Changes

<div style="float: right; clear: right;"><span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">[[File:UMass-Lowell-logo.png]]</span></div><span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">The&nbsp;University of Massachusetts Lowell&nbsp;(also known as&nbsp;UMass Lowell&nbsp;or&nbsp;UML) is a&nbsp;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_university public]&nbsp;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_research_universities_in_the_United_States doctoral/research]&nbsp;university in&nbsp;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lowell,_Massachusetts Lowell],&nbsp;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massachusetts Massachusetts],&nbsp;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States United States],and part of the&nbsp;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Massachusetts University of Massachusetts]&nbsp;system. With more than 1,100 faculty members and more than 16,000 students, it is the largest university in the&nbsp;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merrimack_Valley Merrimack Valley]&nbsp;and the second-largest public institution in the state behind UMass Amherst. The university offers more than 120 degree choices, internships, bachelor’s to master’s programs and doctoral studies in the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; College of Health Sciences; College of Sciences; the Francis College of Engineering; the Graduate School of Education; and the Manning School of Business.</span>

= <span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''Overview - A Campus on the On The Move'''</span> =

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">UMass Lowell has been evolving in every aspect; upgraded classrooms, libraries and labs; new and renovated student living and activity spaces; and enhanced parking facilities are a few on the list of what has been updated and changed over the past decade of campus improvement.</span>

*<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">University Crossing: Officially completed and operating, this new building hosts student services and activities, bookstore, dining, University police, transportation services, and senior administration offices.</span>*<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Pulichino Tong Building: The University’s current construction project, the Tong Building will replace the now-relocated Honor’s Eames Dorm building on UMass Lowell’s North Campus and will house the entirety of the Robert J. Manning School of Business.</span>*<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">University Suites: This brand new dorm on UMass Lowell’s East campus provides housing for 472 students in four- and six-bed suites. There is a ground-floor common area with a café - Hawk's Nest - featuring fresh bakery, grab & go items and a late night Asian menu, in addition to delicious Red Mango frozen yogurt & smoothies and "We proudly serve" Starbucks Coffee. A multi-purpose room is open to the UMass Lowell community. Each residential floor has two common kitchen/lounge areas, two quiet study rooms and a group study room.</span>*<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Riverview Suites: The other half of the two-dorm addition to UMass Lowell in 2013, Riverview Suites has either two or three bedroom suites complete with a live-in kitchen, classroom and meeting rooms inside the building, and a gym inside the facility. The University leases the property from Soho Development, who also built the $42 million facility.</span>*<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">New Garages: In the past three years, UMass Lowell has added two large parking garages to each of its largest parking lots, greatly increasing the parking capacity for the strong commuter presence attending the school.</span>*<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Health and Social Sciences Building: In 2013, this new criminal justice and criminology, nursing&nbsp;and&nbsp;psychology&nbsp;building had its grand opening. The construction of this building marked the first new construction in 30 years on the University’s South Campus, including all campuses in the University’s recent wave of evolution.</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Since 2009, the University has also been heavily updating the existing buildings while acquiring and renovating new ones. UMass Lowell renovated the newly acquired Inn and Conference Center, added Taco Bell and Subway to the University’s dining partners, renovated the newly acquired Tsongas Center, and heavily updated their Dining Hall in the tallest UMass Lowell building, Fox Hall&nbsp;</span>

== <font face="verdana, geneva, sans-serif">2015 Innovation Fellows Plans</font> ==

[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZwhfzohFPyuM4Vutiho8ZAuV8Jmq-JxBJ2vNaGZe-kY/edit?usp=sharing <font face="verdana, geneva, sans-serif">Landscape Canvas</font><br />]

[https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1o3F2IN8YoWKMk83r0SoAfr5NH_qUw7RFa2ZxjslksQM/edit?usp=sharing <font face="verdana, geneva, sans-serif">Lean Startup&nbsp;</font><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Lean Presentation</span>]

= <span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''Student Entrepreneurship'''</span> =

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">=== '''NonSpec&nbsp;'''</span>====

