The Maine Ideas Challenge is open to ANY student with ANY innovative idea. If you don’t have an idea – the Open Challenges are designed to inspire you!
Climate Change: Action Across Generations
Help design a way to promote intergenerational collaboration & action on climate change.
COVID-19: Reimagine Getting Outside in Winter
How might we reimagine winter on campus during the pandemic as an opportunity to (safely) have fun, spark joy and contribute positively to our mental health?
COVID-19: Reimagine Learning
How might we help students and educators adapt to remote learning and even reimagine what learning could look like?
Open Challenges will follow “design thinking” – which is optimistic, constructive, and active (doing over talking). And you won’t need any particular background or experience to join in. We think you’ll find it interesting, fun, and it looks good on your resume too!
We anticipate that participation will take 5-10 hours and will probably extend into the beginning of next semester. We’re going to set the schedule as a team. Enrollment is on a rolling basis. The kick-off for all teams will be November 17. Use the form below to sign up.
More questions? Please see this page for FAQs about the Open Challenges.
1. Inspiration
Attend a Kick-off
Three big questions. Which one interests you? Join the team and attend a kick-off, where we dive right into issues and inspiration. (1 hr)
2. Research
Do One Thing
Help the team gain insights by doing research, interviewing, etc. Share what you found out to identify opportunities for inspiration and empathy for those affected. (2-4 hrs)
3. Brainstorm
Explore Ideas
Put it all together. What did we learn? Where are the opportunities? Help brainstorm bold new ideas and apply fresh insights. (2 hrs)
4. Iterate
Develop an Idea
Develop an idea, working alone or as a team. Test things out: get the tools to build a quick prototype and learn what works. Work with mentors. Get creative. (up to you!)
5. Submit
Enter an Idea (or not!)
Submit an idea to the Challenge. This can be part of a team or on your own. (up to you!)
6. Celebrate
Have an Impact
Celebrate ideas for impact! Maybe you’ll be part of a team that makes change happen. Maybe you’ll win money. Either way, you’ll be part of an experimental, fun process to make a difference.
Have more questions? Please see here for FAQs about the Open Challenges, or read the 2-page Design Briefs about each area available here!
Sign Up Now
Join an Open Challenge Team and help to innovate around one of three big challenges.