i3 Launch Day sets tone for a year of innovation
POSTED February 27 2024 , News
St Mary’s i3 Launch Day marked a significant milestone as students and mentors convened for the first time, initiating a journey of collaboration, ideation, and innovation. The event emphasised the importance of mentoring, highlighted the roles and responsibilities of both students and mentors, and engaged participants in hands-on activities to foster creativity and problem-solving skills.
Both students and mentors play distinctive yet interconnected roles in the innovation process. Students bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and a hunger for knowledge, while mentors provide guidance, share insights, and act as a source of inspiration. The mutual exchange of ideas and experiences creates an environment where innovation can thrive.
Throughout the day, teams learned the importance of identifying problems before proposing solutions and completed a problem ideation and problem statement. They then took a deep dive into customer personas and empathy maps, honing their understanding of end users. In the afternoon sessions, participants were introduced to the concept of an Elevator Pitch – a concise and compelling presentation of an idea that can be delivered in the time it takes an elevator ride. With the guidance of mentors, they refined their messaging, ensuring it captured the essence of their projects. The day culminated in the recording and uploading of a 24-second pitch, providing an opportunity for participants to showcase their ideas and receive constructive feedback.
The success of the i3 Launch Day was fuelled by the valuable contributions of industry and student mentors. Their dedication to volunteering time and sharing expertise created an atmosphere of collaboration and learning. The mentor-student dynamic proved to be a cornerstone in the development of innovative ideas.
Our i3 Launch Day served as a springboard for students and mentors to embark on a journey of innovation. By emphasising the importance of mentorship, fostering collaboration, and guiding participants through hands-on activities, the event laid the groundwork for a successful year ahead