Innovate: Honors Edition
Transform Your Community. Build Your Future
Ready to Make a Real Impact?
INNOVATE: Honors Edition is your chance to turn bold ideas into community-changing solutions. This isn't just another competition - it's where Stony Brook's brightest minds come together to tackle real challenges facing our community.
One day. Big ideas. Life-changing opportunities.
Innovate: Honors Edition is Co-Sponsored by the Stony Brook University Honors Programs.
Event is open to all University Honors Programs, including Honors College, University Scholars, and WISE Honors.
Apply for Innovate: Honors Edition Today!
The Experience
Challenge Day: October 17, 2025 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | SAC Ballroom B
Morning: Dive deep into human-centered design, problem framing, and rapid ideation techniques
Afternoon: Build low-fidelity prototypes with guidance from faculty and entrepreneur mentors
Late Afternoon: Pitch your 3-minute solution to a panel of judges including faculty, local entrepreneurs, and community leaders
Attend Our Q&A Session
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
12:30pm - 1:50pm
SAC Ballroom B
Get the inside scoop on:
- Challenge theme Q&A
- Examples of community-focused impact projects
- Tool overviews and tips
- Panel with alumni and local entrepreneurs
- Team pairing opportunities
Drinks and desserts provided!
Register for the Q&A Session Here!
Design an innovative solution that positively impacts your community: Stony Brook, Long Island, or New York State.
Focus Areas Include:
- Environmental sustainability
- Community health and wellbeing
- Social equity and inclusion
- Local economic resilience
- Campus innovation & student life
Eligibility:
- Open to Stony Brook Honors students only
- Must form teams of 3-5 students prior to applying
- Teams should represent diverse disciplines (e.g., STEM + humanities + business)
Application Requirements:
- Brief team bio
- Interest area(s) within the "Community Betterment" theme
- Optional early idea (not required!)
- Critical Skills: Creative problem-solving, design thinking, collaboration, and pitching
- Expert Mentorship: Faculty from Honors & relevant departments, plus community leaders and alumni entrepreneurs
- Real Impact: Move from idea to actionable concept in just one day
Key Dates
| Milestone | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Applications Open | September 10, 2025 | |
| Info Session | October 1, 2025 | 12:30-1:50 PM |
| Challenge Day | October 17, 2025 | 9:00 AM-4:00 PM |
Prizes & Recognition
Award Categories:
- Best Overall Impact
- Most Innovative Solution
- Best Presentation
Beyond the Competition
- Ongoing mentorship to develop your idea further
- Spotlight in Honors newsletters and Stony Brook innovation channels
- Access to resources for continued development
Ready to Innovate?
Don't just dream about making a difference—make it happen. Join fellow Honors students in designing solutions that will transform our community and launch your future as a changemaker.
Questions? Contact the Leadership Team at innovationsbu@stonybrook.edu or attend our Info Session on October 1st.
Apply for Innovate: Honors Edition Today!
Applications Close October 8, 2025 at 5:00 PM
INNOVATE: Honors Edition is presented by Stony Brook University Honors College in partnership with the Office of Research and Innovation.