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">[http://www.nonspec.org/ NonSpec] participated in the 2013 first annual DifferenceMaker™ Idea Challenge where they showed dedication and enthusiasm by attending each educational workshop and event throughout the process which aided in their success.&nbsp; At the Idea Challenge they received the prestigious title of “Campus Wide DifferenceMaker™” and the top award of $5,000. This prize represents the project most likely to make a significant difference in the community, region and the world.</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">The $5,000 award has allowed Nonspec to move their initiative forward by creating their first batch of prosthetic limbs. With a projected 15% market share in the next five years, Nonspec plans to use this market presence to launch a foundation called “Give a Hand”. The purpose of this foundation would be to spread their mission, goals, charitable cause, and products around the world in order to make a difference in developing nations.</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Since Nonspec’s success at the Idea Challenge they have gained great publicity in other arenas.&nbsp; They were recently named one of the top 10 semi-finalists in Entrepreneur® Magazine’s “College Entrepreneur of 2013 Contest”.&nbsp; In addition, they were invited to attend [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppnzNSnxi-g IAPD Plastics Application Design Competition], which was held on October 2, 2013 in Miami, Florida. &nbsp;Lastly, the team was utilized as a role model by being featured in a [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLwLg4XHrck video] that was shown at all DifferenceMaker™ freshman orientation sessions throughout the summer&nbsp;due to their motivation and high entrepreneurial spirits.</span>

= DEPARTMENTS AND PROGRAMS=

== '''Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship'''==

== '''DifferenceMaker™'''==

=== Goals of DifferenceMaker™:===

=== DifferenceMaker™ Available Activities Include:===

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *'''DifferenceMaker™ Central – ''' **DifferenceMaker™ Central was opened in May 2013.&nbsp; This space is a dedicated entrepreneurial area with a vibrant start-up community atmosphere.&nbsp; The space was made for all entrepreneurial teams to come together to work, brainstorm, and network. Student teams have access to flexible workstations, televisions, computers, mentors, and a dynamic meeting space to develop their ideas and collaborate amongst their teammates and fellow students.*'''DifferenceMaker™ Enterprise Co-op'''**Throughout each year, DifferenceMaker™ will hire several students from various majors to participate in paid co-op experiences. Student co-ops assist in conducting and summarizing entrepreneurial research, developing and distributing marketing materials for various center initiatives, and provide center support for faculty and innovation fellows affiliate with the center.&nbsp;*'''Freshman Make A Difference Orientation''' **During the summer sessions, DifferenceMaker™ has a large presence in the Freshman Orientation days. Through the Office of Orientation, Student Activities and Leadership, and ResLife, DifferenceMaker™ was able to present to every attending freshman and gain exposure to all of the new students at UMass Lowell.*'''Freshman DifferenceMaker™ Convocation''' **At the beginning of each academic year, we present DifferenceMaker™ to every incoming freshman at Convocation. Each year we perform a fun activity to engage students in our program.*'''Introduction to DifferenceMaker™'''**Freshman Seminars-A series of in-class discussions in collaboration with the Manning School of Business, The Francis College of Engineering, The College of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, and The College of Health Sciences in order to introduce the DifferenceMaker™ Program to students of all disciplines and to inspire them to explore their passions through creative problem solving.*'''Introduction to the DifferenceMaker™ Program'''**A series of events were held on both the north and south campuses to introduce students to DifferenceMaker™ Program concepts, allow them to share their ideas and interests, explore possible projects and solution, and to connected with each other to form teams. These events included the DifferenceMaker™ Convocation Pitch, the Climate Change Teach-in, a DifferenceMaker™ Team Building Dinner, and others.*'''DifferenceMaker™ LLC'''**Having a presence in the student residence halls as well as the classroom is important to motivate students and discover new ideas waiting to happen. The DifferenceMaker™ Living/Learning Community brings new students together in the ResLife environment for innovation and brainstorming outside of the classroom.*'''Honors DifferenceMaker™ Program'''**In collaboration with UMass Lowell Honors Program, this concerted effort to embed elements of social entrepreneurship in our Honors Program includes coursework and community-based student efforts that have specific focus on innovation and entrepreneurial practices.*'''Introduction to Engineering Extra Credit Project'''**This activity was a collaboration effort between the DifferenceMaker™ Program and The Francis College of Engineering to introduce freshman engineering majors to the DifferenceMaker™ Program, innovation, and entrepreneurship. In this introductory activity, the students’ innovative ideas were explored and presented in a format which would enable their projects to be candidates for both the DifferenceMaker™ Program Idea Challenge and Campus Catalyst program.*'''Creative Venture Competition'''**This contest held in October of 2013 hosted by DifferenceMaker™ focused on innovation from Arts, Humanities, and Social Science students. $2500 was awarded to the best entrepreneurial business a proposal, and $250 to each finalist team was also awarded.*'''Digital Federal Credit Union Innovation Contest'''&nbsp;**In November of 2013, DifferenceMaker™ along with DCU hosted an Innovation Contest focusing on banking and financial innovation in the industry. With a grand prize of $500 per team member and peripheral prizes of $100 per team member, the contest gave thousands to innovative teams and cutting edge ideas.*'''DifferenceMaker™ Reverse Pitch'''**This pitch event was debuted on November 19, 2013. This event was a spin-off of “normal” idea challenges and hackathons. Instead of students pitching their ideas to funding sources or judges, businesses and community partners actually pitched their existing problems to a student audience in the hopes that they can develop a solution. The pitches included Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership, Lowell Telecommunications Corporation, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell, Catie’s Closet and the Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center. Students will be able to solve these problems and present them at the Annual Idea Challenge for funding opportunities.*'''Freshman Business Class Lego Problem Solving'''**This Lego activity was a collaboration effort between the DifferenceMaker™ Program and the Manning School of Business to introduce students to the ideation development process and problem solving method, as well as helping them strengthen their ability to work in a team. Sessions were conducted in 9 classes with over 400 students participating. Prof. Deborah Finch of the Manning School of Business led this effort.*'''DifferenceMaker™ Idea Challenge'''**DifferenceMaker™ is hosting its second annual Idea Challenge; this challenge is for student entrepreneurial teams to come up with sustainable ideas that will make some sort of impact on the world or their community. Help in the form of various workshops in the months leading up to the Idea Challenge is available, teaching students how to properly pitch their ideas and how to flesh out their business plans. There are various subcategories for each team to have a chance at winning spread out across over many different disciplines, encouraging all students to participate and welcoming all ideas.*'''DifferenceMaker™ Workshops'''*In preparation for the annual DifferenceMaker™ IdeaChallenge, we offer our students a series of educational entrepreneurial workshops throughout the spring semester.**Team Building Mixer**Identifying Problems and Opportunities**Developing Solutions**Identifying Resources**Rocket Pitch Coaching*'''Campus Catalyst Program''' - The DifferenceMaker™ Program works closely with 'E For All', a community business accelerator funded by the Deshpande Foundation, in order to encourage students to generate and develop their entrepreneurial ideas. The Sandbox Campus Catalyst program provided seed funding for student social and business solutions with potential. Catalyst information was provided to students at all DifferenceMaker™ events. Students also received consultation when applying to the Campus Catalyst Program.&nbsp; The DifferenceMaker™ application and Campus Catalyst application were similar in content so that unity between these programs would be maximized.&nbsp;*'''DifferenceMaker™ Program Promotion&nbsp;'''- In order to promote awareness of, and participation in, DifferenceMaker™ activities among faculty, staff, and students, a variety of outreach materials were developed and distributed across the University. These activities included program launch events, a DifferenceMaker™ website, a Facebook site, a Twitter feed (UML_Difference), various posters, postcards, presentations to classrooms, workshops, office hours, email blasts, and information tables.*'''TeamMaker Platform''' - Allows students to build their project teams by posting their project ideas and information online where they can then search for “seekers” (students interested in becoming part of a team). On the other hand, “seekers” can utilize the TeamMaker Platform by posting their project interests and skills, and seeking projects/teams to work with. This platform facilitates team formation.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Freshman === '''DifferenceMaker™ Convocation – At the beginning of each academic year, we present DifferenceMaker™ to every incoming freshman at Convocation. Each year we perform a fun activity to engage students in our program.Program Available Resources''' ===

