IDEAS Network
**For information on this year's 2010 competition, use the menu to the left!
The Appalachian IDEAS Network is a regional, multi-university, social-entrepreneurial education initiative led by the University of Kentucky. The initiative is designed to equip Appalachian students with knowledge, skills and resources to develop entrepreneurial ventures that address challenges within their local communities.
Background
Appalachian IDEAS acronym stands for Innovation, Development, Enterprise, Action, and Service. It’s modeled after the successful program at MIT. Similar competitions now take place all over the world. The Appalachian IDEAS Network began with the support of the Appalachian Regional Commission, the National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance, and other local organizations. The first regional showcase was hosted in April 2005 in Lexington, Ky.
Goals of the IDEAS Network
- Educate students about the entrepreneurial process through the experience of pitching their venture concept and receiving feedback,
- Provide visibility and grant support for student ventures with the potential to impact communities in Appalachia, and
- Foster a regional network of students, educators, and community leaders working to address issues in Appalachia.
Eligibility
Individual Participant Qualifications: The showcase is open to all full- and part-time students enrolled during the Spring 2010 semester at any college within the Appalachian region. Non-students, including faculty and community mentors, are encouraged to become members of a team's support network.
Team Qualifications: Presenting student teams should include at least 2 students and not exceed 5 students, unless otherwise coordinated by your home institution and faculty mentor. Teams must have a designated faculty mentor.
Attendance: Representatives from the teams must be present at the showcase in Lexington, KY on Saturday April 10th for the entire competition. Not all members need to attend although attendance is encouraged.
