Every fall semester, the Turner School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation hosts a school-wide competition allowing students to create an invention or business idea. The concept must solve a social or environmental issue in the community.
The Social Impact Challenge requires students to create a five-page document explaining their idea by stating their call to action and overall purpose.
“Our goal with the students is the learning experience. It is [students] learning their skills about how to present, structure and develop an idea through real-life experience,” Marcos Hashimoto, managing director of Social Impact, said.
Hashimoto hosted the first informational meeting for Social Impact and Brave Pitch on Monday to provide information about the two events.
Brave Pitch requires a video submission pitching an idea for the challenge. The video must be between one and three minutes long and the first-place winner will receive a $150 cash prize.
“All you need to do is record a one-minute video and that’s all, no further steps or other stages,” Hashimoto said. “[Students] will get feedback that may incentivize them to go further and compete in the Social Impact Challenge later. Brave Pitch is a stepping stone for you before the Social Impact Challenge.”
The Turner School of Entrepreneurship partnered with the Presentation Assistance Center (PAC) and Communication Department to help students practice presenting their ideas before going in front of the judges.
“It is a natural partnership to have those trained in giving feedback on presentations and pitches be a part of this competition,” Dakota Horn, associate dean for Academic Programs and communication course director, said. “The PAC will offer appointments and walk-in consultations for anyone preparing their presentations.”
The second ideation session will be hosted on Oct. 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. in BECC 1150. Additional coaching and assistance are offered by appointment from Hashimoto. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 27 at 11:59 p.m.
The top submissions will advance to the finals to present their idea to judges on Nov. 13 at the Garrett Center. First-place winners will receive a $5,000 cash prize.
Further information on the Social Impact Challenge, including submission guidelines and where to submit, can be found here.
