Overview

Unleashing Student Innovation for a Sustainable Future.

Whitman’s Vision: Empower students to tackle global challenges with innovative solutions.

Student Challenge: Students will identify an opportunity within one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals and propose a game-changing solution.

Eligibility:

• Participants must be currently enrolled students at Syracuse University. Students from other schools are not eligible to participate.
• Teams must consist of 3-5 members, at least two members must be Whitman students (Students who are Whitman minors will count as your second member as long as one member has a major in Whitman).
• Originality Requirement: All projects must be original ideas that haven’t been previously developed into clubs, businesses, or funded projects. Violation of the originality requirement or false representation will result in disqualification. Specifically: The project must not have been previously submitted to the Whitman Dean’s Innovation Challenge, unless it has been significantly modified to address new themes or innovations that were not part of the original submission. The project must not be the current or ongoing work of an existing business, club, or organization at the time of registration*. Please see below for further explanation.  
  
  *Existing Businesses, Clubs, and Organizations: Existing businesses, clubs, and organizations may participate if their project substantially innovates or evolves their business model, product, or service offering. In order to be eligible, an existing business, club, or organization must:  
  
  Adapt or significantly modify their existing work and specifically address the themes of this competition.  
  
  Introduce new ideas, solutions, or innovations not presented in other events or competitions at the time of registration.  
  
  The project must not have received outside funding, investments, or awards at the time of registration.  
  
  No revenue shall have been generated from the project at the time of registration.

Additional submission requirement: Teams with existing businesses, clubs, and organizations must provide a concise written explanation demonstrating how the project complements or changes the existing business model, products, or services of the business, club, or organization.

The Journey:

• Stage 1 -  Your Solution: Inspiration & IdeationSelect a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal and identify an innovative opportunity to address it

• Stage 1 -  Your Solution: Inspiration & Ideation
  Develop a compelling solution through expert-led workshops, masterclasses, and guidance from industry professionals.

• Stage 3 -  Finalizing Your Vision: Refine and Submit
  Create a prototype and present your idea in a detailed report and a 45-second video pitch. 

• Final Event -  Dean’s Challenge Showcase
  Showcase your work at the Dean’s Showcase, win prizes, and connect with alumni mentors and industry leaders. Finalists will pitch their ideas live to a panel of judges. 

Participation:This is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact, gain valuable experience, and compete for prestigious prizes.

• Strengthen essential skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and interdisciplinary collaboration. 
• Address global challenges with innovative solutions that have real-world potential.
• Compete for $25,000 in prizes.
• Earn recognition, with winners featured in Whitman Magazine and connected to influential alumni.

Registration is NOW OPEN!

 CLICK HERE