {
+          const pendingProjects = await prisma.projectRoundState.findMany({
+            where: { roundId, state: 'PENDING' },
+            select: { id: true, projectId: true, metadataJson: true },
+          })
+          let passedCount = 0
+          for (const prs of pendingProjects) {
+            const meta = (prs.metadataJson as Record<string, unknown>) ?? {}
+            // Only pass-through projects that haven't requested mentoring
+            if (!meta.mentoringRequested) {
+              await prisma.projectRoundState.update({
+                where: { id: prs.id },
+                data: { state: 'PASSED' },
+              })
+              passedCount++
+            }
+          }
+          if (passedCount > 0) {
+            console.log(`[RoundEngine] Mentoring pass-through: set ${passedCount} projects to PASSED`)
+          }
+        }
+      } catch (mentoringError) {
+        console.error('[RoundEngine] Mentoring pass-through failed (non-fatal):', mentoringError)
+      }
+    }
+
     return {
       success: true,
       round: { id: updated.id, status: updated.status },
@@ -311,6 +343,26 @@ export async function closeRound(
       detailsJson: { name: round.name, roundType: round.roundType },
     })
 
+    // Grace period / immediate finalization processing
+    try {
+      const config = round.configJson ? (round.configJson as Record<string, unknown>) : {}
+      const gracePeriodHours = (config.gracePeriodHours as number) ?? 0
+
+      if (gracePeriodHours > 0) {
+        const gracePeriodEndsAt = new Date(Date.now() + gracePeriodHours * 60 * 60 * 1000)
+        await prisma.round.update({
+          where: { id: roundId },
+          data: { gracePeriodEndsAt },
+        })
+        console.log(`[RoundEngine] Grace period set for round ${roundId}: ${gracePeriodHours}h (until ${gracePeriodEndsAt.toISOString()})`)
+      } else {
+        await processRoundClose(roundId, actorId, prisma)
+        console.log(`[RoundEngine] Processed round close for ${roundId} (no grace period)`)
+      }
+    } catch (processError) {
+      console.error('[RoundEngine] processRoundClose after close failed (non-fatal):', processError)
+    }
+
     return {
       success: true,
       round: { id: updated.id, status: updated.status },
@@ -559,10 +611,10 @@ export async function transitionProject(
       return { success: false, errors: [`Round ${roundId} not found`] }
     }
 
-    if (round.status !== 'ROUND_ACTIVE') {
+    if (round.status !== 'ROUND_ACTIVE' && round.status !== 'ROUND_CLOSED') {
       return {
         success: false,
-        errors: [`Round is ${round.status}, must be ROUND_ACTIVE to transition projects`],
+        errors: [`Round is ${round.status}, must be ROUND_ACTIVE or ROUND_CLOSED to transition projects`],
       }
     }
 
@@ -858,12 +910,17 @@ export async function checkRequirementsAndTransition(
       return { transitioned: false }
     }
 
-    // All requirements met — transition to PASSED
-    const result = await transitionProject(projectId, roundId, 'PASSED' as ProjectRoundStateValue, actorId, prisma)
+    // If PENDING, first transition to IN_PROGRESS so the state machine path is valid
+    if (currentState.state === 'PENDING') {
+      await triggerInProgressOnActivity(projectId, roundId, actorId, prisma)
+    }
+
+    // All requirements met — transition to COMPLETED (finalization will set PASSED/REJECTED)
+    const result = await transitionProject(projectId, roundId, 'COMPLETED' as ProjectRoundStateValue, actorId, prisma)
 
     if (result.success) {
-      console.log(`[RoundEngine] Auto-transitioned project ${projectId} to PASSED in round ${roundId} (all ${requirements.length} requirements met)`)
-      return { transitioned: true, newState: 'PASSED' }
+      console.log(`[RoundEngine] Auto-transitioned project ${projectId} to COMPLETED in round ${roundId} (all ${requirements.length + submissionRequirements.length} requirements met)`)
+      return { transitioned: true, newState: 'COMPLETED' }
     }
 
     return { transitioned: false }
@@ -894,14 +951,85 @@ export async function batchCheckRequirementsAndTransition(
   }
 
   if (transitioned.length > 0) {
-    console.log(`[RoundEngine] Batch auto-transition: ${transitioned.length}/${projectIds.length} projects moved to PASSED in round ${roundId}`)
+    console.log(`[RoundEngine] Batch auto-transition: ${transitioned.length}/${projectIds.length} projects moved to COMPLETED in round ${roundId}`)
   }
 
   return { transitionedCount: transitioned.length, projectIds: transitioned }
 }
 
+// ─── Auto-Transition Hooks ──────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+/**
+ * Trigger PENDING → IN_PROGRESS when a project has activity.
+ * Non-fatal: if the project is not PENDING, this is a no-op.
