Ideas, Innovation, Invention (I3) Day Competition
The i3 Innovation Showcase Registration is open! This is the premier collegiate innovation event in the state of West Virginia. The i3 Showcase gives University of Charleston students, faculty, and staff members the chance to present their innovative ideas and win cash prizes. We are giving out over $18,000 in total prize money this year!
There are some changes this year, including expanded categories and real-world case studies (for students) from businesses that completed our Business Accelerator Program at the Downtown Innovation Hub. We are returning to in-person presentations this year, so no more video entries.
Everything you need to know about the i3 Innovation Showcase
To enter i3, you must register by February 15th
The registration form is simply to indicate your interest in entering. You DO NOT need a fully formed project, or even a fully formed concept by February 3rd. You can absolutely enter more than one category. Download the i3 Innovation Showcase Handbook for complete details.
Important Dates
- February 15, 2026- Registration Closes
- March 15, 2026- Poster Designs due
- Poster upload link: https://forms.office.com/r/xkpSFug1KE
- April 6, 2026- Research abstracts and case study synopses due
- Abstract & synopsis upload link: https://forms.office.com/r/3d5RNLHDAQ
- April 14-16, 2026- i3 Presentations*
- April 16, 2026- Award ceremony during Eagle Fest
*Note- The i3 presentation schedule will be determined approximately two weeks after registration closes.
Categories
- Innovative Solutions- Productive Work (business ideas or new/improved products and services)
- Innovative Solutions- Enlightened Living (projects with the primary purpose of educating and informing)
- Innovative Solutions- Community Involvement (community service project or nonprofit initiatives)
- Innovative Work of Art, Design, Performance or Creation
- Research- Primary (the registrant collects the data or performs the experiment)
- Research- Secondary (case studies, literature reviews, and meta analyses)
- Research- Joint Student & Faculty Projects
Prizes
All categories will receive the following prizes:
- 1st place: $800
- 2nd place: $400
In addition to the above, students also have:
- 3rd place: $200
Format
Presentations will be 10 minutes long before a panel of external judges on April 14-16 (different categories will be held on different days). Online faculty and students may present over zoom. We require a poster design with each entry, which will be displayed in the UC Commons during the week of i3. For the presentation, you are encouraged to use visual aids like power points, posters, charts, graphics, prototypes, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I have multiple entries?- YES! You are encouraged to enter multiple projects. The only projects you cannot enter are ones that received 1st place in a previous i3 event.
- Will my prize money be reduced if I place in multiple categories?- No! You can even win more than one category OR get 1st and 2nd place in the same category (this has happened several times in the past).
- Will prizes be split among team members or does each team member get the full amount?- Unfortunately, the value of the prize will be split. For example, if you win the Productive Work category and have two team members, each member will receive $400.
- I’m not sure exactly what to do but I have a general idea. Should I go ahead and enter?- YES! Registration is to inform us how many people want to participate so that we can split up the judges accordingly. You don’t need a fully formed concept until the Executive Summary is due.
- What kind of poster do you want?- We will give you more guidance after you register. The poster can be as simple or as detailed as you want. Most people find that a single power point slide works best (or canva).
- Do I need to get the poster printed?- No. We will print it for you.
