Innovation is the transformation of discoveries and ideas into societal or economic value. The process begins with an idea for a new product, process, or service but is not complete until an end-user or customer realizes value through improved quality of life.
The Office of Innovation and Commercialization and Milwaukee Tool are co-sponsoring the Innovation Awards as part of Design Expo. The top three applicants will receive a cash award and certificate of recognition. Applications will be evaluated based on the applicant’s ability to demonstrate a) a clear value proposition for their proposed innovation, b) distinction of their innovation over alternative solutions, c) a defined and actionable plan for realizing economic or societal impact from their innovation, and d) the scale of that impact.
The awards are open to all Senior Design and Enterprise teams participating in Design Expo. Eligible teams must be registered for Design Expo, and the innovation must be related to project work conducted within the team. In order to be eligible for the 2025 Design Expo Innovation Awards, you must submit the application by April 1, 2025 at 11:59 pm. Innovation Award winners will be announced on the day of Design Expo, Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
Design Expo Innovation Awards
Based on application
- First Place - $500
- Second Place - $300
- Third Place - $200
Thank you to our new sponsor this year, Milwaukee Tools!
Congratulations to the 2024 Design Expo Innovation Award Winners!
2024 Innovation Award Winners
First Place
- 219: Molecular Monitoring System
- Advised by: Hoda Hatoum and Jeremy Goldman
Second Place
- 218: Minimally-Invasive (MIS) Cable Passer for Trauma Surgery
- Advised by: Sang Yoon Han and Bruce Lee
Third Place
- 108: Consumer Products Manufacturing - Authentic Affordable Accessible [AAA] Prosthesis Team
- Advised by: Jon A Herlevich, Tony Rogers, and Jeana Collins