Innovation Challenge
Do you have an idea for a product, service, or application that could become a hot new business? The Innovation Challenge might be your ticket to help turn that idea into a reality.
Innovation Challenge is an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students from across the university to use innovation and entrepreneurship to make a difference in local and global communities.
The winning team receives support for their business, including $10,000 in seed funding, and space, marketing, legal and accounting services totaling up to $40,000.
2015-16 WINNERS
The Boxing Movement, First Place
Anthony Gonzalez, Gina Gionta, and Eric Lara will receive $50,000 in cash and business-support services to launch their mobile boxing gym, which will travel to assisted living and recreational centers to teach seniors about the benefits of boxing. Read more
IMPETUUM, Second Place
Team members Matt Scholten, Andrew Siwabessy, George Syage, Lan Chi Truong, and Geoffrey Parker will receive $5,000 in cash to help them launch their virtual-reality exoskeleton, which promises to deliver a fully immersive experience. Read more
1010 Innovation Labs, Finalist
A plan by Calvin Leung, Rudy Delgado, Oscar Dossland, Alec Selfridge, and Dylan Smith to manufacture solar-powered cellphone chargers earned 1010 Innovations Labs one of four finalist slots.
Earth + Modern, Finalist
Jayme Fletcher, Jake Crawley, and Chris Terrano were named one of four finalist teams for their idea to launch a retail store to sell sustainable products marketed through social media.
2016-2017 SCHEDULE
Thursday, Sept. 15, 12-1 p.m., ECS-312: Information Session
Thursday, Sept. 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Downtown Long Beach: Molina Entreprenuer Series
Monday, Oct. 10, 6-8 p.m., ECS-312: Business Plan Workshop
October and November: Matchmaking and Informational Meetings
Tuesdays at 7 p.m.: Business Plan Coaching
Dec. 2: Letters of Intent Due
February 2017: Business Plans Due
March 2017: First-round Judging
March 2017: Feedback to Participants
April 2017: Award Ceremony
Join the discussion group
Interested in connecting with a team or finding an application developer, marketing whiz, or product design expert to round out your team? Join the Innovation Challenge discussion group to connect with other participants. And like the Innovation Challenge Facebook page to receive the latest updates.