Trine Challenge invites entries
By KPC News
Angola -
Entries are being accepted for the fourth annual Innovation Challenge, with cash prizes available for the best ideas and concepts for business and technology.
Sponsored by Trine University’s Innovation One and Fifth Third Bank (Central and Northeast Indiana), the contest is open to Trine University students, high school students and community members throughout the greater tri-state area.
For the technology category, participants are encouraged to submit concepts for technological inventions or advances. Participants who enter in the business category should focus on a new business idea or service. Cash prizes will be awarded for first through third place in both categories: $2,500 for first place, $1,000 for second and $500 for third. Prizes will also be given for best high school idea, best community idea and best university idea. The cash prizes are unrestricted, so winners are allowed to spend the money however they want.
Prize-winners in the third annual contest included: a set of glasses that use ultrasonic sensors to detect nearby objects for those with vision impairments; sports recording software created for colleges and high schools; a business to design and sell commercial office furniture and accessories; a walker that, with a few simple adjustments by the user, can be transformed into a scooter with a lightweight DC motor; and a device that, when attached to the eyepiece of a telescope, allows the user to look directly at the sun.
Fifth Third Bank began supporting the five-year challenge in 2013 with a $100,000 gift for awards and scholarships.
There are no entry fees or age restrictions for the Innovation Challenge. The deadline for applying and submitting a project for consideration is March 6, 2017. The top 10 ideas will be showcased by the creators at the Innovation Expo in the Fabiani Theatre, located in the Rick L. and Vicki L. James University Center on Trine’s campus, in April. The top three winners in each category will be announced and awarded that evening.
To obtain an application or for more information, visit innovation1.org, call 665.4983 or email bacornell13@my.trine.edu.