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Introduction to DifferenceMaker™ - Freshman Seminars-A series of in-class discussions in collaboration with the Manning School of Business, The Francis College of Engineering, The College of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, and The College of Health Sciences in order to introduce the DifferenceMaker™ Program to students of all disciplines and to inspire them to explore their passions through creative problem solving.Central

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; FAHSS Creative Venture Competition - This contest held in October of 2013 hosted by DifferenceMaker™ focused on innovation from Arts, Humanities, and Social Science students. $2500 was awarded to the best entrepreneurial business a proposal, and $250 to each finalist team was also awarded.

·Hawk&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Digital Federal Credit Union Innovation Contest – In November of 2013, DifferenceMaker™ along with DCU hosted an Innovation Contest focusing on banking and financial innovation in the industry. With a grand prize of $500 per team member and peripheral prizes of $100 per team member, the contest gave thousands to innovative teams and cutting edge ideas.Hatch

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; DifferenceMaker™ Workshops-In preparation for the annual DifferenceMaker™ IdeaChallengeConnection to faculty, we offer our students a series of educational entrepreneurial workshops throughout the spring semester.staff, and alumni

o&nbsp;&nbsp; Identifying Problems Faculty Fellows and OpportunitiesDifferenceMaker™ Staff

o&nbsp;&nbsp; Rocket Problem, Opportunity, Solution, Resources, Pitch Coaching

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; DifferenceMaker™ Program Promotion-In order to promote awareness ofTeamMaker Platform, and participation in, DifferenceMaker™ activities among faculty, staff, and students, a variety of outreach materials were developed and distributed across the University. These activities included program launch events, a DifferenceMaker™ website, a Facebook site, a Twitter feed (UML_Difference), various posters, postcards, presentations to classrooms, workshops, office hours, email blasts, and information tables.Team Building Mixer

