U of R students to tackle “wicked problem” in the Innovation Challenge
The University of Regina’s Hill and Levene Schools of Business are holding the inaugural Innovation Challenge where seven teams, each composed of five students, have 24 hours to come up with solutions to a “wicked problem.”
Wicked problems are complex social or cultural issues that are extremely difficult or perhaps even impossible to resolve, such as addiction, health care, obesity, poverty, sustainability, terrorism, etc.
This year, students will be asked to address the concerns people experiencing mental health issues can face including low income, potential addiction, lack of adequate employment, lack of access to healthy food, and homelessness.
“This 24-hour immersive experience will have teams of U of R students from different disciplines and levels of study, work together to tackle a difficult real-world challenge,” said Yelyzaveta Bielaia, Hill Levene Entrepreneurial Collision Space Coordinator and coordinator of the Innovation Challenge. “I’m excited to witness how these students will bring their creativity, experiences, and passion to collaboratively tackle complex issues for the greater public good.”
During the competition, teams will have access to mentors who can answer questions and provide advice specific to the problem.
“The Innovation Challenge, as well as the Entrepreneurial Collision Space, provide opportunities for students to gain the hands-on problem-solving experience and skills so necessary in their respective disciplines – setting them up to approach problem solving as a collaborative endeavour in their future careers,” said Dr. Saqib Khan, Interim Dean Faculty of Business Administration.
Media are welcome to attend both the kickoff and closing events.
Kickoff:
Date: Friday, September 22, 2023
Time: 2:30 p.m. (teams will be introduced to the wicked problem and a panel discussion will provide greater insight on the issues)
Location: Room 119, Research and Innovation Centre, Main Campus
Closing:
Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023
Time: 4:30 p.m. (student presentations begin and the winner will be announced at 6:00 p.m.)
Location: Room 119, Research and Innovation Centre, Main Campus
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About the University of Regina
Set in the heart of the Canadian prairies we are a comprehensive, mid-sized university where the opportunities are as limitless as the horizon. Our campuses are on Treaty 4 and 6 - the territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples, and the homeland of the Michif/Métis nation. It is our responsibility to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities to build a more inclusive future for all. Our three federated colleges, 10 faculties, 25 academic departments, and 18 research centres foster innovative research with practical and theoretical applications. We are committed to cultivating the potential of our 16,700 students and supporting their health and well-being. We take learning beyond the classroom through work and volunteer experiences to develop career-ready graduates.
Let’s go far, together.
About the Hill Levene Entrepreneurial Collision Space
The Entrepreneurial Collision Space serves as a hub for entrepreneurial activities, fostering collaboration, innovation, and hands-on learning. It encourages the exchange of ideas and empowers students to turn their entrepreneurial visions into reality. It offers regular non-credit programming to spark collaborative projects involving students from the Hill and Levene Schools and across campus as well as to connect the community with our students.