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Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators! Join the Innovate-A-thon Movement!


Innovate-A-thon (IAT) is already working towards one of its 2025 goals: getting more alumni involved! What if YOU could help shape the next generation of innovators, guiding students as they solve critical issues? IAT is your chance to do that! At Innovate-A-thon, our mission is to bring together university students from diverse majors with industry professionals, practitioners, and philanthropists to tackle critical challenges in a collaborative, hands-on environment.


What is Innovate-A-thon (IAT)?

Innovate-A-thon is a 3 week sprint internship program where students collaborate to create innovative solutions for real-world problems. These problems span critical areas like sustainability, the environment, the economy, and social issues.


IAT ensures that students from different universities can work together by using Remo, a cutting-edge platform that emulates in-person work groups and tables, allowing full group engagement. Remo also facilitates team-specific interactions, idea-sharing, and gives mentors the ability to move between groups to offer their insights and guidance.

Why Innovate-A-thon Matters


Real-World Innovation Experience


Innovate-A-thon provides invaluable experience, uniquely preparing students for careers in innovation by fostering creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. During the 3-week sprint, students explore, ideate, create, and demonstrate solutions to pressing societal, environmental, or economic challenges.


Additionally, students are given the opportunity to connect with industry mentors, subject matter experts, and potential sponsors—expanding their networks and gaining first hand exposure to professionals in the field.


Mentor Impact


While students bring creativity, energy, and passion to the table, it’s the mentors who help fuel the innovation engine. Their real-world insights and guidance help students navigate obstacles and turn their ideas into technically and economically viable solutions that can make a lasting impact.


Mentors also benefit by gaining a first-hand view of talented students, offering them a unique opportunity to discover fresh, innovative talent and collaborate with the next generation of innovators.


How Can Alumni Participate?

There are multiple ways for alumni to get involved and support Innovate-A-thon. Here are some ways you can make a difference.


  1. Sponsor a Student

    • Contribute a $600 scholarship per student to support their participation in Innovate-A-thon.

  2. Mentor

    • Serve as an Innovate-A-thon mentor. It’s a 12-hour commitment over a 3-week period, during which you’ll guide students and help them shape their projects.

  3. Subject Matter Expert (SME)

    • Share your expertise and experiences with student innovators, offering guidance as they work through their innovation challenges.

  4. Make Introductions

    • Help connect Innovate-A-thon participants with your companies, colleagues, and professional networks. This connection provides a huge advantage by offering real-world innovation experience.

  5. Sponsor an Innovate-A-thon

    • As a nonprofit, all funds go directly to Innovate-A-thon sprints. Sponsorship opportunities range from $2,000 to $15,000 and directly fund scholarships and project development.

  6. Bring a Topic

    • Exclusive sponsors can designate a specific topic that aligns with their industry interests or values. Other sponsors are welcome to contribute to the selection process by suggesting ideas for national topic votes.

  7. Recruit Students

    • Your alumni voice is powerful! Help encourage students to participate in Innovate-A-thon and help them see the immense value of innovation experience for their career development.

  8. Open New Career Opportunities

    • Consider how your organization could benefit from a candidate with direct innovation experience. Sponsors, SMEs, and mentors gain first-hand insight into innovation talent throughout the Innovate-A-thon process.

  9. Spread the Word!

    • Connect with your fellow alumni and members of your network. Share information about Innovate-A-thon and encourage others to participate and support.


Learn more about Innovate-A-thon and how to support


Program information:  Steven@ed2s.org

Sponsorship information: Sherry@ed2s.org

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