McNair Institute announces COVID-19 solution challenge

Announcing the UofSC COVID-19 Challenge: Online Student Ideas Competition

UofSC is hosting a student ideas competition to empower YOU to develop innovative solutions – and take action – on the COVID-19 crisis.

The McNair Institute for Entrepreneurism and Free Enterprise at the University of South Carolina is seeking students’ ideas that address the most pressing technical, social, and financial issues caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Our goal is to facilitate mitigation of the pandemic’s effects through the innovation of University of South Carolina students. The ideas proposed are limited only to students’ imaginations. The impact can be at the University, local, statewide, national, or international level.

Up to $9,000 prize money (up to $1,000 per winning individual or team) will be awarded for the ideas that have the most potential for impact. Ideas will be developed online in StartupWind, using an idea concept card, a business model canvas, and a budget.

Idea canvases will be judged by seasoned entrepreneurs and investors based on (1) how compelling the idea is; (2) the return on investment or impact per dollar; and (3) how realistic the solution is to implement.

This competition is open to UofSC students, including all campuses and the Palmetto College. Individuals and teams of any size may submit idea canvases. Please read the eligibility, entry, judging and additional terms prior to submitting your idea canvas.

This competition is co-sponsored by The McNair Institute for Entrepreneurism and Free Enterprise, Faber Entrepreneurship Center and South Carolina Research Authority

Entries are due Sunday, April 19 at 11 p.m. Winners will be announced by April 30, 2020.

Visit our webpage to get started on your application.

For more information, contact Katherine Swartz Hilton at [email protected] or 803.777.1717.