+ */
+export async function triggerInProgressOnActivity(
+  projectId: string,
+  roundId: string,
+  actorId: string,
+  prisma: PrismaClient | any,
+): Promise<void> {
+  try {
+    const prs = await prisma.projectRoundState.findUnique({
+      where: { projectId_roundId: { projectId, roundId } },
+      select: { state: true },
+    })
+
+    if (!prs || prs.state !== 'PENDING') return
+
+    const result = await transitionProject(projectId, roundId, 'IN_PROGRESS' as ProjectRoundStateValue, actorId, prisma)
+    if (result.success) {
+      console.log(`[RoundEngine] Auto-transitioned project ${projectId} to IN_PROGRESS in round ${roundId}`)
+    }
+  } catch (error) {
+    console.error('[RoundEngine] triggerInProgressOnActivity failed (non-fatal):', error)
+  }
+}
+
+/**
+ * Check if all jury assignments for a project in an evaluation round are completed.
+ * If yes, transition from IN_PROGRESS → COMPLETED.
+ */
+export async function checkEvaluationCompletionAndTransition(
+  projectId: string,
+  roundId: string,
+  actorId: string,
+  prisma: PrismaClient | any,
+): Promise<{ transitioned: boolean }> {
+  try {
+    const prs = await prisma.projectRoundState.findUnique({
+      where: { projectId_roundId: { projectId, roundId } },
+      select: { state: true },
+    })
+
+    if (!prs || prs.state !== 'IN_PROGRESS') return { transitioned: false }
+
+    // Check all assignments for this project in this round
+    const assignments = await prisma.assignment.findMany({
+      where: { projectId, roundId },
+      select: { isCompleted: true },
+    })
+
+    if (assignments.length === 0) return { transitioned: false }
+
+    const allCompleted = assignments.every((a: { isCompleted: boolean }) => a.isCompleted)
+    if (!allCompleted) return { transitioned: false }
+
+    const result = await transitionProject(projectId, roundId, 'COMPLETED' as ProjectRoundStateValue, actorId, prisma)
+    if (result.success) {
+      console.log(`[RoundEngine] Auto-transitioned project ${projectId} to COMPLETED in round ${roundId} (all ${assignments.length} evaluations done)`)
+      return { transitioned: true }
+    }
+
+    return { transitioned: false }
+  } catch (error) {
+    console.error('[RoundEngine] checkEvaluationCompletionAndTransition failed (non-fatal):', error)
+    return { transitioned: false }
+  }
+}
+
 // ─── Internals ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
-function isTerminalState(state: ProjectRoundStateValue): boolean {
-  return ['PASSED', 'REJECTED', 'COMPLETED', 'WITHDRAWN'].includes(state)
+export function isTerminalState(state: ProjectRoundStateValue): boolean {
+  return ['PASSED', 'REJECTED', 'WITHDRAWN'].includes(state)
 }
diff --git a/src/server/services/round-finalization.ts b/src/server/services/round-finalization.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..95c5c87
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/server/services/round-finalization.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,830 @@
+/**
+ * Round Finalization Service
+ *
+ * Handles the post-close lifecycle of a round:
+ * - processRoundClose: auto-sets project states after a round closes
+ * - getFinalizationSummary: aggregates data for the finalization review UI
+ * - confirmFinalization: single transaction to apply outcomes, advance projects, send emails
+ */
+
+import type { PrismaClient, ProjectRoundStateValue, RoundType, Prisma } from '@prisma/client'
+import { transitionProject, isTerminalState } from './round-engine'
+import { logAudit } from '@/server/utils/audit'
+import {
+  sendStyledNotificationEmail,
+  getRejectionNotificationTemplate,
+} from '@/lib/email'
+import { createBulkNotifications } from '../services/in-app-notification'
+import { generateInviteToken, getInviteExpiryMs } from '@/server/utils/invite'
+
+// ─── Types ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+export type FinalizationSummary = {
+  roundId: string
+  roundName: string
+  roundType: RoundType
+  isGracePeriodActive: boolean
+  gracePeriodEndsAt: Date | null
+  isFinalized: boolean
+  finalizedAt: Date | null
+  stats: {
+    pending: number
+    inProgress: number
+    completed: number
+    passed: number
+    rejected: number
+    withdrawn: number
+  }
+  projects: Array<{
+    id: string
+    title: string
+    teamName: string | null
+    category: string | null
+    country: string | null
+    currentState: ProjectRoundStateValue
+    proposedOutcome: ProjectRoundStateValue | null
+    evaluationScore?: number | null
+    rankPosition?: number | null
+  }>
+  categoryTargets: {
+    startupTarget: number | null
+    conceptTarget: number | null
+    startupProposed: number
+    conceptProposed: number
+  }
+  nextRound: { id: string; name: string } | null
+  accountStats: {
+    needsInvite: number
+    hasAccount: number
+  }
+}
+
+export type ConfirmFinalizationResult = {
+  advanced: number
+  rejected: number
+  emailsSent: number
+  emailsFailed: number
+}
+
+// ─── processRoundClose ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+/**
+ * Process project states after a round closes.
+ * Auto-transitions projects to COMPLETED/REJECTED and sets proposedOutcome defaults.
