Through the contribution of Donovan J. Welch, the George A. Smathers Libraries will hold a contest for one $2000 award that funds the development of a student-based solution based in technology that could become a business venture. Ideally, the project would solve a significant real-life problem in the context of a changing world. Innovative and collaborative ideas are sought that may include use of emerging technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence, machine learning, or IoT. To ensure the success of the selected project, the student will be paired with a faculty mentor(s).
The proposal should develop a prospective technology, application, or tool that focuses on one of the following five categories:
The Donovan J. Welch Award is a program that hopes to redefine the educational model for developing innovative and collaborative leaders. The overall goals of the award are to:
To apply for the award, go to: http://ufl.libwizard.com/Donovan-J-Welch-Award-Application to submit:
Research proposals for Spring 2023 will be due by midnight EST on December 10, 2022, with a start date TBD in January 2023.
The work should be completed in one semester but may be presented during the following semester.
The research proposal will be judged according to its innovation, feasibility, and the overall quality of the project as measured by its contribution to fundamental research and potential broader impacts in addressing one of the categories listed above. The evaluation committee will consist of Mr. Donovan J. Welch, and may include representatives from the Warrington College of Business Entrepreneurship Club, the Innovation Academy, George A. Smathers Libraries, and the College of Engineering.
We expect to make one award under each call.
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