Innovation knows no geographic limits. Go to the far northeast corner of Indiana and one finds it on full display at Trine University.

Some past highlights from the Chamber about the activities at Trine include:

  • A 2018 podcast (Episode 16) with longtime Trine President Earl Brooks
  • A 2017 BizVoice® magazine brief on the Hall of Innovation at the Angola university, featuring the patented work of graduates
  • A 2014 BizVoice® story on unique campus offerings from throughout the state, including the Innovation One program at Trine

The university has also in recent years presented, in partnership with Fifth Third Bank, an Innovation Challenge that will be expanding to the high school and middle school levels in 2020.

Registration is open for the Innovation Challenge through mid-January, with presentations and awards taking place on the Trine University campus Feb. 19 and 21.

The challenge offers cash prizes for the top new ideas or improved concepts for business or technology. There is no entry fee.

“Opening the competition to middle and high school students gives future entrepreneurs the opportunity to begin developing the skills and tools they need to be successful,” says Jason Blume, executive director of Trine Innovation One. “It also helps them to get over the fear of failure and the fears associated with developing and presenting a unique project. We help them grasp that it’s good to dream and attempt to develop an idea even if you don’t succeed, something that is harder to learn as an adult.”

Besides the opportunity to win a cash prize and advance an idea or concept, the contest offers the opportunity to meet potential mentors, other innovators and inventors.

Competition categories, available in each of the middle school, high school and college/community divisions, include Best Business Idea as well as the Best Innovation/Invention.

Entries in the business category should focus on a new business idea or service. For the innovation/invention category, participants are encouraged to think about technological inventions or advances.

The Challenge will debut a new format for project presentations this year. During the presentations, contestants will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges. The judges and the audience will score the presentations, with the top scores receiving prizes.

For more information, email Angela Campbell at campbella@trine.edu or visit innovation1.org and click on the i1 Challenge link in the navigation menu.
Adam H. Berry is vice president of economic development and technology at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. He joined the organization in 2019.