+ * Called immediately on close (if no grace period) or after grace period expires.
+ */
+export async function processRoundClose(
+  roundId: string,
+  actorId: string,
+  prisma: PrismaClient | any,
+): Promise<{ processed: number }> {
+  const round = await prisma.round.findUnique({
+    where: { id: roundId },
+    include: {
+      competition: {
+        select: {
+          rounds: {
+            select: { id: true, name: true, sortOrder: true },
+            orderBy: { sortOrder: 'asc' as const },
+          },
+        },
+      },
+    },
+  })
+
+  if (!round) throw new Error(`Round ${roundId} not found`)
+
+  const projectStates = await prisma.projectRoundState.findMany({
+    where: { roundId },
+    include: {
+      project: {
+        select: {
+          id: true,
+          competitionCategory: true,
+          files: { where: { roundId }, select: { id: true, requirementId: true, submissionFileRequirementId: true } },
+          assignments: { where: { roundId }, select: { isCompleted: true } },
+          filteringResults: { where: { roundId }, select: { outcome: true, finalOutcome: true } },
+        },
+      },
+    },
+  })
+
+  let processed = 0
+
+  // Pre-compute pass set for EVALUATION rounds using ranking scores + config
+  let evaluationPassSet: Set<string> | null = null
+  if ((round.roundType as RoundType) === 'EVALUATION') {
+    evaluationPassSet = new Set<string>()
+    const snapshot = await prisma.rankingSnapshot.findFirst({
+      where: { roundId },
+      orderBy: { createdAt: 'desc' as const },
+      select: { startupRankingJson: true, conceptRankingJson: true },
+    })
+    if (snapshot) {
+      const config = (round.configJson as Record<string, unknown>) ?? {}
+      const advanceMode = (config.advanceMode as string) || 'count'
+      const advanceScoreThreshold = (config.advanceScoreThreshold as number) ?? 6
+      const startupAdvanceCount = (config.startupAdvanceCount as number) ?? 0
+      const conceptAdvanceCount = (config.conceptAdvanceCount as number) ?? 0
+
+      type RankEntry = { projectId: string; avgGlobalScore: number | null; rank: number }
+      const startupRanked = (snapshot.startupRankingJson ?? []) as RankEntry[]
+      const conceptRanked = (snapshot.conceptRankingJson ?? []) as RankEntry[]
+
+      if (advanceMode === 'threshold') {
+        for (const r of [...startupRanked, ...conceptRanked]) {
+          if (r.avgGlobalScore != null && r.avgGlobalScore >= advanceScoreThreshold) {
+            evaluationPassSet.add(r.projectId)
+          }
+        }
+      } else {
+        // 'count' mode — top N per category by rank
+        const sortedStartup = [...startupRanked].sort((a, b) => a.rank - b.rank)
+        const sortedConcept = [...conceptRanked].sort((a, b) => a.rank - b.rank)
+        for (let i = 0; i < Math.min(startupAdvanceCount, sortedStartup.length); i++) {
+          evaluationPassSet.add(sortedStartup[i].projectId)
+        }
+        for (let i = 0; i < Math.min(conceptAdvanceCount, sortedConcept.length); i++) {
+          evaluationPassSet.add(sortedConcept[i].projectId)
+        }
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  for (const prs of projectStates) {
+    // Skip already-terminal states
+    if (isTerminalState(prs.state)) {
+      // Set proposed outcome to match current state for display
+      if (!prs.proposedOutcome) {
+        await prisma.projectRoundState.update({
+          where: { id: prs.id },
+          data: { proposedOutcome: prs.state },
+        })
+      }
+      processed++
+      continue
+    }
+
+    let targetState: ProjectRoundStateValue = prs.state
+    let proposedOutcome: ProjectRoundStateValue = 'PASSED'
+
+    switch (round.roundType as RoundType) {
+      case 'INTAKE':
+      case 'SUBMISSION': {
+        // Projects with activity → COMPLETED, purely PENDING → REJECTED
+        if (prs.state === 'PENDING') {
+          targetState = 'REJECTED' as ProjectRoundStateValue
+          proposedOutcome = 'REJECTED' as ProjectRoundStateValue
+        } else if (prs.state === 'IN_PROGRESS' || prs.state === 'COMPLETED') {
+          if (prs.state === 'IN_PROGRESS') targetState = 'COMPLETED' as ProjectRoundStateValue
+          proposedOutcome = 'PASSED' as ProjectRoundStateValue
+        }
+        break
+      }
+
+      case 'EVALUATION': {
+        // Use ranking scores to determine pass/reject
+        const hasEvals = prs.project.assignments.some((a: { isCompleted: boolean }) => a.isCompleted)
+        const shouldPass = evaluationPassSet?.has(prs.projectId) ?? false
+        if (prs.state === 'IN_PROGRESS' || (prs.state === 'PENDING' && hasEvals)) {
+          targetState = 'COMPLETED' as ProjectRoundStateValue
+          proposedOutcome = (shouldPass ? 'PASSED' : 'REJECTED') as ProjectRoundStateValue
+        } else if (prs.state === 'PENDING') {
