The Explorer Challenge, formerly the Strategic Innovation Fund, invites Marquette students, faculty and staff to submit proposals for up to $25,000 in seed money for innovative projects that make an impact and advance Beyond Boundaries, Marquette’s strategic plan.
President Michael R. Lovell launched the seed funding competitions soon after arriving on campus in 2014. “We can never have enough creative proposals from our faculty, staff and students,” said President Lovell, “My congratulations to our 2018 awardees and, if you’ve got a great idea, please put together a proposal for our 2019 Explorer Challenge.”
The Innovation Council, led by Vice President for Research and Innovation Dr. Jeanne Hossenlopp, organizes the process every year and acts as a first set of eyes in the review process. Projects are selected by Dr. Lovell with input from the council and the University Leadership Committee. “The working teams are what really make these projects great. Students, faculty and staff are all working together to accomplish these projects. The number of interdisciplinary teams, complimenting each other, is developing a collaborative culture on campus that ripples out to other external funding opportunities,” said Hossenlopp.
A full list of awardees, project descriptions and collaborators are available online.
To participate in the next round of funding, please join us for the 2018-2019 Explorer Challenge Celebration & Kickoff on Tuesday, Oct. 23, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in AMU 157. Ideas Fest follows on Wednesday, Oct. 31, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the 707 Hub. The event will include an overview of the application process, as well as the opportunity to explore potential project ideas and connect with collaborators.
More information can be found online. Inquiries can be sent to innovation@marquette.edu.