UC Celebrates 10 Years of Innovation Competition with i3 Showcase

Ten years ago, the University of Charleston cut the ribbon on its Wehrle Innovation Center, pledging to foster innovation on campus. Today, one of those initiatives, the annual i3 (Ideas, Innovation, & Invention) Showcase, will also celebrate its 10th year.

Over 130 projects, from new business concepts and innovative product ideas to research, poetry, and art, have been entered by students, faculty, and staff.  Categories for entries include Innovative Solutions, Innovative Works of Art, Performance, Design, and Research.

“The purpose of i3 is to encourage and celebrate innovation across all areas of the university,” explained Dr. Travis Kahle, Director of the Innovation Center and Program Director for the Innovation Minor. “40 community leaders and professionals from the Charleston area will serve as judges. Previous i3 participants have gone on to start businesses or carry out their community service ideas, and they’ve made a positive impact on their communities. Much of the research presented at i3 is published. Since its inception, approximately 1000 innovative projects have been presented at the event.”

Students, staff, and faculty from nearly every program of study at UC will compete for cash prizes in a wide range of innovation and research categories. Entries include new business ideas, community service projects, educational initiatives, paintings, poetry, and primary and secondary research.

Presentations will take place in the UC Innovation Center Conference Room, the Innovation Center Commons (2nd floor of the Innovation Center), and the IC Classroom (3rd floor of the IC, room 306). They will begin at 9:00 a.m., and each will last about 15 minutes.

Prize winners will be announced at UC’s Eagle Fest on April 16th at 4:00 p.m.

I3 is sponsored by the John and Lucille Pianfetti Foundation.

For more information about the competition, please contact Dr. Travis Kahle at 304-342-0023 or laurenkahle@ucwv.edu.