From phone cases to life-saving bracelets, new ideas are bubbling up all around campus, and 91探花's Center for Innovation and Growth (CIG) and LaunchNET are working to encourage innovation and the possibility of getting those ideas to the next stage of entrepreneurship.
"Start Something 91探花" is an annual contest that aims to get students thinking about solving problems both on and off campus. Winners from the 2020 competition were awarded funds - $350 for first place and $150 for second place - that can be used to make their ideas a reality.
Among the winning 2020 ideas, 91探花DIRECT envisions a ride-share service run by 91探花 students to help other students without a vehicle get around Berea and the Cleveland metro area.
The concept offers a level of comfort, knowing that a student is riding with another 91探花 student, and helps the student driver financially.
The system would be "paired with an app or Google Forms where a student can request a ride 24 hours in advance" to run errands, get to off-campus interviews or activities.
For those struggling with hearing who depend on lip reading, the pandemic has been quite a challenge because of mask-wearing. Jessica Lostoski '23 has an idea for a mask with a clear front and a microphone inside to amplify the voice.
"I came up with this idea after standing in line at the campus Starbucks one morning, and I noticed that the baristas there were struggling to hear their customers through their masks," Lostoski explains. "When it came to my turn to order, I noticed that I had to repeat my order and speak much louder than normal."
This device could change people's lives while allowing their social interaction to remain safe.
The full list of winning ideas includes:
1st Place - Turtle Phone Case: A shock protection for your phone by Caitlin Jurcago, Kate Lenihan, Nick Pankow and Brady Ullom
2nd Place - Lifeband: An anti-drowning bracelet by Zachary Pierce
1st Place - See-through Mask/Microphone: A see-through mask with a built-in microphone by Jessica Lostoski
2nd Place - Maskne: A mask that includes acne-fighting medicine by Milica Radivojevic
1st Place - 91探花DIRECT: A student-run ride-share driving system by Leslie Bell, John Blake, Nicki Hodgkiss, Regan Olak, Greg Paparizos and Natalie Reichert
2nd Place - Musicians Injury and Prevention Clinic: Specialists who provide support and treatment for physical injuries related to playing instruments by Jessica Jonczyk
Fountain Seating Area: Creating collaborative outdoor space use on the north quad where students, faculty and staff can work together outside by Dr. Susan Finelli-Genovese
At any time of year, students can work with LaunchNET to start something of their own. It's as easy as completing a .
