Spring 2022
Spring 2022 was the return to in-person events after the pandemic. We introduced several new programs to help students get re-introduced to IBIE and IBIE resources to prepare for The New Venture Challenge. We hosted our first Hackathon called Hackathon: ReImagine, restructured the series of NVC workshops into two intensive bootcamps, and unveiled the IDEA Den!
NVC Resource Fair
2/4/22
Students were introduced to various resources across campus and the community in a tradeshow style event. These are all resources that can help students succeed in the New Venture Challenge and beyond.
IDEA DEN: Grand Opening
IBIE officially cut the ribbon on the new student space in Grawn 166. IDEA stands for Innovate, Design, Engage, and Activate -the steps needed to help student entrepreneurs reach their goals. The room contains two 3D-printers, a Cricut die-cut machine, computers, and movable tables. The IDEA Den is staffed with student Tech Coordinators to help students design prototypes, build websites, and more! The IDEA Den also serves as the center for our Executive and Entrepreneur-in-Residence office hours.
2022 University Innovation Fellows Cohort
The University Innovation Fellows (UIF) is a program run through Stanford University's Hasso Plattner Institute of Design. Students from across campus can apply for the program. Fellows experience an intensive virtual training session, share ideas, have meet-ups, and spend a week in Silicon Valley. These students develop programs, spaces and/or initiatives for their colleges; thereby cultivating and enriching the entrepreneurial culture on campus.
The 2022 UIF Cohort:
Kyleigh Golightly - Marketing & Professional Sales
D'yon Padgett - Entrepreneurship Studies
Josh Wright - Entrepreneurship/Real Estate Development & Investment
Fireside Speaker Series: Dan Ward
2/18/22
Co-founder and President of Detroit Labs Dan Ward spoke to students about his entrepreneurial journey and his process around tech and team building. He also served as our Executive-in-Residence, where he held office hours, spoke in classes, and mentored students.
Bootcamp 1: Value Proposition, Customer Validation, and Financials
2/24/22
In the Spring of 2022, we pivoted from a series of weekly workshops to two intensive bootcamps. These bootcamps brought faculty, outside mentors, and students together.
Fireside Speaker: Reed Shick
We partnered with the College of Science & Engineering to co-host a three part fireside speaker series called "Ethical Dilemmas in Engineering and Entrepreneurship." These events brought STEM and business students together.
Our first special guest, Reed Schick, is a Director of Research and Development at Advanced Battery Concepts, and the Founder & Director of Intellectual Property Matrix.
Hackathon: Reimagine
3/25/22-3/26/22
The Hackathon ReImagine event was a collaborative effort between University Innovation Fellows, the College of Business, the College of Science and Engineering, and the College of Arts and Media.
During the two-day, 24-hour event student teams worked around the clock to develop creative, innovative solutions to problems. The event centered around three themes:
- The CMU student experience
- Mental health and wellness
- Transportation and sustainability
Bootcamp II: Prototypes, Web/App Development, Presentation Resources, Pitch Practice.
4/7/22
This was the final bootcamp of the spring semester. Students worked hard to finish off the final details of their venture submission for the big NVC competition, April 22.
NVC 2022
After two years of virtual events, The New Venture Challenge returned in-person. The main event - the competition finals and awards dinner - was held Friday, April 22. For the first time, we introduced a new vibrant multidisciplinary Gallery Showcase to the event. While NVC looked different than previous years, it was still a high-energy event as we expanded the reach across campus and community to celebrate student innovators & entrepreneurs.
4/22/22
Fall 2022
Fireside Speaker: Bob Larson
9/21/22
CMU alum Bob Larson visited IBIE as a special guest speaker. He is a founding partner and Executive Vice President of Sharp Entertainment, a successful television production company based in midtown Manhattan. Producer of popular shows such as 90 Day Fiancée, Man vs. Food, and Extreme Couponing, Bob has over twenty years of television experience and he is a proud CMU '88 alum.
During his visit, Bob Larson served as the Executive-in-Residence. He mentored students, held office hours, and spoke to classes.
This event was in partnership with the Department of Broadcast & Cinematic Arts.
Get to know IBIE
9/22/22
We started the new school year with a social "Get to Know IBIE" event. Students interested in entrepreneurship stopped by to learn about how IBIE can help support them and their entrepreneurial endeavors.
