Innovation requires more than strong technical skills and knowledge. It requires a mindset, confidence, and courage to generate new ideas, collaborate, and recognize views from all team members. Innovate-A-thon (IAT) provides a unique opportunity for university students to develop these characteristics and solve real world problems, while receiving a scholarship and growing their professional networks and career opportunities.
About Innovate-A-thon
In IAT, students apply to and participate in a three-week, innovation sprint, targeting a specific problem of society, environment, or economy. This is a virtual experience utilizing a robust collaboration platform (REMO), enabling students from any region or university to participate.
Each three-week sprint includes 9-15 students, working in 3-5 teams, to ideate, create, and demonstrate technical and economic viability of a solution. Examples of topics include advanced recycling and sustainability, regenerative agriculture, and above the knee prosthetics for developing regions. Topics are selected based on a nationwide nomination and vote process—ensuring stakeholder interest. Students retain ownership of any IP generated.
IAT is a 501c3 nonprofit, and universities and students incur NO expense. Students from a wide range of universities, fields of study, and interest are able to participate. All funding, including modest student scholarships, are provided by sponsors and philanthropists. In the case of sponsors, funds directly cover costs of the IAT sprint. Each sprint costs $15,000
The Need for Organizational Support
Following a year of incredible growth (from 5 universities to 830!), Innovate-A-thon is seeking foundational support from philanthropists who are passionate about innovation and the future of students.
Join our founding philanthropist, Paul Efron, in ensuring that this impactful student and industry opportunity continues to thrive.
Our dedicated team consists of just six individuals, with two team members working without compensation. Together, our team, including our founders, brings over 100 years of combined experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, engineering, and impact leadership.
How You Can Help
We invite you to consider supporting Innovate-A-thon through:
A one-time gift
An annual pledge
Regular monthly or quarterly support
Sponsoring a sprint
Sponsorships range from $600 to $15,000. Whether you’re a philanthropist or a sponsor, we’d be thrilled to have you join our growing IAT network and contribute to the future of innovation.
Learn More
We’d love to provide you with more information as you consider supporting our program. Feel free to schedule a call with us to learn more and ask any questions. You’re also welcome to attend one of our upcoming IAT Open Innovation Webinars, where you can explore how our sprints work and the impact they have. Webinars are scheduled for:
February 25
March 27
April 29
Register for the webinars here. If you’re unable to attend a live session, a recorded version will be available for you.
To stay updated on our latest news and developments, check out our blog releases at https://www.iat1.org/blog. We look forward to connecting with you and hope you’ll consider being a part of the IAT community.
Key Contacts:
Program Inquiries: Steven@ed2s.org
Partnerships, Sponsorships, and Financial Support: Sherry@ed2s.org
Student Applicants: Steven@ed2s.org (or check your university’s Handshake platform)
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