Questions about the 2021 Innovation Challenge? Email prepareri@skillsforri.com
The PrepareRI Innovation Challenge
Schedule & Talks
With the help of industry experts, coaches and mentors, student interns will learn the fundamentals of what it means to run a corporation, collaborate remotely, define a problem, test theories and build real-world solutions to industry challenges.
Week by Week
Schedule
July 12 - 16
Getting Started: Onboarding, Planning and Development
Bootcamp week will focus on equipping you with the tools and resources you need to be successful. You’ll form your corporation and leadership team, vote on your problem statement, meet your mentors and business coaches and develop your company’s business plan.
July 19 - 23
Research and Ideation
Learn how to research your problem statement, understand your target market and formulate your hypothesis. By the end of the week, you will submit a “project canvas” that articulates your initial ideas of the solution you want to create.
July 26 - 30
Design and Formulation
Work with business coaches to develop an initial design and framework of your solution that outlines key features and how it will work.
Aug 2 - 6
Creation and Testing
Understand the different tools you can use for prototyping and building models. By the end of the week, you will have a prototype or model of your solution.
August 9 - 13
Prototyping and Pressure Testing
Learn different methods for pressure testing your solution. Throughout the week, you will pressure test and gather feedback from your employer sponsors to iterate and finalize your solution.
August 16 - 20
Marketing and Launch
Now that you have your final solution, you will spend this week learning and implementing the skills you need to create a successful pitch for the competition. You’ll develop and finalize your presentation and run through a practice pitch with your business coaches so you’re prepared for next week’s competition.
WEEK 7 = COMPETITION WEEK!
Welcome to competition week! You and your teammates will present your solution to a panel of judges for a chance to win scholarships and potentially implement your solution.
Upcoming Talks
AUGUST 23 - 27