+          targetState = 'REJECTED' as ProjectRoundStateValue
+          proposedOutcome = 'REJECTED' as ProjectRoundStateValue
+        } else if (prs.state === 'COMPLETED') {
+          proposedOutcome = (shouldPass ? 'PASSED' : 'REJECTED') as ProjectRoundStateValue
+        }
+        break
+      }
+
+      case 'FILTERING': {
+        // Use FilteringResult to determine outcome for each project
+        const fr = prs.project.filteringResults?.[0] as { outcome: string; finalOutcome: string | null } | undefined
+        const effectiveOutcome = fr?.finalOutcome || fr?.outcome
+        const filterPassed = effectiveOutcome !== 'FILTERED_OUT'
+
+        if (prs.state === 'COMPLETED') {
+          proposedOutcome = (filterPassed ? 'PASSED' : 'REJECTED') as ProjectRoundStateValue
+        } else if (prs.state === 'IN_PROGRESS') {
+          targetState = 'COMPLETED' as ProjectRoundStateValue
+          proposedOutcome = (filterPassed ? 'PASSED' : 'REJECTED') as ProjectRoundStateValue
+        } else if (prs.state === 'PENDING') {
+          // PENDING projects in filtering: check FilteringResult
+          if (fr) {
+            targetState = 'COMPLETED' as ProjectRoundStateValue
+            proposedOutcome = (filterPassed ? 'PASSED' : 'REJECTED') as ProjectRoundStateValue
+          } else {
+            // No filtering result at all → reject
+            targetState = 'REJECTED' as ProjectRoundStateValue
+            proposedOutcome = 'REJECTED' as ProjectRoundStateValue
+          }
+        }
+        break
+      }
+
+      case 'MENTORING': {
+        // Projects already PASSED (pass-through) stay PASSED
+        if (prs.state === 'PASSED') {
+          proposedOutcome = 'PASSED' as ProjectRoundStateValue
+        } else if (prs.state === 'IN_PROGRESS') {
+          targetState = 'COMPLETED' as ProjectRoundStateValue
+          proposedOutcome = 'PASSED' as ProjectRoundStateValue
+        } else if (prs.state === 'COMPLETED') {
+          proposedOutcome = 'PASSED' as ProjectRoundStateValue
+        } else if (prs.state === 'PENDING') {
+          // Pending = never requested mentoring, pass through
+          proposedOutcome = 'PASSED' as ProjectRoundStateValue
+          targetState = 'COMPLETED' as ProjectRoundStateValue
+        }
+        break
+      }
+
+      case 'LIVE_FINAL': {
+        // All presented projects → COMPLETED
+        if (prs.state === 'IN_PROGRESS' || prs.state === 'PENDING') {
+          targetState = 'COMPLETED' as ProjectRoundStateValue
+          proposedOutcome = 'PASSED' as ProjectRoundStateValue
+        } else if (prs.state === 'COMPLETED') {
+          proposedOutcome = 'PASSED' as ProjectRoundStateValue
+        }
+        break
+      }
+
+      case 'DELIBERATION': {
+        // All voted projects → COMPLETED
+        if (prs.state === 'IN_PROGRESS' || prs.state === 'PENDING') {
+          targetState = 'COMPLETED' as ProjectRoundStateValue
+          proposedOutcome = 'PASSED' as ProjectRoundStateValue
+        } else if (prs.state === 'COMPLETED') {
+          proposedOutcome = 'PASSED' as ProjectRoundStateValue
+        }
+        break
+      }
+    }
+
+    // Transition project if needed (admin override for non-standard paths)
+    if (targetState !== prs.state && !isTerminalState(prs.state)) {
+      // Need to handle multi-step transitions
+      if (prs.state === 'PENDING' && targetState === 'COMPLETED') {
+        await transitionProject(prs.projectId, roundId, 'IN_PROGRESS' as ProjectRoundStateValue, actorId, prisma, { adminOverride: true })
+        await transitionProject(prs.projectId, roundId, 'COMPLETED' as ProjectRoundStateValue, actorId, prisma, { adminOverride: true })
+      } else if (prs.state === 'PENDING' && targetState === 'REJECTED') {
+        await transitionProject(prs.projectId, roundId, targetState, actorId, prisma, { adminOverride: true })
+      } else {
+        await transitionProject(prs.projectId, roundId, targetState, actorId, prisma, { adminOverride: true })
+      }
+    }
+
+    // Set proposed outcome
+    await prisma.projectRoundState.update({
+      where: { id: prs.id },
+      data: { proposedOutcome },
+    })
+
+    processed++
+  }
+
+  return { processed }
+}
+
+// ─── getFinalizationSummary ─────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+export async function getFinalizationSummary(
+  roundId: string,
+  prisma: PrismaClient | any,
+): Promise<FinalizationSummary> {
+  const round = await prisma.round.findUniqueOrThrow({
+    where: { id: roundId },
+    include: {
+      competition: {
+        select: {
+          rounds: {
+            select: { id: true, name: true, sortOrder: true },
+            orderBy: { sortOrder: 'asc' as const },
+          },
+        },
+      },
+    },
+  })
+
+  const now = new Date()
