THE PENDULUM

by Jake Martin, November 3, 2009

The 2009 Elon Innovation Challenge, held in conjunction with Stanford's Global Innovation Tournament, is set to begin Wednesday when the mystery problem will be revealed. The fast-paced competition challenges student teams to solve a common world problem in eight days, creating as much value as possible.

Teams must convey their results in a short video posted on YouTube. In the past, the assignments involved using everyday objects. This year, it will be a global problem. Solutions to the mystery problem will be due Nov. 13, after it is revealed at about 8:45 p.m. Nov. 4.

"The point of the challenge is to introduce students to thinking creatively and to foster a culture of entrepreneurship," said Gary Palin, director of the Doherty Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership.

Awards will be given to registered charities of the top three teams', starting with $400 for first place, $200 for second and $100 for third.

Experiential prizes will be awarded as well, which are networking opportunities, including a visit to a venture capitalist firm, a law firm specializing in entrepreneurial ventures, or a Triangle Indus Entrepreneurs event.

"Instead of an object like last year, the focus for this year's challenge will be on a global problem," Palin said. "One difference this year will be that students have eight days to complete their project, rather than just four."

Last year's finalists included Alpha Omicron Pi's "Ticket to Freedom" entry, which focused on how some people can take advantage of little things many people in this country may not see as useful, such as water bottles. The mini-documentary explains how the ticket to hydration is someone else's ticket to freedom, using the bottles to build a raft.

"We had a blast competing in the competition with everyone," said senior Angela Sparrow, part of the Alpha Omicron Pi team last year. "We were given a water bottle and told to develop a video that gave the object value and social meaning. We were thrilled when our video won and were excited to be able to get out our message."

Last year's challenge encouraged teams to "add value" to an everyday object that was unveiled in a Nov. 12 kickoff event. Four teams from North Carolina ultimately completed entries. Three teams represented Elon. The fourth team was from Brevard College.

"Our win made us able to donate $500 to the Arthritis Foundation, for international philanthropy," Sparrow said. "We're excited to participate again this year and can't wait to get started."
Teams can have up to 15 members, and videos will be evaluated based on creativity and content, not video production quality. All videos will be available to the general public, and winners will be announced at the Elon Innovation Showcase at 4 p.m. Nov. 18 in Koury Business Center. Global winners will be announced online Dec. 3.