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; TeamMaker Platform Enterprise co- Allows students to build their project teams by posting their project ideas and information online where they can then search for “seekers” (students interested in becoming part of a team). On the other hand, “seekers” can utilize the TeamMaker Platform by posting their project interests and skills, and seeking projects/teams to work with. This platform facilitates team formation.&nbsp;op positions

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif·&nbsp;">'''&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 72 DifferenceMaker™ Program Available Resources Include:'''</span>events held in inaugural year

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif·&nbsp;">•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3,500 &nbsp; students who participates in a DifferenceMaker™ Central</span>event this past year

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif·&nbsp;">•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;$25,000 &nbsp; Large open office collaboration space equipped with Wi-Fi, 3 Mac computers, printer/copier, 2 46” LCD TV monitors with projection capabilities, 6 white boards, of funds awarded to 10 tables with chairs all equipped with wheels that can be easily rearranged for optimal use and collaboration, refrigerator, sink, cabinet space, coffee maker and other necessary office supplies.</span>IdeaChallenge finalist teams

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif·&nbsp;">•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1,265 &nbsp; Funding Opportunities</span>freshman participating in summer rapid ideation workshops

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif·&nbsp;">•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;112 &nbsp; Idea Challenge</span>students who participated in the First Annual IdeaChallenge

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif·&nbsp;">•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22 &nbsp; Other competitions:</span>cross discipline relationships notes between students among IdeaChallenge teams

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif·&nbsp;">•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24 &nbsp; DCU Innovation Contest</span>academic disciplines represented by students in the IdeaChallenge teams

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; FAHSS Creative Venture Competition</span>

<span style="font'''Campus-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Philanthropic Crowd Funding Source</span>Wide DifferenceMaker™'''

<span style="font-family:verdana'''$7,geneva,sans-serif;">•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Grants</span>000'''

<span style="font'''1st Place -family:verdana$4,geneva,sans-serif;">•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Faculty Fellows and DifferenceMaker™ Staff</span>000'''

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Problem, Opportunity, Solution, Resources, Pitch Coaching</span>

<span style="font'''2nd Place -family:verdana$2,geneva,sans-serif;">•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Team Building Assistance</span>000'''

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif&nbsp;">Through the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, along with affiliated faculty and other campus programs, the University has introduced a range of activities that help students make a difference in the world.</span>

<span style="font'''1st Place -family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $254,000 &nbsp;of funds awarded to 10 IdeaChallenge finalist teams</span>''' '''OTTOnomous'''

<span style="font'''1st Place -family:verdana$4,geneva,sans-serif;">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 24 &nbsp;academic disciplines represented by students in the IdeaChallenge teams</span>000'''