+  const isGracePeriodActive = !!(round.gracePeriodEndsAt && new Date(round.gracePeriodEndsAt) > now && !round.finalizedAt)
+  const isFinalized = !!round.finalizedAt
+
+  // Get config for category targets
+  const config = (round.configJson as Record<string, unknown>) ?? {}
+
+  // Find next round
+  const rounds = round.competition.rounds
+  const currentIdx = rounds.findIndex((r: { id: string }) => r.id === roundId)
+  const nextRound = currentIdx >= 0 && currentIdx < rounds.length - 1
+    ? rounds[currentIdx + 1]
+    : null
+
+  // Get all project states with project details
+  const projectStates = await prisma.projectRoundState.findMany({
+    where: { roundId },
+    include: {
+      project: {
+        select: {
+          id: true,
+          title: true,
+          teamName: true,
+          competitionCategory: true,
+          country: true,
+        },
+      },
+    },
+    orderBy: { createdAt: 'asc' as const },
+  })
+
+  // Compute stats
+  const stats = { pending: 0, inProgress: 0, completed: 0, passed: 0, rejected: 0, withdrawn: 0 }
+  for (const prs of projectStates) {
+    switch (prs.state) {
+      case 'PENDING': stats.pending++; break
+      case 'IN_PROGRESS': stats.inProgress++; break
+      case 'COMPLETED': stats.completed++; break
+      case 'PASSED': stats.passed++; break
+      case 'REJECTED': stats.rejected++; break
+      case 'WITHDRAWN': stats.withdrawn++; break
+    }
+  }
+
+  // Get evaluation scores if this is an evaluation round
+  let scoreMap = new Map<string, number>()
+  let rankMap = new Map<string, number>()
+
+  if (round.roundType === 'EVALUATION') {
+    // Get latest ranking snapshot (per-category fields)
+    const snapshot = await prisma.rankingSnapshot.findFirst({
+      where: { roundId },
+      orderBy: { createdAt: 'desc' as const },
+      select: { startupRankingJson: true, conceptRankingJson: true },
+    })
+    if (snapshot) {
+      type RankEntry = { projectId: string; avgGlobalScore?: number; compositeScore?: number; rank?: number }
+      const allRanked = [
+        ...((snapshot.startupRankingJson ?? []) as RankEntry[]),
+        ...((snapshot.conceptRankingJson ?? []) as RankEntry[]),
+      ]
+      for (const r of allRanked) {
+        if (r.avgGlobalScore != null) scoreMap.set(r.projectId, r.avgGlobalScore)
+        else if (r.compositeScore != null) scoreMap.set(r.projectId, r.compositeScore)
+        if (r.rank != null) rankMap.set(r.projectId, r.rank)
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  // Build project list
+  const projects = projectStates.map((prs: any) => ({
+    id: prs.project.id,
+    title: prs.project.title,
+    teamName: prs.project.teamName,
+    category: prs.project.competitionCategory,
+    country: prs.project.country,
+    currentState: prs.state as ProjectRoundStateValue,
+    proposedOutcome: prs.proposedOutcome as ProjectRoundStateValue | null,
+    evaluationScore: scoreMap.get(prs.project.id) ?? null,
+    rankPosition: rankMap.get(prs.project.id) ?? null,
+  }))
+
+  // Category target progress
+  const startupTarget = (config.startupAdvanceCount as number | undefined) ?? null
+  const conceptTarget = (config.conceptAdvanceCount as number | undefined) ?? null
+
+  let startupProposed = 0
+  let conceptProposed = 0
+  for (const p of projects) {
+    if (p.proposedOutcome === 'PASSED') {
+      if (p.category === 'STARTUP') startupProposed++
+      else if (p.category === 'BUSINESS_CONCEPT') conceptProposed++
+    }
+  }
+
+  // Account stats: count how many advancing projects need invite vs already have accounts
+  let needsInvite = 0
+  let hasAccount = 0
+  const passedProjectIds = projects.filter((p: { proposedOutcome: string | null }) => p.proposedOutcome === 'PASSED').map((p: { id: string }) => p.id)
+  if (passedProjectIds.length > 0) {
+    const passedProjects = await prisma.project.findMany({
+      where: { id: { in: passedProjectIds } },
+      select: {
+        id: true,
+        submittedBy: { select: { passwordHash: true } },
+        teamMembers: { select: { user: { select: { passwordHash: true } } } },
+      },
+    })
+    for (const p of passedProjects) {
+      // Check team members first, then submittedBy
+      const users = p.teamMembers.length > 0
+        ? p.teamMembers.map((tm: any) => tm.user)
+        : p.submittedBy ? [p.submittedBy] : []
+      const anyHasPassword = users.some((u: any) => !!u.passwordHash)
+      if (anyHasPassword) hasAccount++
+      else needsInvite++
+    }
+  }
+
+  return {
+    roundId,
+    roundName: round.name,
+    roundType: round.roundType,
+    isGracePeriodActive,
+    gracePeriodEndsAt: round.gracePeriodEndsAt,
+    isFinalized,
+    finalizedAt: round.finalizedAt,
+    stats,
+    projects,
+    categoryTargets: {
+      startupTarget,
+      conceptTarget,
+      startupProposed,
+      conceptProposed,
+    },
