September 30, 2011
Poster contest for innovative student ideas set
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- As part of the upcoming Technology and Innovation Expo at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, there will be a student poster contest with cash prizes and today (Sept. 30) is the deadline to notify contest sponsors if you plan to participate. The competition is open to all undergraduate and graduate SIU Carbondale students.
The poster abstract isn’t due until Oct. 14 and the poster itself won’t need to be in until Oct. 21. The posters should highlight your concept for an innovative product or service you think could be commercially successful, or the related current research. To notify contest organizers you intend to participate, you must send an email indicating that intent to techtrain@siu.edu with your name and plans by the end of the day.
Then, fill out the form available online at http://inventors.siuc.edu/index.php/events/ and submit it along with your poster abstract and submit by the Oct. 14 deadline. The completed 32-by 40-inch poster should illustrate three components regarding your product or service:
• Uniqueness -- What makes the idea, product or service unique?
• Marketability -- Will anyone buy it/use it and can you make a profit?
• Elevator pitch -- If you had 60 seconds or less, about the length of an elevator ride, what would you say to a buyer to convince them to invest in your concept?
Participants in the TIE Student Poster Contest can bring their posters to Woody Hall, Room C219 by Oct. 21. You don’t have to be present to win one of the cash prizes for first through third places but you can attend the expo and luncheon at no cost. Those attending also have the option of meeting with judges to discuss their posters.
The SIUC Technology and Innovation Expo is set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, 150 E. Pleasant Hill Road. It will feature a variety of presentations by University faculty inventors and invited guests. There will be a display highlighting current SIU Carbondale research and innovation achievement awards. Faculty entrepreneurs will also lead a panel discussion.
Anyone with an interest in technology and innovation is welcome to attend. The theme is “Celebrating University Innovation” and registration information and other details are online at http://tie.siuc.edu.