INNOVATE, Augusta University’s annual student innovation competition hosted by the Center for Instructional Innovation, is launching the 2023 competition cycle with a kickoff event from 2:30-3:15 p.m. Nov. 17 in the Coffeehouse of the Jaguar Student Activities Center.

At the event, students will learn about the INNOVATE competition and get information on upcoming events and workshops.

This year, the competition theme is creating solutions for nonprofits. A recent survey of over 1,100 nonprofit leaders found that use of nonprofit services has soared since the COVID-19 pandemic, with 71% of respondents reporting increased demand between FY19 and FY21. However, only half have been able to keep up with that demand.

Therefore, this year, student teams will be asked to pitch solutions to issues that nonprofit organizations face, including attracting donors, managing finances, retaining talent and getting noticed in the community. To keep solutions local to the Augusta community, students will be asked to focus specifically on nonprofits in the CSRA.

At the final pitch competition on March 30, 2023, top teams will be awarded $5,000 for first place, $3,500 for second place and $2,500 for third place. Awards will be distributed as scholarship funds in student financial aid accounts.

The competition is open to all Augusta University students, including graduate students and those in professional programs. Students are encouraged to create interdisciplinary teams and must have an Augusta University faculty or professional staff member as a mentor.