Convergence Innovation Competition Introduces New Categories, Partner

IPaT and the Research Network Operations Center (RNOC) are producing our bi-annual student innovation event, the Georgia Tech Convergence Innovation Competition (CIC) again this semester. For the fall 2018 competition, we’re introducing two new categories as well as a new campus partner.

This semester, with increased attention globally on climate change and its effects, we’ve added a “Climate Solutions” category to the CIC. In a new partnership with the Georgia Tech Global Change Program, this category focuses on developing practical solutions related to climate change. Examples of solutions include limiting carbon emissions; coping with environmental, social, or business changes; and promoting a greater understanding of how climate change impacts well-being and prosperity.

“In an era when we’re reminded every day about the grim impacts of climate change, I’m excited to unleash our amazing Georgia Tech students to help bring climate solutions into the hands of people who want to be a part of the solution, but don’t necessarily know where to start," said Kim Cobb, director of the Global Change Program and professor of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.

The second new category in this semester’s CIC is “Active Aging.” This category promotes the vision that all individuals—regardless of age, socioeconomic status or health—fully engage in life; sustaining relationships, independence and quality of life while continuing to learn, grow, and contribute to society.

Finally, a category introduced during the Spring 2018 CIC is returning for the fall. “Players and Fans” encompasses innovations that benefit athletes, artists, entertainers, esports gamers, fans, or owners, whether amateur, youth, or professional. Solutions could focus on improving performance, expanding access and interest in the craft, lowering financial or other barriers to participation, skills acquisition, injury prevention, or enhancing the fan experience.

Competition organizers say CIC categories are intended to shape student ideas, not exclude them. Matt Sanders, co-director of RNOC, said, "Over the life of the CIC, we’ve seen innovation and value creation across a broad spectrum of technologies and domains. We look forward to seeing students develop core technologies that can be applied in targeted ways to one or more of these important category areas. For example, how a ride-sharing service can apply its core technologies to food delivery, flu shots, or last mile access to public transit to provide value to fans attending a game, aging adults, and those who want to reduce their carbon footprint.”

Email RNOC staff with questions about project ideas. Faculty in any college interested in incorporating the CIC into their courses for the spring semester should contact RNOC Co-Directors Matt Sanders or Russ Clark, while companies interested in leveraging the benefits of CIC sponsorship should contact IPaT Partnerships Manager Siva Jayaraman.

The CIC encourages students at all levels and disciplines on the Atlanta and Georgia Tech-Lorraine campuses to create innovative, viable products and experiences whether they are projects for classes or individual or group side projects. Campus, industry, and community partners inform our categories; winning entries will include a working end-to-end prototype and a clear value proposition. CIC winners have gone on to other competitions, commercialization opportunities, as well as internships and future jobs strengthened by their competition experience.

The submission deadline for the Fall 2018 CIC is Sunday, November 11 by midnight. IPaT and RNOC will host invitation-only live demo and judging events in Atlanta and France on Wednesday, November 14. To learn more, visit the CIC website.