The NDSU Innovation Challenge’s “Project Showcase” is scheduled for Wednesday, March 21, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the NDSU Memorial Union Great Plains Ballroom. During the event, competition semi-finalists will present their innovative idea for potential businesses.
Sponsors, faculty, business leaders and students are invited to see the innovative projects firsthand. Teams will use prototypes, mock-ups, videos, screen shots, working demos and posters to explain their projects and receive feedback from judges.
“We are proud of the innovations these students have developed, and we hope to see them continue to pursue their passion for entrepreneurship and new ideas,” said Chuck Hoge, NDSU Research and Technology Park executive director. “After the semi-final judging in the afternoon, the showcase is an outstanding time for the public to interact with students and learn more about their outstanding ideas. Students love to share their ideas, and the public gets an opportunity to meet students with a passion for change.”
Emily Schubert, NDSU Research and Technology Park communication and program coordinator, said, “The semi-final round of Innovation Challenge is one of our largest events, with a lot of energy. The community is invited to see the incredible things NDSU students are coming up with. We also give away prizes, including the $1,000 Dr. Wells People’s Choice Award. Anyone who attends can cast a vote for their favorite idea from the competition.”
Student teams are competing in three categories:
• Products – creating and selling a physical item
• Services – finding ways to help someone else do something better
• Social Impact – changing public view or developing a non-profit organization
“The showcase also serves as a great networking opportunity,” explained Schubert. “In the past, several competitors received invitations to interview with companies that were impressed with their concepts, work ethic and abilities they demonstrated at this event.”
Final presentations are scheduled for Thursday, April 5, and the competition culminates at an awards ceremony Tuesday, April 17, when the winners are announced and will receive cash prizes.
The Innovation Challenge program is sponsored by the NDSU Research and Technology Park and the Office of the Provost.
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