Competition rewards IUPUI students' innovative solutions to pressing social, economic ills

Ideas Solving Social and Economic Challenges

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research will host the second annual “pitch” competition that rewards IUPUI students for innovative solutions to what ails society.

The 2013 Ideas Solving Social and Economic Challenges competition takes place from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, in the IUPUI Campus Center Theater, 420 University Blvd.

The competition challenges IUPUI students -- individuals or teams -- to propose original, even groundbreaking solutions to pressing social and economic issues facing Indiana, the nation and the world, presenting cash awards for the most innovative ideas. Competition judges will award prizes of $2,500, $1,000 and $500, respectively, for the first-, second- and third-place winners.

The emphasis of the competition is on providing answers to real-world problems through new approaches, products, services or ventures. Contestants have three minutes to pitch their proposals to judges without the use of slides or other props.

The time constraint of the competition’s “elevator pitch” format challenges the competitors to present their ideas in a concise and persuasive manner. This provides participants with invaluable experience in a fundamental skill for professional success: presenting a pitch in a short but effective format to a potential investor, partner or supporter at a moment’s notice.

The event is open to the public with registration online. Audience members will also have a chance to cast a ballot for their favorite idea or team in an “Audience Choice” category. The “audience choice” winner will receive $1,000.

For more information, contact Karen White at kfwhite@iupui.edu or 317-274-1083.