INNOVATE-O-thon

INNOVATE-O-thon is a unique type of weekend-long, on-campus internship that partners undergraduate students, the university, and companies in the pursuit of solutions to a real-world problem.

Recently, the Institute for Materials and Manufacturing Research (IMR) invited Procter & Gamble to challenge undergraduates to dissect a real problem and devise and propose a suitable, executable solution to that company.

Through the course of an intense weekend, students form interdisciplinary teams to create innovative solutions focused on improving the design of disposable wipes packaging. The weekend begins with concept generation, progresses through proof of concept/prototyping and culminates in pitch presentations to Procter & Gamble representatives. From brainstorming to project budgeting, students are given the reins to produce the best concept.

The INNOVATE-O-thon externship program is a unique opportunity to participate in real business workshops, work with global business leaders, and put a nice touch on your resume. All undergraduate majors and grade levels welcome. The best innovations can be found in any discipline, from English or engineering to business or biochemistry.

While focused on mechanical, industrial and graphic design, our externship program welcomes students from all majors to participate in the innovation workshop to solve problems, work with P&G, and compete against fellow students.

Past INNOVATE-O-Thon Participants

Companies that previously participated in INNOVATE-O-thons include Honda R&D; Black & Decker; Greif, Inc., a global leader in industrial packaging products and services; and ENGIE, which makes up half of the joint venture with Axium Infrastructure called Ohio State Energy Partners.

Question
What is an INNOVATE-O-thon?

Answer

An INNOVATE-O-thon gives undergraduate students from all majors a chance to get real-world experience and connections through the development of a unique product with a specific purpose. Each INNOVATE-O-thon has a particular “theme” that is chosen by the industry partners of the event and gives students the idea of the function of the product they create. At the end of the event, students are able to pitch the idea to the industry partners and receive feedback.

Question
What is an externship?

Answer

An externship is a unique type of internship defined as on-campus partnership between students, the university, and potential employers that formally integrates students’ academic study with work, which is typically of less than a week in duration.

Question
Who can participate?

Answer

All majors and grade levels are encouraged to participate in the INNOVATE-O-thon.

Videos

Additional Information

For questions or inquiries, contact:
Kari Roth
Innovation Manager
Kari Roth headshot