2023 Cohort
12
edits
Changes
Another way for students to display their new talents is at the first inaugural CMU Hackathon, which was a collaboration between colleges over a 24 hour period. The event started with icebreakers and team building to help to create teams to tackle multiple different challenges. Throughout the time allotted for problem solving, students are able to remain within the building whether it be for working, eating, sleeping on provided cots, and brainstorming within their teams. Judges are brought in to judge the final exhibition to award students for their work and innovative ideas for these projects.
The New Venture Challenge is another way for entrepreneurship students to get some funding for their start-ups. Any student with an idea of a business can participate, regardless of their major. The event usually takes place in April of each year. Students who wish to participate have to submit a form to qualify. Then, if their venture meets the requirements, they do a 7-minute presentation virtually in front of a panel of judges. There are three categories their ventures can participate in High Growth, Main Street, and Social Mission. Only three teams are selected from each category, and those teams will do an in-person presentation of 7 minutes on the day of the competition. If a team is not selected as a finalist, they can still win money by doing a 2-minute elevator pitch on the day of the competition. On that day, there are several panels of judges that evaluate each category of the competition. Students can network with alumni and investors, and meet new entrepreneur students. After the presentations, there is a gallery in which students have a table and have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with judges and investors and get monetary compensation because there is another category for gallery awards. Overall, this competition is a great way for students to connect with investors and get funding to launch their start-ups.
In April 2023, a group of students organized CMU's inaugural TEDx conference (TEDxCentral Michigan University). The program was established to give a platform to student leaders so that they may amplify their ideas for a better world. The conference featured 8 student and faculty speakers who each gave their take on the theme "The Essence of a Changing World." Each of these Ted Talks are now featured on the TEDx Talks YouTube channel.