Solve with us!

Now launched!

Spark Virtual 2021

October 22 - November 18

Learn more.

What is Spark?

Spark is a think-tank style competition created to develop solutions to real industry challenges focused on high-level, global impact. Select students from diverse universities compete to solve real-world challenges alongside industry representatives, connecting them to our leading partners, clients and communities.

Beginning in 2013 in Central NY, Spark has expanded to competitions across the US comprised of multiple universities and Fortune 50 companies. Spark continues to grow as over 500 students have participated in the past 20 competitions.

  • Why participate?
    Why participate?
    Why participate?
    Why participate?
    Why participate?

Networking

Meet and network with leading experts in various industries, collaborate with peers from various universities and build a strong network of support for your academic and professional aspirations.

Employment opportunities

We are committed to hiring students through our SPARK competition. Participants are encouraged to provide resumes in advance of the competition for hiring mangers review.

Experience

Participating in a high-level competition like SPARK, which applies technical and academic learning to real-world problem statements, demonstrates an enhanced experience that employers are looking for.

Prizes

Grand prizes are offered to the top three teams.

It's fun!

SPARK is a fun and collaborative environment that helps build relationships, enhances your learning experience and offers great opportunity to explore innovation!

Presentations

Format
Presentation format is open to the team's discretion and often done as a PowerPoint. Submission must be a video pitch.

Submittals
Pitches are to be uploaded by the specified due date time. No additional changes will be accepted after this time.

Timing
After each video presentation the judges will have an opportunity to ask questions of the team.

Judging Criteria
To see what your team will be ranked on, read our Judging Criteria.

How Spark works

Prior to the competition

  • Apply/register with your university
  • Receive preliminary information on your competition

Competition kickoff

  • Attend virtual welcome presentation by hosts
  • Learn the overview of program
  • Review assigned problem statement (See a sample problem statement)
  • Break out into your assigned teams and begin collaboration!

Successive 3 weeks

  • Continue team collaboration
  • Create a presentation; review and practice it!
  • Film your presentation and upload it by the deadline. Videos must be 5 minutes or less in length.

Competition wrap-up

  • Your ideas will be shown to all
  • Judging Panel will ask questions of team after each video
  • Winners and cash awards presented

Industry Partners & Subject Matter Experts

Industry Partners
Our Industry Partners are key collaborators from our valued network of clients and partners. They provide insights on problem statements and collaborate with Spark competitors to brainstorm and problem solve throughout each competition.

Subject Matter Experts
Our Subject Matter Experts (or SMEs) are individuals with deep understanding of a particular topic. They leverage their unique expertise to solve specific problems and help meet challenges.

Questions? Contact us!