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Social Innovation Challenge

The Innovation Hub’s Social Innovation Challenge is an ideation competition where students or student groups compete to solve real-world problems. The goal of this program is to foster real-life, innovative solutions to specific challenges facing our communities. During the challenge, students or student groups will work as a team to develop an innovative approach, product, service, or program and present their ideas to be judged by a panel of innovative and entrepreneurial experts. The submission is an executive summary document that outlines the problem, solution, and implementation procedures you or your team are addressing (see competition guidelines for submission structure). The Innovation Hub’s Social Innovation Challenge will award a winning student group and runners up with cash prizes. 

What's the purpose?

Compete to solve real-world problems & develop an innovative approach, product, service, or program to present

Who can participate?

Any CSUSM student from any field may participate, individually or in groups

Win Prizes!

Winners of the challenge will receive a cash prize. 1st place - $1000, 2nd and 3rd place - $500 each.

 

Spring 2024 Submissions are Open!

Challenge:  Reimagining Higher Education

The Spring 2024 Social Innovation Challenge invites students or student groups to propose innovative solutions in the arena of reimagining higher eduction. A student perspective is imperative in the pursuit of ideas that are sustainable, innovative, grounded, and relevant in a rapidly changing world.

We are seeking practical applications, new regulations, changes to culture and societal attitudes, or changes to resources and technology that are solution oriented. Some areas of focus relating to reimagining higher education may include:

        • Awareness, Access & Advocacy
        • Equity & Diverse Identities
        • Public Policy & Perception
        • Reducing & Mitigating Risk Factors
        • Social Innovation & Structural Reform
        • Technological Resources

Feb 27, 12pm-1pm   Kickoff event in the Innovation Hub (ELB 102) featuring Dr. Ashley Finley that will inspire and spark                                                          creativity for your submission. Check out Dr. Ashley Finley's Slides!

Apr 3, 11:59pm:     Submissions Due!

Apr 10, 11:59pm:     Finalists will be announced.  All finalists will prepare a 3-minute presentation for the final judging.

Apr 18, 4pm-5:30pm:  Social Innovation Challenge Presentations in the Innovation Hub (ELB 102).  Finalists will feature                                                             their presentations and answer questions from the judges and other attendees fo the event.                                                                     Winners will be announced at the end of the event.

Learn More and Submit Your Proposal!

 

Meet the Fall 2023 Winners

Challenge:  Accessibility

poorvi

1st Place: Poorvi Datta

erin

2nd Place: Erin Hila

liam

2nd Place: Liam Martinez Torres

Poorvi Datta won first place in last Innovation Challenge (Fall 2023) for their innovative approach around accessibility.  They will be graduating in May with a Master's degree in Biology.  Poorvi's research and focus are on how to realistically get STEM classrooms to universally provide (edited) captioned recorded lectures.  

Erin Hila and Liam Martinez Torres made up the 2nd place team.  Erin is on track to graduate in May 2025 with a degree in Criminology and Justice studies.  She is a passionate activist, and member of, the disabled community.  Erin strives to better educate others on matters of equality and improve the lives of those affected by disabilities when she can.  Her partner on this project, Liam, will graduate in May 2025 with a degree in Electrical Engineering.  He enjoys applying his technical skills to real-world issues and using technology to empower and make a lasting, meaningful impact on the lives of others.

Learn more about our past challenge winners here.

Visit Spring 2024 to learn more about the upcoming challenge.
Please review the Competition Guide.