The Cal Poly Pomona Student Innovation Idea Lab (iLab), in conjunction with Western University of Health Sciences and the Pomona Chamber of Commerce, will host the second annual Pomona Innovation Weekend that will allow students of all disciplines to collaborate on making an innovative idea a reality.
During the 3-day event Oct. 20-22, students will work in groups to develop innovative ideas and business plans with alumni, faculty from Western University and CPP, as well as industry leaders, serving as mentors in a hands-on environment. The workshop will be held in the Bronco Student Center.
“There are multiple benefits for students who don’t have regular opportunities to work with students from other disciplines, and giving them the opportunity to collaborate is one advantage,” said Olukemi Sawyerr, director of the iLab. “Secondly, if you have a good idea regardless if it’s for a non-profit or a social enterprise, it shows you what you do with it; most of us don’t know what to do if we have a good idea.”
The workshop, open to students of all majors, will allow participants to focus on the selection of ideas and student teams, the development of a business model canvas template for startups, creation of a marketing strategy, and presentation of ideas to a panel of experienced entrepreneurs and professionals.
Bryan Limon, a student who works as an operations and technology specialist at the iLab said, “You’re able to really pack almost a year’s worth of learning during the workshop and touch on many aspects of the business side.”
Participants from last year’s event praised the benefits of collaboration.
“The weekend brings everyone together, so even if you don’t find yourself working on your own idea, you get to network with people who can be catalysts in bringing your own idea to reality,” said Oren Ofer, a Western University student.
This year’s event will host specialty members and faculty from different colleges such as the College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences, The Collins College of Hospitality Management and the College of Business Administration and promises to be a great opportunity for CPP students who are interested in learning how to make a great idea a reality.
Students can apply here: https://cppilab.org/events/innoweekend/