+    nextRound: nextRound ? { id: nextRound.id, name: nextRound.name } : null,
+    accountStats: { needsInvite, hasAccount },
+  }
+}
+
+// ─── confirmFinalization ────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+export async function confirmFinalization(
+  roundId: string,
+  options: {
+    targetRoundId?: string
+    advancementMessage?: string
+    rejectionMessage?: string
+  },
+  actorId: string,
+  prisma: PrismaClient | any,
+): Promise<ConfirmFinalizationResult> {
+  // Validate: round is CLOSED, not already finalized, grace period expired
+  const round = await prisma.round.findUniqueOrThrow({
+    where: { id: roundId },
+    include: {
+      competition: {
+        select: {
+          id: true,
+          rounds: {
+            select: { id: true, name: true, sortOrder: true },
+            orderBy: { sortOrder: 'asc' as const },
+          },
+        },
+      },
+    },
+  })
+
+  if (round.status !== 'ROUND_CLOSED') {
+    throw new Error(`Round must be ROUND_CLOSED to finalize, got ${round.status}`)
+  }
+
+  if (round.finalizedAt) {
+    throw new Error('Round is already finalized')
+  }
+
+  const now = new Date()
+  if (round.gracePeriodEndsAt && new Date(round.gracePeriodEndsAt) > now) {
+    throw new Error('Cannot finalize: grace period is still active')
+  }
+
+  // Determine target round
+  const rounds = round.competition.rounds
+  const currentIdx = rounds.findIndex((r: { id: string }) => r.id === roundId)
+  const targetRoundId = options.targetRoundId
+    ?? (currentIdx >= 0 && currentIdx < rounds.length - 1
+      ? rounds[currentIdx + 1].id
+      : undefined)
+
+  const targetRoundName = targetRoundId
+    ? rounds.find((r: { id: string }) => r.id === targetRoundId)?.name ?? 'Next Round'
+    : 'Next Round'
+
+  // Execute finalization in a transaction
+  const result = await prisma.$transaction(async (tx: any) => {
+    const projectStates = await tx.projectRoundState.findMany({
+      where: { roundId, proposedOutcome: { not: null } },
+      include: {
+        project: {
+          select: {
+            id: true,
+            title: true,
+            status: true,
+          },
+        },
+      },
+    })
+
+    let advanced = 0
+    let rejected = 0
+
+    for (const prs of projectStates) {
+      const proposed = prs.proposedOutcome as ProjectRoundStateValue
+
+      // Skip if already in the proposed state
+      if (prs.state === proposed) {
+        if (proposed === 'PASSED') advanced++
+        else if (proposed === 'REJECTED') rejected++
+        continue
+      }
+
+      // Transition to proposed outcome
+      if (proposed === 'PASSED' || proposed === 'REJECTED') {
+        // Ensure we're in COMPLETED before transitioning to PASSED/REJECTED
+        if (prs.state !== 'COMPLETED' && prs.state !== 'PASSED' && prs.state !== 'REJECTED') {
+          // Force through intermediate states
+          if (prs.state === 'PENDING') {
+            await tx.projectRoundState.update({
+              where: { id: prs.id },
+              data: { state: 'IN_PROGRESS' },
+            })
+          }
+          if (prs.state === 'PENDING' || prs.state === 'IN_PROGRESS') {
+            await tx.projectRoundState.update({
+              where: { id: prs.id },
+              data: { state: 'COMPLETED' },
+            })
+          }
+        }
+
+        // Now transition to final state
+        await tx.projectRoundState.update({
+          where: { id: prs.id },
+          data: {
+            state: proposed,
+            exitedAt: now,
+          },
+        })
+
+        if (proposed === 'PASSED') {
+          advanced++
+
+          // Create ProjectRoundState in target round (if exists)
+          if (targetRoundId) {
+            await tx.projectRoundState.upsert({
+              where: {
+                projectId_roundId: {
+                  projectId: prs.projectId,
+                  roundId: targetRoundId,
+                },
+              },
+              create: {
+                projectId: prs.projectId,
+                roundId: targetRoundId,
+                state: 'PENDING',
+                enteredAt: now,
+              },
+              update: {}, // skip if already exists
+            })
+          }
+
+          // Update Project.status to ASSIGNED
+          await tx.project.update({
+            where: { id: prs.projectId },
+            data: { status: 'ASSIGNED' },
+          })
+
+          // Create ProjectStatusHistory
+          await tx.projectStatusHistory.create({
+            data: {
+              projectId: prs.projectId,
+              status: 'ASSIGNED',
+              changedBy: actorId,
+              reason: `Advanced from round "${round.name}" via finalization`,
+            },
+          })
+        } else {
+          rejected++
+        }
+
+        // Audit log per project
+        await tx.decisionAuditLog.create({