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''Campus2nd Place -Wide DifferenceMaker™$2,000'''</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span> <span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''Sustainable Environment'''</span>   <span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''Innovative Technology'''</span> <span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''1st Place - $4,000''' '''OTTOnomous'''</span>   <span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''First to Market'''</span> <span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''1st Place - $4,000'''</span>   <span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''2nd Place - $2,000'''</span>   <span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''2nd Place - $2,000'''</span>  <div><span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''Honorable Mention DifferenceMaker™'''</span></div><span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''$1000'''</span> <span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span>     <span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''Fan Favorite'''</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''DifferenceMaker™ Future Efforts:'''</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">The DifferenceMaker™ Program plans to continue many of the activities and events initiated in the first year of the program.&nbsp; Some of these programs will be revised and they intend to launch several new initiatives, including a DifferenceMaker™ Passport Program, a DifferenceMaker™ Mentor Program and a seed grant program to encourage faculty participation in the DifferenceMaker™ program. They also plan to expand our collaboration with several University colleges.&nbsp;</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">This year they plan to increase the role of DifferenceMaker™ Living Learning Community students in the DifferenceMaker™ program by training the members to become DifferenceMaker™ ambassadors once they transition into their sophomore year &nbsp;through weekly meetings and monthly events. The training will allow LLC members to learn more about entrepreneurship and the DifferenceMaker™ Program so they can promote it to student clubs and campus classes.&nbsp; Once the LLC students become sophomores they will transition into a DifferenceMaker™ Ambassador role, and hopefully will form the nucleus of a yet-to-be-formed DifferenceMaker™ student club. &nbsp;</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">In order to assist students to both record and encourage their participation in DifferenceMaker™ events, they are planning the development and implementation of a DifferenceMaker™ Passport Program. Consistent with the goals of the UMass Lowell DifferenceMaker™ Program, the Passport Program will assist students to identify, record and collect experiences meant to:&nbsp;</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Develop individual entrepreneurial identity</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Develop entrepreneurial skills and self-confidence</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Develop creative and sustainable solutions to complex problems</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Connect with the University, E For All&nbsp;and community entrepreneurial ecosystems</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">They anticipate that the number of students engaged in the DifferenceMaker™ Program and related activities will increase each year. As they encourage and reward the formation of various types of student ventures and projects, the need for mentors who can consult with student teams will increase. They plan to guide these students and track their progress through a professional Mentor Program. The UMass Lowell Mentor Program will provide a committed network of mentors with a broad set of skills and professional experiences, who can assist UMass Lowell entrepreneurs in developing the knowledge and skills, needed to grow an idea into a successful, new venture.</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">The DM UMass Lowell Mentor Program will seek to connect DifferenceMaker™ students with successful experienced entrepreneurs and alumnus, as well as faculty and staff.&nbsp; The Mentor Program will focus on assisting students to further develop solutions as part of the DifferenceMaker™ Program. Mentors will provide guidance in further refining student team objectives and help them in building their entrepreneurial skillsets.</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">They are planning to offer DifferenceMaker™ Faculty Workshops to help faculty consider how they might engage their own students in DifferenceMaker™ activities through course related activities and through co-curricular activities. Our hope is that by engaging more faculty, they in turn will serve as both mentors and catalysts for students, encouraging and guiding student project selection and development. They have also observed that student teams often need support and guidance from faculty from different disciplines, these workshops and an accompanying seed grant program are meant as catalysts to encourage interdisciplinary engagement among faculty,</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">While the overarching goal of the DifferenceMaker™ program is to encourage UMass Lowell students to develop sustainable and entrepreneurial solutions to the challenges and opportunities they will confront in this world, they anticipate another, potentially significant impact on the University community itself. Our students will only be successful if they have the support of faculty, alumni, business and community members. During our first year of program activities, they have found these constituents to be most supportive and willing to mentor and work with our students.&nbsp; Alumni are mentoring and investing in student ventures.&nbsp; Faculty are working across disciplines to ensure their student teams make progress. Local profit and non-profit businesses are eager to work with student teams, providing real-world problems and opportunities for student projects. In one short year, the DifferenceMaker™ program has been embraced by the greater University community. Our hope and plan is to anchor this program in the curriculum and culture of the University, so all UMass Lowell students have an opportunity to make a difference in this world.</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''DifferenceMaker™ Contact:'''</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">[mailto:differencemaker@uml.edu differencemaker@uml.edu]</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''facebook.com/differenceUML'''</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''twitter: @difference_UML'''</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span>

=== <span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''Commercial Venture and Intellectual Property Office (CVIP):'''</span> ===

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Commercial Ventures and Intellectual Property (CVIP) is responsible for the protection and commercialization of intellectual property at UMass Lowell.&nbsp;</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''CVIP Mission: '''&nbsp;</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">The mission of UMass Lowell’s Office of Commercial Ventures and Intellectual Property (CVIP) is to facilitate the transfer of technology arising from government, foundation and industrial sponsored university research to the private sector. They facilitate development of inventions toward commercial relevance and utility, nurture mutually beneficial and sustainable relationships between the University and industry, promote an innovative and entrepreneurial culture at the University and contribute to the economic vibrancy and well-being of the Commonwealth. CVIP’s activities enable the successful transfer of commercially viable technology from the laboratory to the marketplace for public use and benefit.&nbsp;</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''CVIP Functions:'''</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">&nbsp;<br/>The main objectives of CVIP are:</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; to license patents and other protections to industry in order to promote the development of inventions toward practical application;</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; to foster a culture of innovation, facilitate commercially promising endeavors, and positively contribute to the University’s entrepreneurial ecosystem;</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; to seek new business opportunities and form productive collaborations with industry in an effort to increase research and licensing revenue to the University;</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; to generate income for inventors and the University as a whole for use in supporting further research, technology development and transfer;</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; to advocate for the research community and seek to create incentives, provide rewards and obtain resources to advance commercialization of the technologies they generate.</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''CVIP--Contact:'''</span>

