STEM

Design, Prototype, Pitch—Introducing the Invention Accelerator

Monday, October 24, 2016, By Matt Wheeler

Next summer, a newly launched Invention Accelerator will train undergraduate students to “design, prototype and pitch” as they develop tangible products. A collaboration between the , the and ’s School of Design, this immersive, six-week program will be held on the 鶹ƵUniversity campus and at the SU Fisher Center in New York City.

Students work on their invention.

Students work on their invention.

Students can learn more about this exciting opportunity at two general information sessions on Monday, Oct. 31. Pizza will be served.

The Accelerator follows a proven method of developing students’ abilities to innovate and communicate. Students will learn about design, ideation and intellectual property, then conceive an original invention, prototype the invention and refine it in response to weekly feedback from diverse audiences of guest evaluators.

Forty undergraduate students will be accepted into the program—20 for a cohort at the Fisher Center and 20 for a cohort at SU. In addition to a chance to win cash prizes of up to $5,000, students will receive:

  • a $1,000 stipend;
  • a $1,000 budget per team for project materials;
  • guidance from expert consultants and evaluators;
  • access to laser cutters, 3D printers, a machine shop and professional machinists;
  • assistance with a provisional patent application; and
  • daily lunch, coffee and snacks.

The Accelerator will take place May 15-June 23, 2017, at 鶹ƵUniversity and May 22-June 30, 2017, at the Fisher Center.