New Venture Challenge Kick-off & Ideation
10/4/22
Students were welcomed back to the next school year during our NVC Kick-Off and Ideation session. Students worked in groups to come up with venture ideas and pitched on stage.
Bootcamp I: Networking Night & Workshops
10/13/22
Students and faculty had the opportunity to meet informally in the IDEA Den. Students discussed their new ideas for the semester. Students and faculty also got to know the members of the new CMU registered student organization: Innovate @ CMU led by President Robert Rasegan and Vice President Kendal Hoppa.
The 2023 University Innovation Fellows Cohort
The candidates for the 2023 UIF cohort were selected in the Fall of 2022. Their work will begin in the spring of 2023! Congratulations to:
Jacob A. Kapusansky - Business Administration & Marketing
Rebecca Ridenour - Environmental Studies & Leadership, Sustainability & Environmental Policy
Leslee Weible - Apparel Product Development & Merchandising Technology
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MCSC Competition @ MSU
11/11/22
Michigan Collegiate Startup Challenge (MCSC) is a university-level student business model competition for students in the state of Michigan. MCSC fosters entrepreneurship by encouraging university-level students across the state of Michigan to commercialize their ideas and provides them with a forum in which they can develop skills by pitching their ideas and building entrepreneurial ventures.
Three CMU students made it to the semi-finals and competed for cash prizes at MSU.
Fireside Speaker: Women's Forum (GEW)
11/14/22
In celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week (11/14-11/18) students had the opportunity to listen and learn from successful and experienced entrepreneurs as they shared personal insight into running a business. Students got the chance to learn about real-life issues and solutions in the entrepreneurial field, ask questions, and gain input and advice on their own ideas.
3D Scavenger Hunt
11/15/22
Students ran around Grawn to find 3D printed parts for a chance to win a 3D printed trophy! IBIE Tech Coordinators Martin Bennett and Michael Cesena led the scavenger hunt and showed students the capabilities of the IDEA Den's 3D printers.
Bootcamp: Networking Night
11/17/22
Students and mentors met and discussed their ideas during the NVC Networking Night at the Marriott Courtyard Hotel. We have a great group of past and first-time mentors who are excited to help students excel in entrepreneurship.
Bootcamp II: Pitch Preparation
11/18/22
Our last fall bootcamp of the semester covered pitch practice, public speaking tips, and more! Students prepared for their pitches and worked in groups with mentors on their New Venture Challenge ideas.
Make-A-Pitch
12/6/22
The year 2022 ended with a 2-minute elevator pitch competition in Grawn Hall. Over 35 teams competed for cash awards. For most students, this was their first time pitching their idea in front of judges and an audience! The valuable feedback they received from judges will help them continue on to The New Venture Challenge in April 2023.
Make-A-Pitch 2022 Winners
Notable Moments
We welcomed two new ENT faculty members
Dr. Lauren Zettel and Professor John Gustincic joined the ENT department in Fall 2022. Both have been amazing additions to the team!
Dr. Lauren Zettel completed her Ph.D in Entrepreneurship from the University of Louisville where she taught entrepreneurship and creativity courses. Lauren holds a BAA from Central Michigan University and an MBA from the University of Michigan - Flint. In addition to her academic experience, Lauren also worked in the non-profit healthcare sector as a manager and business analyst.
Professor Gustincic comes to CMU with 10-years of experience working with student entrepreneurs, and a total of 20 years in the area of business law. Professor Gustincic most recently served as the director of the Alden B. Dow Center for Creativity and Enterprise, where he helped students successfully launch a student-driven innovation center.
The IBIE team took a trip to Cultured Kombucha Co.
Owner and NVC alum Courtney Lorenz gave us a tour of her facility and discussed her experiences as an entrepreneur.
Jennifer Rundels: Ambassador Award Recipient
CMU Business Librarian Jennifer Rundels was awarded the Ambassador Award at our Fall NVC Kick-Off. Not only is she a great librarian who helps students explore their entrepreneurial goals, she has been an amazing supporter and advocate of IBIE's mission. Thank you Jennifer!
Thank you!
Your support means a lot to us.
Special thanks to our on and off-campus partners, supporters, volunteers, mentors, and judges for making 2022 a special year.
We couldn't do this without you. Each volunteer, partner & sponsor has a direct impact on our student entrepreneurs' experience and success.
With gratitude, your IBIE team.