*<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">[mailto:Jill_Murthi@uml.edu Jill S. Murthi], Director of CVIP by email: [mailto:Jill_Murthi@uml.edu Jill_Murthi@uml.edu] or phone: 978-934-4722</span>*<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">[mailto:Rajnish_Kaushik@uml.edu Rajnish Kaushik], Licensing & Business Development Manager of CVIP by email: [mailto:Rajnish_Kaushik@uml.edu Rajnish_Kaushik@uml.edu] or phone: 978-934-4708</span>

=== <span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">New Venture Initiative:</span> ===

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">New Venture Initiative (NVI) is a mix of university resources and equity investment designed to provide a path to and facilitate more start-up activity at UMass Lowell.&nbsp; As part of the larger Commercial Venture and Intellectual Property Office (CVIP), the NVI fund focuses on inventions, discoveries, products and services that have been developed in whole or in part at UMass Lowell, have achieved proof of concept (or an early prototype) and are ready for commercial product development, rather than those requiring further basic research.&nbsp; For more information please contact [mailto:Nancy_Saucier@uml.edu Nancy Saucier], Director of New Venture Development.</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span>

=== <span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''Massachusetts Medical Device Development Center (M2D2):'''</span> ===

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">The Massachusetts Medical Device Development Center (M2D2) is a lifeline for the state’s smaller medical device companies, offering inventors and executives easy, affordable, and coordinated access to world-class researchers and resources at the Lowell and Worcester campuses of the University of Massachusetts.</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''M2D2 Available Resources:'''</span>

*<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">9000 square feet of space on second floor including:</span>**<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">6 wet laboratory suites</span>**<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Two office suites</span>**<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Large open office collaboration area</span>**<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Board room</span>**<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Reception area</span>**<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Break Room equipped with a table and chairs, full size refrigerator, microwave, sink, dishwasher, and coffee maker</span>*<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">5000 square feet of space on first floor including:</span>**<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Six individual offices&nbsp;</span>**<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Bright shared kitchen space equipped with a table and chairs, full size refrigerator and sink</span>**<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">One large state of the art conference room with full pull down screen, computer with web access and a projector&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>**<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">All conference rooms contain a 46" Aquos LCD screen, as well as computer with web access and a projector</span>**<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Business and medical feasibility assessments</span>**<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Product development space</span>**<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Medical and clinical pathway assistance</span>**<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Connection to additional services such as laboratory use, incubator space for start-ups and clinical trial support through the product life cycle</span>**<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">SBIR and STTR research</span>**<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Access to capital</span>**<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Networking events</span>**<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">New Venture Competitions</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''M2D2--Contact'''</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">[mailto:Stephen_McCarthy@uml.edu Stephen McCarthy], Co-Director of M2D2</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span>

=== <span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''E For All (Formerly Merrimack Valley Sandbox)'''</span> ===

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'E for All' is a project of the&nbsp;Deshpande Foundation, which has encouraged the use of entrepreneurship and innovation as catalysts for sustainable change in the United States, India and Canada since 1996. Deshpande supported centers including the&nbsp;MIT Deshpande Center for Technological Innovation, the Deshpande Center for Social Innovation&nbsp;in Hubli, India, the Pond-Deshpande Centre&nbsp;at the&nbsp;University of New Brunswick, and our own 'E For All' &nbsp;at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. 'E for All' includes higher education partners (Middlesex Community College, Merrimack College and Northern Essex Community College) and a host of regional community and business partners.</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''E for All Mission'''</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">The mission of 'E For All' is to connect and strengthen the ecosystem in Lowell and Lawrence, Massachusetts, around entrepreneurship and leadership. This mission is supported by the following three principle 'E For All' programs:</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Catalysts-The Catalyst program provides seed funding and mentoring support to foster initiative around new ideas and programs among local high school and college students.</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Entrepreneurship-The Entrepreneur Program is a community-wide initiative supporting entrepreneurship. More than 30 partner organizations and institutions are participating in this initiative,&nbsp;which gives entrepreneurs a greater chance at success through pitch contests, workshops and intensive programs.&nbsp;</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Leadership-The 'E For All' Leadership Institute (SLI) offers leadership development for individuals that live, work or are interested in the communities of Lawrence and Lowell.&nbsp;</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''Learn more''':&nbsp;[http://www.uml.edu/Innovation-Entrepreneurship/MV-Sandbox.aspx http://www.uml.edu/Innovation-Entrepreneurship/MV-Sandbox.aspx]</span>

=== <span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Other Organizations</span> ===

