The University of Rhode Island’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge for the fall of 2024 has chosen democracy as its theme. This exciting opportunity invites students from all majors to come together and brainstorm creative ideas that address various societal issues through democratic innovation and entrepreneurship. The challenge is open to both undergraduate and graduate students, emphasizing the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in tackling complex problems.
The theme of democracy was chosen to align with the Honors Program’s fall Colloquium, ‘Democracy in Peril.’ This decision reflects the university’s commitment to exploring and addressing pressing issues facing our society today. By focusing on democratic innovation, students have the opportunity to think critically about how they can contribute to positive change in areas such as social justice, environmental sustainability, and economic development.
The challenge is sponsored by URI’s RISE-UP initiative, which aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship within the university community. Through training, mentorship, and financial support, RISE-UP empowers early entrepreneurs to develop their ideas and contribute to building a more diversified, sustainable, and resilient economy in Rhode Island. This initiative provides students with the resources and support they need to turn their innovative ideas into reality.
To participate in the challenge, students must attend two Honors Colloquium talks by a specified date and indicate their interest by completing a quick form. Once enrolled in the Brightspace project site, participants will have access to valuable information and resources to help them develop their ideas. Teams will submit their proposals at the end of the fall semester for initial judging, with the chance to win up to $2,000 in implementation funds.
First-round finalists will have the opportunity to participate in RISE-UP workshops during the following semester to further refine their ideas and prepare their pitches. The culminating event during URI’s Innovation Week in the spring will see finalists presenting their pitches to a panel of judges, competing for a grand prize of $5,000 in implementation funds. This process not only encourages students to think creatively but also provides them with real-world experience in pitching their ideas and seeking funding for their projects.
For those interested in learning more about the challenge or incorporating it into their class activities, RISE-UP intern Sharday Johnson is available to provide information and support. Johnson, a finalist in last year’s sustainability-themed challenge, brings valuable experience and insight to this year’s challenge. Faculty members can also reach out to Johnson to schedule in-class visits with the RISE-UP team, further integrating the challenge into their curriculum and providing students with hands-on learning opportunities.
Overall, the University of Rhode Island’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Challenge offers students a unique platform to explore democratic innovation, develop their entrepreneurial skills, and make a positive impact on their community. By fostering creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, this challenge empowers students to become changemakers and leaders in addressing the complex challenges of our time.