+          data: {
+            eventType: 'finalization.project_outcome',
+            entityType: 'ProjectRoundState',
+            entityId: prs.id,
+            actorId,
+            detailsJson: {
+              projectId: prs.projectId,
+              roundId,
+              previousState: prs.state,
+              outcome: proposed,
+              targetRoundId: proposed === 'PASSED' ? targetRoundId : null,
+            } as Prisma.InputJsonValue,
+            snapshotJson: {
+              timestamp: now.toISOString(),
+              emittedBy: 'round-finalization',
+            },
+          },
+        })
+      }
+    }
+
+    // Mark round as finalized
+    await tx.round.update({
+      where: { id: roundId },
+      data: {
+        finalizedAt: now,
+        finalizedBy: actorId,
+      },
+    })
+
+    // Finalization audit
+    await tx.decisionAuditLog.create({
+      data: {
+        eventType: 'round.finalized',
+        entityType: 'Round',
+        entityId: roundId,
+        actorId,
+        detailsJson: {
+          roundName: round.name,
+          advanced,
+          rejected,
+          targetRoundId,
+          hasCustomAdvancementMessage: !!options.advancementMessage,
+          hasCustomRejectionMessage: !!options.rejectionMessage,
+        } as Prisma.InputJsonValue,
+        snapshotJson: {
+          timestamp: now.toISOString(),
+          emittedBy: 'round-finalization',
+        },
+      },
+    })
+
+    return { advanced, rejected }
+  })
+
+  // Send emails outside transaction (non-fatal)
+  let emailsSent = 0
+  let emailsFailed = 0
+
+  try {
+    // Get all projects that were finalized
+    const finalizedStates = await prisma.projectRoundState.findMany({
+      where: { roundId, state: { in: ['PASSED', 'REJECTED'] } },
+      include: {
+        project: {
+          select: {
+            id: true,
+            title: true,
+            submittedByEmail: true,
+            submittedByUserId: true,
+            submittedBy: { select: { id: true, email: true, name: true, passwordHash: true } },
+            teamMembers: {
+              select: { user: { select: { id: true, email: true, name: true, passwordHash: true } } },
+            },
+          },
+        },
+      },
+    })
+
+    // Pre-generate invite tokens for passwordless users on advancing projects
+    const inviteTokenMap = new Map<string, string>() // userId → token
+    const expiryMs = await getInviteExpiryMs(prisma)
+
+    for (const prs of finalizedStates) {
+      if (prs.state !== 'PASSED') continue
+      const users = prs.project.teamMembers.length > 0
+        ? prs.project.teamMembers.map((tm: any) => tm.user)
+        : prs.project.submittedBy ? [prs.project.submittedBy] : []
+      for (const user of users) {
+        if (user && !user.passwordHash && !inviteTokenMap.has(user.id)) {
+          const token = generateInviteToken()
+          inviteTokenMap.set(user.id, token)
+          await prisma.user.update({
+            where: { id: user.id },
+            data: {
+              inviteToken: token,
+              inviteTokenExpiresAt: new Date(Date.now() + expiryMs),
+            },
+          })
+        }
+      }
+    }
+
+    const advancedUserIds = new Set<string>()
+    const rejectedUserIds = new Set<string>()
+
+    for (const prs of finalizedStates) {
+      type Recipient = { email: string; name: string | null; userId: string | null }
+      const recipients: Recipient[] = []
+      for (const tm of prs.project.teamMembers) {
+        if (tm.user.email) {
+          recipients.push({ email: tm.user.email, name: tm.user.name, userId: tm.user.id })
+          if (prs.state === 'PASSED') advancedUserIds.add(tm.user.id)
+          else rejectedUserIds.add(tm.user.id)
+        }
+      }
+      if (recipients.length === 0 && prs.project.submittedBy?.email) {
+        recipients.push({
+          email: prs.project.submittedBy.email,
+          name: prs.project.submittedBy.name,
+          userId: prs.project.submittedBy.id,
+        })
+        if (prs.state === 'PASSED') advancedUserIds.add(prs.project.submittedBy.id)
+        else rejectedUserIds.add(prs.project.submittedBy.id)
+      } else if (recipients.length === 0 && prs.project.submittedByEmail) {
+        recipients.push({ email: prs.project.submittedByEmail, name: null, userId: null })
+      }
+
+      for (const recipient of recipients) {
+        try {
+          if (prs.state === 'PASSED') {
+            // Build account creation URL for passwordless users
+            const token = recipient.userId ? inviteTokenMap.get(recipient.userId) : undefined
+            const accountUrl = token ? `/accept-invite?token=${token}` : undefined
+
+            await sendStyledNotificationEmail(
+              recipient.email,
+              recipient.name || '',