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''Entrepreneurial Ventures Association''': EVA is an&nbsp;interdisciplinary&nbsp;organization that is open to all majors; they share resources, advice, and&nbsp;interests&nbsp;with other COM and UML clubs to help students turn their entrepreneurial ideas into reality.&nbsp; [https://umasslowellclubs.collegiatelink.net/organization/entrepreneurial-ventures-association/about https://umasslowellclubs.collegiatelink.net/organization/entrepreneurial-ventures-association/about]</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''Honors Ambassador Program: '''Students participate in the Honors Ambassador Program to gain valuable experience through courses tailored for higher development and to foster relationships with communities and organizations that the program is involved with. [http://www.umlhonors.com/ http://www.umlhonors.com/]</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">UMass Lowell hosts over 140 different clubs and communities, most of which are geared towards equipping students to become leaders and innovators in society. A full list full of information can be found here: [https://umasslowellclubs.collegiatelink.net/Organizations https://umasslowellclubs.collegiatelink.net/Organizations]</span>

= <span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''University Entrepreneurship'''</span> =

=== <span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Creative New Academic Programs</span> ===

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''The Manning School of Business'''&nbsp;<br/>The Manning School of Business&nbsp;offers two academic programs focused on entrepreneurship:</span>

*<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">[http://www.uml.edu/MSB/management/Entrepreneurship.aspx Undergraduate - Entrepreneurship Concentration]: Prepares students to be "outside-of-the-box" thinkers and innovators in today's complex global economy.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">The&nbsp;'''entrepreneurship concentration'''&nbsp;prepares students to be an "outside of the box" thinker and innovator in today's complex global economy. Using an interdisciplinary focus, students who complete the concentration will:</span>

*<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Develop the management skills required to identify and launch new business ventures around innovative products, services and technologies.&nbsp;</span>*<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Develop an understanding of the concepts and activities associated with entrepreneurship and innovation.&nbsp;</span>*<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Understand the financial aspects of an entrepreneurial venture from start-up to "harvest".&nbsp;</span>*<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Discover their individual "entrepreneurial spirit" through experiential learning in interdisciplinary classes and the College's Venture Lab.</span>

<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">The required courses within the Entrepreneurship concentration consist of:</span>

#<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Starting a New Venture&nbsp;</span>#<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Corporate Entrepreneurship&nbsp;</span>#<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Managing Innovation&nbsp;</span>#<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Finance for Emerging Business Enterprises</span>#<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Entrepreneurial Strategy & Implementation (Fall '14 not yet required)</span>#<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Study Abroad in India (not required, entrepreneurship focused)</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">[http://www.uml.edu/MSB/Graduate-Programs/MSITE.aspx Graduate - Master of Science in Innovation and Technological Entrepreneurship (MSITE)]: Provides engineers, business majors and scientists with the skills and knowledge required to drive innovation in today's collaborative, global workforce.</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">[http://www.uml.edu/MSB/Graduate-Programs/MSITEhealthcare.aspx Graduate - Master of Science in Innovation and Technological Entrepreneurship (MSITE) Healthcare Innovation & Entrepreneurship (HI+E) Option]: This option is targeted towards healthcare professionals, such as hospital managers/administrators, clinicians, physicians and other medical professionals who need to understand and manage the impact of emerging technologies and innovations in the healthcare industry. The Program will also benefit recent graduates who wish to enter the healthcare industries as a career choice.</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">[http://www.uml.edu/MSB/Program-of-study/New-Venture-Creation.aspx Graduate Certificate - New Venture Creation]: This program is focused specifically on the creation of technology-based ventures and is designed to assist professionals with undergraduate and career experience in science, engineering, technology or business fields in better understanding how to develop and launch a technology-based business.</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''College of Sciences, Computer Science Department'''</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">The Computer Science Department offers an&nbsp;[http://www.uml.edu/Catalog/Graduate/Sciences/Computer-Science/MS-in-Computer-Science-Entrepreneurship-Option.aspx entrepreneurship option]&nbsp;in their master's degree. It is directed at those with a strong undergraduate background in Computer Science who are interested in both deepening their technical knowledge and in understanding the tools required for developing a company directed towards software services and products.</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''College of Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Assistive Technology Program'''</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">A component of the undergraduate Electrical and Computer Engineering program, senior ECE students complete a&nbsp;[http://atp.caeds.eng.uml.edu/index.html senior capstone project]&nbsp;aimed at designing and producing an assistive technology device for a person with a disability. Engineering students can apply the knowledge they have learned from their courses and help solve problems for disabled people through creating technological advances.&nbsp;</span>

== <span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Entrepreneurial Capital Projects and Acquisitions</span> ==

=== <span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''The Mark and Elisia Saab Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center'''</span> ===

