Over the first few weeks of October, students from Boise State University and University of Colorado Boulder participated in blended, hybrid (virtual and in person) teams to create above the knee prosthetic solutions for resource constrained users and providers in developing regions.
On October 18, three teams of students presented their final design and deploy concepts. How good were they? It was nearly a three-way tie for the top scores! Six judges and guest observers were in complete agreement that the mission of Innovate-A-thon (IAT) was fulfilled.
That mission includes:
Facilitating collaboration and build collaboration mindset amongst learners, industry, philanthropy, and civic leadership to create viable solutions to problems of society, environment, and economy
Advance an innovation workforce through hands on innovation experience
Connecting exemplary students with potential employers
In the October IAT two-week sprint, each team evaluated current solutions, assessing their pros and cons based on resource limitations and routine usability. They explored alternative tech approaches, designed their own solution with conceptual validation, outlined prototyping costs, and proposed a business model with projected resource needs for testing and deployment through partner organizations.
One judge stated: “Innovate-A-thon is a unique and powerful innovation, in and of itself, that hits so many critical points for the kinds of things that will make this world better. Not just one project at a time—but also by providing examples and immersion about how we can solve problems together. IAT opportunity should exist for all students and seekers of solutions”.
Innovate-A-thon was established through the University of Arizona in 2020 and has since become a stand alone nonprofit organization that works with students from any US university, members of industry, generous philanthropists, and civic leaders, regardless of location. To accomplish this, IAT has leveraged technology platforms including Handshake—enabling students to apply directly to participate, and Remo—enabling virtual group engagement that far surpasses what general video calls can provide (see our recent article).
Innovate-A-thon, and its parent organization, Education2Success, are nonprofit organizations committed to the advance of innovation and preparing innovative and action oriented minds. Please visit us at www.IAT1.org, and www.Ed2S.org).
All work is made possible through grants, donations, and philanthropy. Every participating student receives a modest scholarship. 100% of donations go directly to student scholarships and project specific materials.
VOTE FOR INNOVATION!
You can vote for the next set of Innovate-A-thons! Learn more and vote here
If you’re excited about Innovate-A-thon and would like to learn more:
Students interested in participating in an Innovate-A-thon: steven@Ed2S.org.
Sponsors/Donors looking to financially support an Innovate-A-thon: sherry@Ed2S.org.
University programs/faculty wanting to learn more about Innovate-A-thons for students: sherry@Ed2S.org.
Companies/Organizations interested in supporting a specific IAT theme: steven@Ed2S.org.
For more information about Innovate-A-thons, click here or visit www.IAT1.org.
Media inquiries: Sherry Hoskinson at sherry@Ed2S.org.
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