+              'ADVANCEMENT_NOTIFICATION',
+              {
+                title: 'Your project has advanced!',
+                message: '',
+                linkUrl: accountUrl || '/applicant',
+                metadata: {
+                  projectName: prs.project.title,
+                  fromRoundName: round.name,
+                  toRoundName: targetRoundName,
+                  customMessage: options.advancementMessage || undefined,
+                  accountUrl,
+                },
+              },
+            )
+          } else {
+            await sendStyledNotificationEmail(
+              recipient.email,
+              recipient.name || '',
+              'REJECTION_NOTIFICATION',
+              {
+                title: `Update on your application: "${prs.project.title}"`,
+                message: '',
+                metadata: {
+                  projectName: prs.project.title,
+                  roundName: round.name,
+                  customMessage: options.rejectionMessage || undefined,
+                },
+              },
+            )
+          }
+          emailsSent++
+        } catch (err) {
+          console.error(`[Finalization] Email failed for ${recipient.email}:`, err)
+          emailsFailed++
+        }
+      }
+    }
+
+    // Create in-app notifications
+    if (advancedUserIds.size > 0) {
+      void createBulkNotifications({
+        userIds: [...advancedUserIds],
+        type: 'project_advanced',
+        title: 'Your project has advanced!',
+        message: `Your project has advanced from "${round.name}" to "${targetRoundName}".`,
+        linkUrl: '/applicant',
+        linkLabel: 'View Dashboard',
+        icon: 'Trophy',
+        priority: 'high',
+      })
+    }
+
+    if (rejectedUserIds.size > 0) {
+      void createBulkNotifications({
+        userIds: [...rejectedUserIds],
+        type: 'project_rejected',
+        title: 'Competition Update',
+        message: `Your project did not advance past "${round.name}".`,
+        linkUrl: '/applicant',
+        linkLabel: 'View Dashboard',
+        icon: 'Info',
+        priority: 'normal',
+      })
+    }
+  } catch (emailError) {
+    console.error('[Finalization] Email batch failed (non-fatal):', emailError)
+  }
+
+  // External audit log
+  await logAudit({
+    userId: actorId,
+    action: 'ROUND_FINALIZED',
+    entityType: 'Round',
+    entityId: roundId,
+    detailsJson: {
+      roundName: round.name,
+      advanced: result.advanced,
+      rejected: result.rejected,
+      emailsSent,
+      emailsFailed,
+    },
+  })
+
+  return {
+    advanced: result.advanced,
+    rejected: result.rejected,
+    emailsSent,
+    emailsFailed,
+  }
+}
diff --git a/src/server/utils/invite.ts b/src/server/utils/invite.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6aa244d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/server/utils/invite.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+import crypto from 'crypto'
+import type { PrismaClient } from '@prisma/client'
+
+const DEFAULT_INVITE_EXPIRY_HOURS = 72 // 3 days
+
+export function generateInviteToken(): string {
+  return crypto.randomBytes(32).toString('hex')
+}
+
+export async function getInviteExpiryHours(prisma: PrismaClient): Promise<number> {
+  try {
+    const setting = await prisma.systemSettings.findUnique({
+      where: { key: 'invite_link_expiry_hours' },
+      select: { value: true },
+    })
+    const hours = setting?.value ? parseInt(setting.value, 10) : DEFAULT_INVITE_EXPIRY_HOURS
+    return isNaN(hours) || hours < 1 ? DEFAULT_INVITE_EXPIRY_HOURS : hours
+  } catch {
+    return DEFAULT_INVITE_EXPIRY_HOURS
+  }
+}
+
+export async function getInviteExpiryMs(prisma: PrismaClient): Promise<number> {
+  return (await getInviteExpiryHours(prisma)) * 60 * 60 * 1000
+}
diff --git a/src/types/competition-configs.ts b/src/types/competition-configs.ts
index 32363b5..e89ccac 100644
--- a/src/types/competition-configs.ts
+++ b/src/types/competition-configs.ts
@@ -14,8 +14,7 @@ const generalSettingsFields = {
   conceptAdvanceCount: z.number().int().nonnegative().optional(),
   advanceMode: z.enum(['count', 'threshold']).default('count'),
   advanceScoreThreshold: z.number().min(0).max(10).optional(),
-  notifyOnEntry: z.boolean().default(false),
-  notifyOnAdvance: z.boolean().default(false),
+  gracePeriodHours: z.number().int().nonnegative().default(0),
 }
 
 // ─── 1. IntakeConfig ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
@@ -193,6 +192,9 @@ export const MentoringConfigSchema = z.object({
 
   promotionTargetWindowId: z.string().optional(),
   autoAssignMentors: z.boolean().default(false),
+
+  mentoringRequestDeadlineDays: z.number().int().positive().default(14),
+  passThroughIfNoRequest: z.boolean().default(true),
 })
 
 export type MentoringConfig = z.infer<typeof MentoringConfigSchema>