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">This new UMass Lowell 2012-13 construction is a building developed for bringing innovation and industry together. Faculty and student researchers use the resources available in this building to meet industry challenges and improve lives using UMass Lowell technologies and patents. Core facilities for use in fundamental and translational research are available to faculty and students; it contains class 100, 1,000, and 10,000 cleanroom spaces, wet lab and engineering lab space, and a plastics processing high bay. The ETIC is has LEED Gold Certification, and is considered green. The construction of this building also is estimated to supporting at least 130 new jobs.</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span>

=== <span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''Health and Social Sciences Building'''&nbsp;</span> ===

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">This new building that houses criminal justice and criminology, nursing, and psychology provides classrooms, simulation laboratories, observation facilities, a demonstration hospital wing, and ample meeting space for community projects. The construction of this new building supported more than 800 construction and related jobs, and provided the much needed resources and space for UMass Lowell’s growing social science population.</span>

= <span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''University-Industry Collaboration'''</span> =

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''Research Activities'''</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">UMass Lowell places a large focus on professional research, as evidenced by the ample lab space professors have to work with in buildings such as the ETIC. A comprehensive list of all research areas and information about them can be found on the UMass Lowell website. [http://www.uml.edu/Research/Centers/default.aspx http://www.uml.edu/Research/Centers/default.aspx]</span>

==== <span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Center for Industrial Competitiveness</span> ====

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">For nearly 20 years, UMass Lowell’s Center for Industrial Competitiveness has conducted research on industrial innovation, regional development, corporate governance, financialization, and sustainable prosperity. Resources available stretch all around the world through collaborative networks and relationships, providing ample information and a global understanding on development. Research also includes local industrial development in Massachusetts.&nbsp;</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">UMass Lowell has a page dedicated to the CIC researchers and their work, which can be found here: [http://www.uml.edu/centers/cic/Research/Research.html http://www.uml.edu/centers/cic/Research/Research.html]</span>

= <span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''Regional and Local Economic Development'''</span> =

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''Economic and Social Development of Regions Department:'''</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">This graduate program focuses on giving an interdisciplinary education that is tailored to fit the needs of the individual. By educating both the private and public sectors of economic and social development, this program aims to create work ready individuals that can bring innovation and change to shifting social and economic environment.</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''Lowell Makes'''&nbsp;</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">“A membership‐driven collaborative space equipped with a wide variety of tools, machines, materials, computers and other resources where individuals can gain and practice modern skills with state‐of‐the‐art technology, access to resources they could not otherwise, and a community of creative minded people who make all kinds of things. “Art is the Handmaid of Human Good” is both the City of Lowell’s motto, and a reminder of Lowell’s rich industrial and artistic history as our inspiration.” - [http://www.lowellmakes.com/proposal/ http://www.lowellmakes.com/proposal/]</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Lowell makes was founded to be a space where those who do not have access to certain equipment to bring their ideas to life will have that access they need and have the support they need to push their innovation to the next level. It is a space that has resources tailored for budding entrepreneurs, and can be rented out by anyone with a plan.&nbsp;</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''Mill No.5'''</span>

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Mill No.5 is one of the few non-UML entrepreneurial constructs in the Lowell urban environment. Like many mills in Lowell, it has been renovated and repurposed. Being subdivided and updated to proper code, there are rooms available for offices and start-ups looking to have an office space to centralize their resources.&nbsp;</span>

= <span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">'''Conclusion'''</span> =

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;">Entrepreneurship is a strategic objective at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.&nbsp; During the last five years, UMass Lowell has re-positioned itself with students, faculty, staff, and the community as a true public enterprise committed to taking an entrepreneurial approach to innovation in all aspects of its structure.&nbsp;&nbsp; A rapidly expanding innovation ecosystem encourages and guides entrepreneurial action, whether academically or commercially, amongst its faculty and student body -- fostering an entrepreneurial approach to economic development through a variety of programs and activities. UMass Lowell will continue to thrive in all aspects of entrepreneurship and innovation. &nbsp;</span></span>

= <span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">Related Links</span> =

<span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">University Innovation Fellows:</span><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;"><span style="color:#0000cd;"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">[http://universityinnovation.org/wiki/Stephen_Kender Stephen Kender]</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;"><span style="color:#0000cd;"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">[[Ana Gouveia|Ana Gouveia]]</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;"><span style="color:#0000cd;"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">[[James Abdallah|James Abdallah]]</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;"><span style="color:#0000cd;"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">[[KevinMDesjardins|Kevin Desjardins]]</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;"><span style="color:#0000cd;"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">[[Jacob Hulme|Jacob Hulme]]</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 48px;"><span style="color:#0000cd;"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">[[UMass Lowell Student Priorities|UMass Lowell Student Priorities]]</span></span></span></p>