PLUS Challenge
The Leavey School of Business PLUS Challenge is designed to foster innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship. It is aligned with the core strategic pillars of Partnership, Leadership, Unity, and Sustainability. This challenge encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration and creates a platform for members of the Leavey community to showcase their entrepreneurial spirit while contributing to real-world, sustainable business solutions. Participation in this challenge is driven purely by passion and commitment - an opportunity for those dedicated to making a meaningful difference.
Structure, Submissions & Competition
Participants: Open to Leavey students, faculty, staff and alumni
Idea Submission: Everyone is invited to submit an innovative idea or solution that addresses a challenge or opportunity related to one of the four strategic pillars:
- Partnership: Ideas that focus on fostering collaborations within and beyond the Leavey community.
- Leadership: Solutions that demonstrate the development of impactful, ethical leadership practices.
- Unity: Projects that bring people together, promote inclusivity, and build a shared purpose.
- Sustainability: Initiatives that emphasize environmental, social, and financial sustainability.
Initial Funding: $500,000 across all selected projects
Initial Submission: Participants will submit a one-page executive summary outlining the problem, solution, and alignment with the selected strategic pillar. Submission form here.
Initial Vetting: Submissions will be reviewed by the PLUS strategic plan champions based on innovation, feasibility, potential impact, and alignment with Leavey’s strategic pillars.
Team Formation: If your idea is selected, the participants need to bring together diverse skill sets and expertise from different disciplines. Your team must include at least one representative from the following groups.
- Faculty
- Staff
- Student
- Alumnus or advisory board member
Mentorship: Teams will have access to a design thinking expertise to refine their ideas and teamwork
Final Presentations: Selected ideas and teams will pitch their ideas in a "Shark Tank"-style event to a panel of judges comprised of PLUS advisory board members
Judging Criteria:
- Innovation and creativity of the idea
- Strategic alignment with the PLUS pillars
- Practicality and scalability of the solution
- Potential for long-term impact and sustainability
Timeline
*Challenge dates are subject to change
Support and Resources
Participants will have access to:
Workshops:
Workshops:
Pitching, design thinking, business modeling, and teamwork.
Collaboration Spaces:
Collaboration Spaces:
Team meetings and project development.
Team Assembly:
Team Assembly:
If needed, the dean’s office will help you formulate the team.