Innovate 4 Change

Innovate 4 Change LogoA hackathon led by nursing students

Innovate 4 Change was a nursing student-led hackathon that brought together interdisciplinary groups of University of Michigan students over five weeks, where they collaborated and expanded their skills related to innovation and leadership. Hackathons are generally defined timeframes where teams come together to solve complex problems. Founded in the fall of 2019, the University of Michigan School of Nursing Student Innovation Ambassadors came together to identify key priorities to foster innovation specifically among nursing students. One of their recommendations was to host an Innovate 4 Change hackathon at the U-M School of Nursing led by nursing students and supported by School of Nursing faculty mentors. The goal was to foster innovation among nursing students by engaging an interdisciplinary group of students to focus on the following health care topics: 

  • Environmental sustainability
  • Health equity
  • Psychological and physical safety of nurses
  • Global health
  • Open topic
Group of students working together on laptops

Event Winners:

The inaugural Innovate 4 Change hackathon, the University of Michigan’s first hackathon hosted by nursing students, concluded on October 24, 2021 with five interdisciplinary student teams being awarded a total of $7,250 in financial support to move their innovation projects forward. The five project teams that were awarded financial support by a panel of judges with backgrounds in innovation were:

 

  • Vaccine Passport – Johnson & Johnson Physical and Psychological Safety of Nurses Award
  • Mother Nurture – Johnson & Johnson Health Equity Award
  • The OctiPulse Regulator – Sigma Theta Tau, Rho Chapter Global Health Award
  • Recycling Gloves – Rita & Alex Hillman Environmental Sustainability Award
  • Story Ride – Audience Choice award sponsored by the Michigan Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists & Nurse Approve

Why should I attend?

  • All participants will have the opportunity to practice leadership skills in nurse-led interdisciplinary teams to address health care’s most pressing and complex problems.
  • This is an excellent resume builder and gives participants the opportunity to think outside the box to create real-world solutions to clinical problems.
  • Winning teams will receive a monetary award and mentorship to move their innovative idea forward.
  • The “audience choice” winners will all receive a book about the innovation and design process.

FAQ:

Is there a cost to participate?
No. The Innovate 4 Change hackathon is free!

I am an alumni, faculty or staff member who wants to participate. What can I do?
We encourage all alumni, faculty and staff to reach out to our team. We are actively looking for coaches, judges and support for this event and would love to have your help.

What do I do after our register?
Our team will be reaching out to all registrants in late August to confirm your registration and provide you with access to the Canvas event site.

 

Contact:

Michelle Munro-Kramer, Innovate 4 Change Faculty Lead
734-904-4600
mlmunro@umich.edu

Ann Fitzsimons, HiiP Portfolio Manager & Engagement Specialist
248-592-9390
amfitz@umich.edu

Sponsors