#ideahack

[oneunderproects]

1579 IdeaHack

[opentocreate-blog]

These #creativeloveletters were created back in December @studententerpriselsbu closing sessions of #IdeaHack by #entrepreneurs growing themselves & their #startups #creativestartups #creativebizs #indiebiz When they arrive by #snailmail it's always, from our feedback, at just the 'right' to revisit the inner wisdom, knowledge and learning gained when making that investment in high quality, world class training (at Liverpool) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8I3qmAHm5K/?igshid=vnuham70u0vi

[startupinstitute-blog]

IdeaHack: A Nonprofit Hackathon at Startup Institute

You have just 24 hours to solve a company’s barrier to success with a brand new team of strangers. Ready? Go!

The abilities to prioritize with little direction, think creatively, and quickly develop a sound strategy are all requirements of startup employees. So it makes sense that Startup Institute students would spend a good day of their first week in the program gauging their own abilities. What were they able to accomplish? Where were their skills levels at? Were they able to come up with viable solutions?

Together, they drafted solutions across marketing, sales, web, and product platforms, which were pitched to the nonprofits the following afternoon. Not surprisingly, the pitches were well-received. Our student diversity and drive always leads to great presentations in week 1, regardless of the obstacles the students have to overcome.

Check out additional photos on Facebook, and learn more about the nonprofits that were hacked below:

TUGG -- Boston, MA

Dedicated to catalyzing and spreading social entrepreneurship in New England. TUGG helps young people to realize their full potential through entrepreneurship, education and life experience. The partnership between non-profit partners, venture capitalists, and tech startups through mission alignment will deepen the impact on the community. Ultimately, growing their reach is a main factor for success at TUGG, so the students’ proposal of individualized giving through Salesforce topped the suggestion list. Read more...

Commogri -- Chicago, IL

A free social media platform for volunteering that allows individuals, nonprofit organizations, and companies to showcase their positive impact with the goal of turning volunteering into a social norm. Commogri needed help creating a strong sales process. They have an associate board comprised of very capable individuals who want to help, but don’t have a streamlined sales approach for them follow. The winning team created a new landing page they called “The 5-Minute Digital Pitch”, designed to outline the benefits for each of Commogri’s consumers: volunteers, potential companies and nonprofits.

She’s the First -- New York City, NY

She’s the First sponsors girls’ education in developing nations, giving them the chance to become the first in their families to graduate from secondary school. Harnessing technology and social media, She’s the First is committed to connecting sponsors and scholars around the world in innovative, mutually beneficial ways to foster mentorship, philanthropy, equality, and leadership. Startup Institute teams came up with ways to use She’s the First’s 5th anniversary as leverage to get more millennials involved in the program.

[startupinstitute-blog]

First Impressions of a Hackathon

Let the brainstorming begin! Instantly, the office we claimed was covered with large Post-It paper sheets full of our ideas. My team quickly realized we have different personalities and working styles; and we had to get on the same page if we wanted to come up with a successful proposal. Earlier in the week, we reviewed different emotional intelligence exercises to determine how to best work with each other. While it was a bit of a kumbaya moment, knowing how to work with one another set us on the right path for the rest of the hackathon.

My hackathon experience was filled with a varied mix of emotions. Just when we thought we were onto the next big thing, we started talking in circles. Circles became tangents. Tangents became side conversations. Suddenly, thirty minutes passed and we felt like we were back to square one. While we all wanted to get frustrated, it was great to see my team embrace this level of productive discomfort and get to know each other beyond our marketing, web development and product and design skills.

I cannot think of a better way to be thrown into the startup world than with a hackathon. Though, I may have been overwhelmed by the unknown throwing myself into a group proved that with the power of collaboration, we could innovate and produce something truly impressive in twenty-four hours. Three Tips to Consider When Participating in a Hackathon:  

Ride the idea roller coaster. An idea hackathon is an evolution of ideas. To be successful, you have to stay on board and see what unravels.

Get to know your teammates' strengths and weaknesses.  Learn how to work with your team to not only produce the best product but enjoy each other’s company.

Have fun! The more fun you have, the more creative you can be.

---

Katie Tilson is a technical marketing student at Startup Institute New York. Katie formerly worked at an international human rights nonprofit doing marketing, fundraising and event planning. When not trying to connect users to innovative products to make the world a better place, she loves to cook and run! Say hello on Twitter, @katietilson.

[possibleprojectinnolab-blog]

Spotlight on: Something Belle

Something Belle, a handmade accessories venture, is taking The Possible Project by storm. Founders Chardé and Janika are seniors at the Community Charter School of Cambridge who dreamed up their business as a way to bring individuality to their school’s dress code. They produce headbands, hair bows, and bowties in a wide variety of fabrics and sizes for an affordable price. Something Belle is a very customer-service oriented business and will look for fabrics to meet any request. Chardé and Janika believe in giving back to their community and a portion of Something Belle’s sales go to support SASS, a student group that works to empower girls.  TPP is so proud of all these two have accomplished- as of February 2013 we know Janika will be attending Hamilton College on a full scholarship through the POSSE Foundation and we are waiting to hear what lucky four-year college will be able to count Chardé as a member of its Class of 2017.

[possibleprojectinnolab-blog]

Ready, Set, Innovate!

The Possible Project will open Innolab: Think Possible, a makershop, in September 2013

CAMBRIDGE (June 21, 2013) - Ready, set, innovate! Boston startups can welcome their new neighbor, Innolab: Think Possible, with open arms. Innolab is the makerspace for The Possible Project (TPP), and will celebrate its official grand opening at 10 a.m. on Sept. 1, at 123 Kendall Square in Cambridge. With the best state-of-the-art equipment available, students are eager to think of the endless possibilities.

“Inspiration for the name ‘Innolab:Think Possible’ was drawn from our mission of empowering our students to be innovative as entrepreneurs,” said Leah Camhi, Executive Director of TPP. “It’s possible to make their ideas a reality.”  

The grand opening of Innolab will showcase current projects from students and attendees will get a sneak peak of the curriculum that will be used in the Fall. Innolab will be equipped with high tech equipment including 3D printers, laser cutting machines and more. “The state-of-the-art equipment will help students learn advanced manufacturing techniques for jobs in the 21st Century economy,” said Camhi.

TPP utilizes entrepreneurship to inspire young people who have untapped potential, empowering them with skills required to achieve enduring personal and professional success. “We guide our students through a novel dynamic curriculum, hands-on work experience, and assistance with entrepreneurial endeavors and career goals,” said Camhi.

TPP strives to have all their students use their skills to move through a high-level career path and improve their communities while remaining committed to the principle that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!

Innolab: Think Possible Inspiration for the name “Innolab: Think Possible” was drawn from our mission of empowering our students to be innovative as entrepreneurs and that it’s possible to make their ideas a reality.  Innolab: Think Possible, is a makerspace where students can “learn-by-doing” while enhancing their own and The Possible Project’s businesses using state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment.   The Possible Project is a youth entrepreneurship center that teaches Cambridge high school students to start and run their own business. For more information, visit The Possible Project’s website at www.possibleproject.org/