Recognizing the need for collaborative cross-functional solutions to the Covid-19 situation, a group of Entrepreneurship & Management Professors from Indiana University have adapted the “idea blitz” process -- used by today’s most innovative firms -- to help surface and accelerate ideas focused on helping our community navigate this virus.
The first idea blitz weekend took place on March 20-22. Over 200 entrepreneurs, technologists, engineers, MDs, VCs, professors, students from around the world came together to surface ideas and get them to the basic prototype stage. By design, the event was fast and furious – it all took place over just a weekend – Ideas were related to medical resources, tech applications, social distancing products/services, remote working, community interventions, virtual education, health outreach, etc.
The goals of the program include expanding awareness of the many pain points associated with the virus outbreak and response, championing collective efforts to develop solutions, and if viable orchestrating a collective response through social entrepreneurship and volunteerism.
The outcomes of the weekend were extraordinary and immensely gratifying. An open call was issued and participants from around the world joined the effort. Over 20 ideas emerged (original projections were maybe 3 or 4 would surface) and teams were formed and challenged to move from idea to prototype and pitch within 48 hours. Pitches from (most of)* the teams appear below.
Basic Overview:
Friday (5:30 pm): Launch and join a team to discuss pain points and begin to develop an idea.
Saturday (All Day): Continue blitzing and work on project
Sunday (All Day): Finalize idea and prototype, create pitch videos. Evening Virtual Reception.
*some teams opted not to post thier pitch videos publically for a variety of reasons.
